Showing posts with label Alzheimer's Association. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Alzheimer's Association. Show all posts

'Fun'draising for a Cause 

Thursday, October 13, 2011 -
I think volunteering and giving back are important things to do.  For the past 11 years, I've participated in fundraising for the Alzheimer's Association.  As you saw from my BrewMile event, not only do I fundraise, but I 'fun'draise.  I like to have a good time while making people aware of the cause we are supporting, the disease we are fighting.

At work, it is no different.  We are all closely linked to the Association because nationally, it is a philanthropic endeavor of ours.  So, we've had a variety of events that helped us raise over $1,000 for our Walk to End Alzheimer's team as a staff.  Here is a breakdown of the events with a few photos:

Casual for a Cause - staff donate so they can dress down at work.  Once a week, it is a popular event.


Silent Auction - with donations from staff and local business, this is always a great way to raise some money for any cause.

Bucks for Bagels, Dollars for Donuts, Loot for Latte, Pennies for Pie - all food themed events, staff members donate for breakfast delivered to their desk, a morning latte in the office, or for a pizza luncheon.  With my deep love (some say obsession) with all things pumpkin, you know that I had a pumpkin bagel with pumpkin cream cheese, a pumpkin donut, and a pumpkin latte.  Just sayin'...


Brain Activities - trying to keep the mind healthy, we had a variety of brain activities including MENGO (mind bingo), Memory (in shape of the Alz. logo), and SK Survivor.  'Survivor' was the most intense as staff members had to race through the office, memorize a picture, then race back to recreate the shapes in the correct order.  We have some intense competition in this office.



Fall Festival - this is our community event, where we invite other Greek organizations to come out for the afternoon and have some fun.  We had a bake-off, corn hole tournament, pie a staff member event, change collection competition, and sold some baked goods.  Leftover baked goods that didn't sell or weren't taken home by the contenders were donated to a local assisted living facility that has an Alzheimer's wing.  We had great weather and everyone seemed to have a good time as we raised over $350 towards our cause.



If you'd like to donate, would love the support.  I am personally working towards a goal of $1,000 for myself and I'm still a little shy.  Every dollar counts - if you can give, I would appreciate it!  Visit my page here and help me fight Alzheimer's so that one day, I won't have to fight anymore!

Just a note, these opinions are all my own not of my company.  And thank you to Bri for her assistance throughout this whole process.  Couldn't have done it without her!

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BrewMile: Recap of Movin' & Brewin' 

Friday, September 23, 2011 -
We had a great time last Friday at our BrewMile event!  It was a bit cooler than I would have liked, but we had a successful event!

Friends, new and seasoned, all joined us around 6:30 to register, receiving a white or purple bracelet to signify that they were ready to run and drink.  Once the gang was there, we worked our way over to the Monon for a quick one mile run/walk event!  Congratulations to Ryan and Jess for being the first man and woman to cross the finish line in around 7 minutes (yes, my stopwatch stopped working just when I needed it the most!)

After everyone got their fitness in, we worked our arms by sipping on several brews.  Everyone was given a commemorative drinking glass and pretzel necklace to start the festivities.  As mentioned, hubs had two and we also had Flat 12 available.  In addition, guests could bring craft beer to share - we had quite a variety from local breweries, including Sun King, Granite City and a few others.  The drinks were flowing and people were chatting about beer or whatever struck them through the evening.


Of course, we can't forget the beer inspired food.  People, and pups, were snacking on the (and of course, I don't mind - if anything, I encouraged!)


 

Hamburgers and brats from a beer bath were eaten, while people dipped beer bread into the beer cheese dip. There were also stout brownies - a lot of brownies.  Some people were lucky enough to walk away with these rich treats. 



We raised approximately $400 for the cause - couldn't have done it without the support of our Indy friends, new and seasoned!  Who knew playing some beer toss could result in finances?


Thanks to my dear sparkle monster friend, Mal, for passing the photos my way.  I was clearly a slacker of the evening having too much fun with friends!  Hope everyone had a great time!


Weren't able to join us? If you are still wanting to support my fundraising efforts, I would really appreciate it!  I've said it before, and I'll say it again.  Every dollar counts - I couldn't help fight this disease without the support of my friends and family! 

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BrewMile: Movin' & Brewin' for a Cause 

Wednesday, September 14, 2011 -
Every year, I walk.  I walk for a purpose, with my Sorority sisters and friends across the country.  I walk to end Alzheimer's, and this year is no different.  Well, kind of.

