Ally's Army Battles Cancer.
Yes we did.
Just short of 600 people, under the tent, on a beautiful and sunny May evening.
People were kind. People were generous.
People were crying. People were laughing.
People were hugging, talking, dancing, eating, drinking, and having fun.
It was an amazing show of support for my Dad's Man of the Year campaign.
It was an amazing show of support for my daughter Ally and our family.
Ally was strong and healthy and serving lemonade to the guests.
I spoke. My Dad spoke. We shared our stories, although shaky.
We played a video of a Day in the Life of Ally.
We had a live auction. It started with a pottery bowl handmade by Ally.
It sold for $14,000. $14,000! And I wept.
The kind woman who bought it, Ms Terry Huber, donated it back to our cause.
And the bowl was sold again for $10,000.
I tried to explain to Ally that you could buy a brand new car for $24,000.
She didn't really get it. But someday she will.
We continued on with about 15 more live auction items.
And capped it off with about 70 silent auction items.
We sold raffle tickets to win a car or $25,000 cash.
We sold t-shirts and pins and bracelets with Ally's name.
People were generous beyond belief.
We raised $150,000 for the Leukemia/Lymphoma Society.
We raised $150,000 for the Leukemia/Lymphoma Society.
We raised $150,000 for the Leukemia/Lymphoma Society!!!!!
Two amazing bands played music the rest of the night.
The Rebel Set (my brother in law) and Mavis Pearly.
They really rocked the crowd and everyone there was dancing.
We danced and celebrated and forgot about all the trials of the past year.
At least for one amazing night.
Most importantly, we made a difference!
Ally's Army is battling cancer.
And winning.
Thanks to all of you who attended our fundraiser party last night. It was a night that I will never forget. Thanks to all of you who have helped to plan and made donations and allowed this money to be raised. Thanks to my generous father who opened his home and made the magic happen again.
I wasn't able to take pictures. Too busy. I am hoping some of the Army will send them to me, so that I can share this awesome event with all the out-of-towners. I do have some video to share too. I will try to get something out here soon. For now, I am basically exhausted. Gonna give myself a break tonight. But you will see something soon. I promise.
I love you all for everything you have done for my daughter and my family.
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My sister Shelley was telling us about the auction today. Sounds like a wonderful time. I'm sure the LLS is most appreciative.
ReplyDeleteIt was a perfect evening...the weather, the venue, the food, the friends, the cause. We were so happy to be there to support you and Ally! $150,000!?! Impressive. Thank you for inviting us.
ReplyDeleteWow! What a wonderful event and congratulations for raising so much! I lost my Dad to Leukemia a year ago and it was because of new treatments, he survived a long, long time with this disease. We had him over 13 years longer than we might have had. I applaud people who help raise awareness and funds for research to help the fight against Leukemia. Because of people like you, I was blessed with my dad's presence a lot longer than would have been the case years ago. Good luck to Ally. She is beautiful. I love the pictures Erin Cobb did. As a mom to two daughters (8 and 9) that Erin Cobb is photographing in June, I enjoyed seeing the pictures she took of Ally and her family. Great job. You all will be in my prayers.
ReplyDeleteWOW. That is SO incredible! I'm so glad everything went SO well! I can't believe it! So wish I could've been there. But so glad so many others were able to attend. There are not words. Just amazing and incredible! :)
ReplyDeleteHoly ****, I could not think of another response. That is awesome, yes Ally's Army is winning. Take some time for yourself to recoup, we will all be here whenever you get time for pictures, etc. How proud is your mom of all that you and your family have done to help beat this disease!!! Your dad is awesome. Even though I was not there in body, I was there. Keep up the good work---incredible job.
ReplyDeleteWOW....that is amazing!!!! GREAT, GREAT, job!
ReplyDeleteDiona
Way to go Barnetts/Mills!!! You are really making a difference! I think it is so incredible to have raised that much in one evening, I've chaired a few fundraising events myself, and that is a FEAT! So wish I could've been there, but I do think the best part was that Ally's bowl was so fought after. That speaks volumes to the effect you've had on so many people. Way to go! Now rest :)
ReplyDeleteAbsolutely incredible and inspiring for so many reasons. What a show of support and love for Ally. Have been thinking of you all so much and praying that the event is all you wished for -- sounds like it exceeded all expectations. Congrats to all involved. BRAVO!
ReplyDeleteWOW! That is amazing! Congratulations! I am so glad I was able to be there. Now, please rest. You truly deserve it!
ReplyDeleteI went to the party with my dad! It was amazing! Im so glad so much money was raised and how much support was there for Ally! She is one stong little girl. Im wearing one of the shirts right now!! Once again Congrats!!!! love and prayers!!
ReplyDeleteThank you for allowing us to go on this journey with you. Your family is amazing, inspiring, and just incredible. Your father is a very generous and caring soul, I could tell that by meeting him just once. So glad the evening turned out to be so beautiful and so successful! Go Army!!! :)
ReplyDeleteUnbelievable. That's all I can say. I have a feeling your dad will be Man of the Year! Thanks for the wonderful event and for everyone that supported this amazing cause.
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