Please visit our new website for the Jack Fund for all up to date information on our charity and this year's toy drive.
Thank you!!
The Jackson Malia Fund
Sunday, December 5, 2010
Thursday, December 31, 2009
Goodbye 2009
As we say goodbye to 2009, I have to thank everyone who helped make this such a wonderful year for the Jack Fund. We have had a truly successful year, had so many generous contributions from so many amazingly kind people. The 2nd Annual Toy Drive was a huge huge success. We received over 200 toys from the Amazon Wishlist, and the response to our Drop Off Day was overwhelming. It was a great day, thank you to everyone who came out and donated a toy - I hope you had as nice a time as we did. And the amount of toys donated that day was also incredible, we filled (and I mean FILLED) over four large cars (and by large I'm talking mini vans and SUVs). Again, hundreds of toys were donated that day.
In fact we received so many toys this year we had to expand where the toys were distributed to. It wasn't difficult at all to find places that not only would take the toys but desperately needed them and were incredibly grateful. Toys went to not only Newark Beth Israel Hospital but also places like a church in Elizabeth, a school in Orange, and a soup kitchen in Hillside. They were spread throughout the state and were given to hundreds of sick and needy children. Thank you all again for your contributions, your kindness and your generosity.
On a personal note, these are a tough few days for us, having lost Jack on January 2, 2008. I am so thankful that two years later Jack is still with us through this Fund and all the kind people who support it, and remember him. Thank you again.
In fact we received so many toys this year we had to expand where the toys were distributed to. It wasn't difficult at all to find places that not only would take the toys but desperately needed them and were incredibly grateful. Toys went to not only Newark Beth Israel Hospital but also places like a church in Elizabeth, a school in Orange, and a soup kitchen in Hillside. They were spread throughout the state and were given to hundreds of sick and needy children. Thank you all again for your contributions, your kindness and your generosity.
On a personal note, these are a tough few days for us, having lost Jack on January 2, 2008. I am so thankful that two years later Jack is still with us through this Fund and all the kind people who support it, and remember him. Thank you again.
"And did you get what you wanted from this life, even so?
I did.
And what did you want?
To call myself beloved, to feel myself beloved on the earth."
-- Raymond Carver
Jack was beloved, he was loved on this earth and is still so loved. Thank you for helping so many children to feel loved.
Jack was beloved, he was loved on this earth and is still so loved. Thank you for helping so many children to feel loved.
(All of these awesome pictures from the Toy Drive on December 12 are all courtesy of the amazing Tina from Life is a Highway Photography.)
Monday, November 30, 2009
Still time for Toys
Just a quick reminder - there is still time to purchase toys off the Jack Fund Wishlist on Amazon. There have already been over 100 toys purchased off the list but there is always room (and NEED) for more. Thank you again to everyone who's participated!
Or if you're in the area, stop by and bring some toys to our Toy Drop Off Day. Santa will be there with some yummy treats and would love to have his picture taken with you!
Saturday, December 12, 2009
9am to Noon
Bloomfield Firehouse No.4
1233 Broad Street
Bloomfield New Jersey
The girls and I will be there with bells on!! Hope to see you. :)
Or if you're in the area, stop by and bring some toys to our Toy Drop Off Day. Santa will be there with some yummy treats and would love to have his picture taken with you!
Saturday, December 12, 2009
9am to Noon
Bloomfield Firehouse No.4
1233 Broad Street
Bloomfield New Jersey
The girls and I will be there with bells on!! Hope to see you. :)
Wednesday, November 11, 2009
2nd Annual Jack Malia Toy Drive
It's time for my favorite event - the Second Annual Jackson Malia Toy Drive. This was put together last year by my husband's cousins and it was HUGE - just an amazing success. We received so many toys from all over the country!! This year we've expanded where the toys are being donated, and we've added something really fun. If you live in the Bloomfield NJ area there will be a special drop off day on December 12th. Come and have a treat with Santa and drop off your toy! The secret location will be announced next week, but it is really fun and will be a great morning.
No matter WHERE you live though, you can easily purchase a toy from the Amazon Wishlist and it will be sent directly to the Fund.