This year, I decided to amp up my fundraising.  I started think of the ways I could increase my fundraising.  I struggle with the emails - I see who opens them and who doesn't.  And ::sigh::, it can be disheartening.  My local alumnae chapter does some great events (like the Giving Dinner), and I also promote fundraising on within our staff too.  But I wanted to do something for my personal fundraising.  And it had to be something fun. The brain wheels began.

Remember when I ran my first (so far, only official race) 5K?  It made me wish I could run one the Beer Belly run in Wisconsin.  And it got me thinking some more.  Why don't we host one?!  I proposed the idea to hubs, since he would be the one brewing the beer, and he was immediately on board.  I mean, this guy can brew some great beer, and since he loves doing it, why not?  And we have so many friends who lead healthy life styles, but also like craft brew, that this just made sense.

Thank you Bri for the artwork!

This Friday is our fundraising event, BrewMile!  We'll be movin' and brewin' for a cause with friends at our place.  For a $25 donation, participants will run one mile in hopes for a prize from a local brewery (Flat12 Bierwerks) and then spend the evening drinking several home brews.  Beer that is currently on the roster includes:
  • Bitter End - hub's ESB
  • Banyan - hub's premium bitter
  • Upside Down Blonde - Flat12's hybrid pilsner/wheat
If participants bring a local craft beer to share (or any microbeer - minimum is a growler), they'll receive a $5 discount.  In addition, we'll have a 50/50 raffle and some door prizes donated by the Indiana chapter of the Alzheimer's Association.

Of course, you know me, there will be food - all beer themed!  The menus includes beer cheese dip, beer bread, brats/hamburgers in a beer bath and stout brownies.  Nom.  We'll have the nifty pretzel necklaces too.

Interested in attending?  Shoot me an email (angieahrens@gmail.com) if you live in the area.  It is currently a facebook event, but I'm happy to provide further details.  The more the merrier!

Can't make it? Consider donating to my fundraising.  Every dollar counts - I'd appreciate any and all your support.  Shout out to Michelle, Myky and my mom for starting the fund!  Always - if you know anyone else who would be interested in donating, please spread the word! 

Cheers!

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Giving Dinner - Cooking with Friends for a Cause 

Friday, September 24, 2010 -
Every year, Indy area Sigma Kappas come together through many events and activities to raise funds for our Memory Walk team to support the Alzheimer's Association.  I've done other events to benefit The Association, but the Memory Walk is one of the biggest and can bring people from all over together to fight for a cure.  This will be my 10th year participating in The Walk - I started when I was a freshman in college when I pledged my organization.  And it is has stuck with me, something I continue to participate in for the good of many people.

The alumnae chapter has a Giving Dinner every year as one of the events.  This dinner is an opportunity for a few of our chapter members to get together, but instead of going out for dinner and drinks, we stay in!  We chop, saute, broil and mix to our hearts content, cooking a generous meal together over drinks.  You then donate money that you normally would spend at a restaurant, and it goes to a great cause!

This year, we had some great treats to share in - the first a cheese fondue.  Swiss cheese was blended with a roux and stirred to perfection - it was delicious.  I did my fair share of dipping (and forced myself to walk away at one point) with the sourdough bread and apples to enjoy the cheesy goodness.  Thank you to KNS for her stirring talents!

 A simple spinach salad, prepared by MM, with a lemon & garlic vinaigrette tossed with some fresh tomatoes was one of our sides.  The other, a basil and mozzarella warm macaroni salad.  A mixture of garlic, extra virgin olive oil, purple basil and lots of mozzarella was delightful (especially the next day when tossed with some grilled veggies...trust me on this one.)

Main course - sliders!  I was in charge of these tasty bites, and of course, I strayed from the basic recipe.  MM just shook her head as I pushed the recipe aside and didn't measure - but alas, I can't help it.  These were extremely basic - just ground beef mixed with grill seasoning, Worcestershire and parsley.  That's it - it was pressed into a pan and baked for about 12 minutes or so (also baked the bacon at the same time too - lots of great smells from that oven!)

The great thing about these sliders - all of the fantastic toppings HC had to offer.  There were your basics, but she catered to my love and brought out a jalapeno as well as the peanut butter (if you haven't tried the Shewman at Scottys, give it a go, this is where my love comes from.)  Yum...can't go wrong with that combo, including sharp cheddar and bacon...
It was a great and filling meal, prepared with love.  Yum!
No meal is complete without a dessert!  How about a mix of ice cream sandwiches, whipped cream, malted milk balls and chocolate fudge?  That is what we had in this whopper delightful ice cream cake.  It was sweet and delicious - a perfect ending to a great casual meal!

