Monday night was the Eastern Iowa JDRF Awards banquet. It is a night to celebrate all of the hard work that the family and corporate teams put forth this year in regards to fundraising. Team and individual awards are given out throughout the night. It is awesome to watch the kids go up and receive their awards. Micheala received an award for raising over $9000 this year. Dylanne received an award for raising over $5000 and my sister, Joni, received an award for raising over $2500. Team Pump Princess received an award for raising $20,010 this year and being the top family fundraising team.
My favorite part of the night was watching our friends, Team Super Taylor (Blanchards) win Rookie of the Year. I am so proud of the number of walkers that participated on their team and the amount they raised this year. They are a very pasionate family and have really done a lot in the short time since Taylor was diagnosed.
I also enjoy watching our good friends Team Bryce's Bunch (Humpfers) and Team Katy Bugs (Sterlings) achieve such great fundraising numbers. 2 very pasionate families that are making a difference in a big way. Celia claimed her Best T-Shirt Award again this year. Her T-Shirts are always so fun and creative. Dylanne and Micheaa always have to have one.
Just when we thought the night was over, we were surprised. We were awarded with some very kind words, the Dr. Richard Noyes Volunteer(s) of the Year Award.
It was one of the only times in my life that I was speechless. My wife was in tears and the girls were excited because we were getting another award. We were very humbled because we don't believe that we do anything more than any other diabetic family, nor do we need the recognition. I was very happy for my wife and Dylanne. Often times, they are the ones in the background while Micheala and I take center stage. They received the appropriate recognition on that night, because it takes all of us to make our fundraising activities a success.
The goal for the walk was to raise $566,000. I made an prediction after the walk that we would surpass $600,000 and I had many people look at me like a monkey trying to do a math problem. The walk total....$609,000. Who's crazy now? ha ha ha.
I have said it before and I will say it again, we cannot achieve the things that we set out to do without the support of each and everyone of you. For that, we thank you very much. Knowing that we have people on our side that believe in us and our purpose is what fuels me to do more each and every day.
For those of you that do not know about Eastern Iowa JDRF, contact me or the Eastern Iowa JDRF office in Cedar Rapids and we can show you how rewarding and fun it is to be part of this special organization.
Monday night the room was packed with over 200 people that are making a difference....200 people we call our friends.....200 people we call our family.
