For those of you who missed the memo, today has been spent in a bidding extravaganza to support Susan from The Great Balancing Act. Just over a month ago, Susan’s mom made her go to the doctor for a chronic stiff neck, and the doctor rushed her to the hospital, where she immediately began undergoing treatment for blood clots caused by a massive growth in her chest that turned out to be lymphoma. To help support the mounting medical bills, Janetha organized The Great Fundraising Act, a live online auction open today only.
I’ve spent my day running errands, having dinner with girl friends, bidding on items at The Great Fundraising Act, and being thankful for my ability to do all of those things. What’s crazy about Susan’s story is that, literally, her life changed in an instant. Katie over at Sweet Tater Blog did a great post last week quoting one of her yoga instructors.
“Breathe and everything changes.”
And that’s just what happened to Susan. She’s a healthy living blogger, even younger than I am, with an incredible perspective on life, and even with her healthy body as a personal trainer, cancer found its way into her system. I’ve spent hours today reading her blog (I love that I have a few weeks of summer when there are hours to spend), and I’ve been so impressed by her outlook on life, on cancer, and on her treatment. Even more, I’ve been moved by her honesty, her willingness to put her feelings on the table for the world to see. And it’s obviously inspirational, because The Great Fundraising Act has raised over $25,000 in just a day! Which leads to something I’ve learned today:
The blogging community is powerful! I’m so impressed by the drive of the incredible group of bloggers out there and I’m so humbled to be able to join, even in my tiny way, in the ranks of such an incredible community. Amazing.
So what does all this have to do with Meatless Monday? Something, actually.
I’m not 100% certain how this whole auction thing works (well, it’s pretty straight forward, so I get it. I just don’t want to say I won with certainty until I get an email confirmation). I set my heart on a prize yesterday and I was bound and determined to get it today:
A lululemon racerback top (my FIRST piece of lululemon, a store I haven’t been allowing myself to enter since it opened in Atlanta), “random foodie items” from Whole Foods, and…here’s the Meatless Monday part…The Meat Lover’s Meatless Cookbook: Vegetarian Recipes Carnivores Will Devour by Kim O’Donnel.
This particular Meatless Monday was fairly uneventful. I stuck to my meatless goal, but I ate mostly leftovers and ate dinner out, so I really have nothing interesting to report on that front. But as soon as this cookbook comes in, you know where my Meatless Monday recipes will come from, and I can’t wait to share them with you!
Finally, a HUGE thanks to Janetha, Katy (not me), and all the bloggers and companies who participated in The Great Fundraising Act, either as suppliers or bidders. I’m so moved by you all! What an amazing job and a great day!
Have you ever participated in a fundraising event? What was your experience like? What did you learn?
Were you a part of The Great Fundraising Act? What is your response to the outcome?
{ 1 comment… read it below or add one }
I didn’t win anything, but every time I read about the whole thing, I almost start to cry. It’s such a great thing.