The Alphabet Not-for-Profit that my husband works for...

You all know it. This group made it a household name.




Anyway, tonight was the kick-off of their annual "Invest In Youth" campaign. The goal this year is to raise $1,250,000 to provide scholarships for camp and day care and for financial assistance for families for memberships and programs at the "Not- X-and-Not-Z".

The room was filled with several hundred dedicated volunteers who are involved in the fundraising. Many families who have been touched by the "Not- X-and-Not-Z" or helped told their stories and there were inspiring stories from 3 different people about how they lost more than 100 pounds after they made a commitment to exercise at the "Not-X-and-Not-Z" (geez, I have no excuse) and there was a great testimony from a family where both parents are in the armed services and grandma had custody of their son who had a great experience at overnight camp.

They announced the results of their early campaigning - the in-house fundraising of staff, key donors and supporters. They've already raised over half of their goal! They always have a good time at these events, and much silliness is involved - think summer camp skits. Two years ago when they broke the one million dollar mark, my DH and 2 of the VP's dressed up as Spice Girls. My husband is a large and hairy man. This was frightening. Maybe I can search for the photo that I snuck. and post it later.

Anyway, the energy and spirit and support for this campaign is great. The money really goes to a good cause and the families who have been helped are really great. If you have a "Not-X-and-Not-Z" in your community or are involved with the "Not-X-and-Not-Z", you should know that it's much, much more than a place to work out or send your kids to camp - the "Not-X-and-Not-Z" is committed to making those experiences available to all. So, if you get a chance, give to a good cause. :-)

Did I mention that I worked for the "Not- X-and-Not-Z" for 11 years? (before I had kids and then due to conflict of interest, both DH and I could not continue to work for the same association). Oh, yeah, and I met DH through the "Not- X-and-Not-Z". :-)

Darling Daughter came home with more than a dozen HUGE balloons from the event. Little perks of attending. Somehow they all fit in my van and doh! I forgot to take a pic - it was quite a sight.

I'm off to meet Heather for REAL today for lunch! Enjoy the day.