5.02.2008

Benefit

I have really been pondering to bring this out to the public or not, but after the bout with Keegan yesterday I thought, "oh, what the hell!"

A few weeks ago, my girlfriend Amanda mentioned to me that she would like to set up a benefit for our family. Between all the medical bills, and our travel back and forth to Chicago, things haven't been easy. Now, I am NOT one to ask for a hand out - and really, I am more like my mom - just smile, nod, and keep it inside. It's hard for me to accept help from others.

I really don't know how to accept any of this, but on the other hand, I think it would be fun.

As of now, we are working hard on trying to set up a 3 on 3 basketball tournament at AWHS. I'm just not real sure on how to go about it. Amanda just had major surgery a few days ago, so I am trying to pick up some slack so she can rest, relax, and not have to worry about anything but getting better.

I do believe we will be going around town and asking for donation from local businesses for a silent auction. I have mentioned this before, but Amanda is first cousins with Brian Butch - a star Wisconsin Badger basketball player who graduated from AWHS as well. He has autographed a few items for the auction and we are hoping he and maybe a few of his Badger friends will make an appearance.
If anyone has ever done a benefit, please speak up. We would love to hear your ideas.
Thanks.

6 comments:

Michelle said...

That sounds like a great idea!!!

Jean said...

Scott helped with a friend of ours who had cancer. We set up a benefit at The Bar and had RPM play. The toughest thing was getting the raffle ticket license because you have to meet certain criteria.
I'm not sure if you have to claim the earnings of the benefit on your taxes or not. We set up an account for this friend and all the money was deposited there. The organizers just asked people to donate things for the raffle. Basically we sold tickets 1 for $5 or 5 for $20.00 and then those prizes were given out as raffle prizes. We didn't have a 50/50. We also had some separate auctions as silent auctions. You could also try asking Mandy Moeller, she probably has more info on benefits.

debi9kids said...

Cindy,
What a great idea to do a benefit! I know it's hard to ask for help, but you need it, so take it.
People like Amanda are in your life with ideas like this because God put her there. So, just know this is all part of His plan. :)
As far as a benefit, I have done a few with my church and for a friend with cancer. At one of the benefits, we made up a bunch of neat baskets and people paid for tickets to try to win them. (maybe $1 a ticket) It was really successful! OH! And a bunch of the items in the basket were donated.
If you want to know what was in all the different baskets, let me know.
Debi

Unknown said...

I would pretty much guarantee that all of Appleton would show up to an event to support you...go for it!!!

Anonymous said...

Cindy
I have tons of ideas for you… I will start a email and put all my thoughts together and send it to you separately...
Oh and by the way... you totally deserve some help (the benefit) and a break (like a vacation for two that does not involve a hospital stay!)
Becky

Meghan said...

The Community Benefit Tree offers a lot of info on how to run a benefit. They would probably be a great resource. Here's a link:
http://www.communitybenefittree.org/CommunityBT/Home/programs.asp
or go to communitybenefittree.org and click on programs.

Good luck.