Through the meal, everyone had the opportunity to bid on some great prizes, including donations from those in attendance.  There was a makeup package, some wine lamps, a fantastic Italian basket (which I won, yay for me,) an evening at the Conrad, some items from The Association, as well as goodies and gift cards from local restaurants.  There were many items to be won, and the raffle was a successful fundraiser for the evening!

My dear friend, HC, is a fantastic hostess who sets the menu and donates all the food for the evening. She's amazing, such a caring woman who has three energetic boys and a crazy intelligent husband who she adores.  I heart her.  She is like a big sister, remembering me as a freshman at UMass (she was one of my advisors!) and understanding how being away from home and family (the big W) is sometimes difficult.  A big thank you to her for such an amazing menu selection - I left with a full belly and warmed heart knowing all that money (to be matched by Eli Lilly - thank you very much!) was going to a great cause!

Want to learn more or donate to the cause?  You can do so by donating to my team - any donations are welcome and extremely appreciated!  Visit my personal fundraising page - thank you!

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QUASH - A Hunt for a Cause 

Tuesday, June 29, 2010 -
Note - thank you to RN for taking photos of the event!



QUASH - the Quest to Unravel Alzheimer's Scavenger Hunt - took place a few weekends ago (June 19th to be exact!)  This event, put on by the Greater Indiana chapter of the Alzheimer's Association, is a mad dash scavenger hunt around downtown Indy.  This was my second year participating, both during the hunt as well as on the planning committee for the event, and I once again wasn't disappointed!

Alzheimer's is a disease which I became connected to as a freshman in college.  My national Sorority, Sigma Kappa, (along with the Foundation) focuses on this disease as one of their philanthropic endeavors.  I began walking in the local Memory Walks and focusing on other gerontology efforts with my Sorority sisters, and I have continued that through these past 10 years. After being in Indy for a few years, I decided to reach out to the local Alzheimer's chapter and put my talents to work on a planning committee.  Upon joining the QUASH committee, I have made some great connections and formed fantastic friendships.  But, the main objective is to help find a cure for this disease!

QUASH had a different starting/ending location this year, the fantastic Rathskeller!  This German restaurant in downtown Indy was the perfect venue with their beer garden being the central location.  This outdoor space has a stage perfect for a band (how about Great Scott?!  YES, they played!) and can seat many participants.


 All participants waited patiently as we heard from our MC, Rayne, from 100.9 radio station.  Then, we tore open our packets and started to answer questions about areas in downtown Indy.



R
RN hard at work to answer those questions!

Once you determine the location, you get there by foot (no vehicles or other modes of transportation is allowed!) and then find an answer to the linked question.  For example, you may be directed to Scotty's Brewhouse by clue ('find this brewery' type of question) and then once there, you must either a) answer another question that you would only know by being there (ie. how many tables have flags with this logo...) or b) participate in a QUASH spot.  QUASH spots are interactive games, either mental or physical, that you must accomplish to receive full points.



Two and half hours later, all teams are expected to be at the beer garden (or you lose points!) to check in.  While everyone waits for points to be tallied, a buffet of beer and brats were served.  It was a hot one, and many of us needed to get water in our system as well.  The band, Great Scott, as mentioned above also entertained all of us with live entertainment.

Another fun aspect - costumes!  Teams are encouraged to dress in costume and add another element of fun to the event.  Some of these costumes are crazy while others are sentimental.  The attention adds to the competitiveness of the hunt, as well as draws attention to all participants as you race around the city (people as, "What are you dressed up for?" all the time!)

A few photos of costumes:


c
City Llama's did a great job - thank you!!

H
 Hubs & I were the "QUASHables" - like Disney's 'The Incredible's" of course!

So how does a team win?  Each question that you answered was worth a points value, so whoever gets the most points is awarded the QUASH winners!  Gift certificates and other items from local vendors are the prize.  BUT, the true prize is all the funds that are raised by the teams to benefit The Association.

A BIG thank you to all my friends and family who donated to my team.  It really means a lot to have your support as I continue to be involved in this great organization.  In addition, lots of love to my friends who participated (thank you RN, JN & MB for forming a team!,) as well as those who raised funds but couldn't make it for the day (that's you prego (JK) and MM!)



It was a hot day - but we did it and had fun racing around downtown Indy!  Here is to another great year, can't wait to do it again next year!

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