Here's the Jack Fund Wishlist on Amazon
Here's a link to the Facebook Event Page with even more information (I think you may need to be a member of Facebook to see this):
2nd Annual Jack Fund Toy Drive
From the Event Page:
We are once again collecting toys in memory of my baby cousin Jackson Malia who passed away on January 2, 2008. He spent Christmas 2007 in the hospital and his family knows how important it was to arrive that evening and find that Santa had already been to see Jack and bring him some small gifts. Won't you help us make this possible for other children who will wake up in hospitals this Christmas morning?
After last year's amazing turnout, we are donating the toys to multiple locations, including: Children's Hospital of New Jersey, St. Joseph's Children's Hospital, and Bridges Outreach. We will announce the location of the toy drop-off day soon. It will be in Bloomfield, NJ on December 12, and SANTA will be there with some treats for those who donate :)
You can also order off our Amazon Wishlist and have it shipped directly to us!
Toys must be NEW and UNWRAPPED.
Please no toy guns or war games.
When ordering off Amazon, please double check you are buying a new toy
(Don't click "Used and New" or you may get a used toy).
--------------------------
I will post more information about the Drop Off Day with Santa on December 12th next week. The Wishlist is up and running though, so please don't hesitate to purchase toys off there.
My favorite Christmas elf.
Thank you all so much again for the amazing support of the Fund, and Jack. I know it's been a difficult year financially for so many people, but your generosity will help make Christmas special for many, many sick and needy children this year, and again, we all thank you.
Saturday, October 31, 2009
THE WINNER!
The big winner is......
ok, brief little story first. About a month ago I broke my camera. I want to get a really good one for Christmas, but in the interim my father gave me a camera he won at a golf tournament to use. It's terrible. It is the worst, cheesiest camera ever, it takes terrible pictures. I knew it did take video but didn't really check it out too much.
SO we shot the video of the girls picking the ticket, which believe me took like 4 tries because they were totally wired and overtired from so much HALLOWEEEEEN but we finally got Katie to pick one ticket out and give it to me, and I am so excited about the winner. BUT
I can't get the video to work. We quickly realized there was no sound, so we held the ticket up to the camera so everyone could clearly see what it said. But now, the video won't open and I did so many things to try and open it, I think it's corrupted. I am going to keep trying but I know I promised that the winner would be posted by 9pm and it's now 9:10 so please, I hope everyone takes my word for it until I can hopefully get the video posted, that the winning ticket drawn by Katie this evening was ticket 371. and the winner is
Gail L. of Morris Plains, New Jersey.
Congratulations Gail!
Thank you EVERYONE for participating!!! This whole raffle was a huge success, and raised more money than I ever expected. Tina is just incredible and her generosity is amazing. Now, I can't wait to see the pictures!
ok, brief little story first. About a month ago I broke my camera. I want to get a really good one for Christmas, but in the interim my father gave me a camera he won at a golf tournament to use. It's terrible. It is the worst, cheesiest camera ever, it takes terrible pictures. I knew it did take video but didn't really check it out too much.
SO we shot the video of the girls picking the ticket, which believe me took like 4 tries because they were totally wired and overtired from so much HALLOWEEEEEN but we finally got Katie to pick one ticket out and give it to me, and I am so excited about the winner. BUT
I can't get the video to work. We quickly realized there was no sound, so we held the ticket up to the camera so everyone could clearly see what it said. But now, the video won't open and I did so many things to try and open it, I think it's corrupted. I am going to keep trying but I know I promised that the winner would be posted by 9pm and it's now 9:10 so please, I hope everyone takes my word for it until I can hopefully get the video posted, that the winning ticket drawn by Katie this evening was ticket 371. and the winner is
Gail L. of Morris Plains, New Jersey.
Congratulations Gail!
Thank you EVERYONE for participating!!! This whole raffle was a huge success, and raised more money than I ever expected. Tina is just incredible and her generosity is amazing. Now, I can't wait to see the pictures!
Thursday, October 29, 2009
It's Not Too Late!
First, I wanted to thank everyone again who participated in any way with the Golf Outing. It really was a huge success, and now that we're getting some final tallies of the event we raised even more money than we expected, and we are all super excited about that!
I also wanted to remind everyone that there is still time to purchase raffle tickets for the Life is a Highway Photography Package. The response to this raffle has been amazing, I am so thrilled with how many tickets we've sold, but there are still plenty left. ALL ticket stubs have been mailed out, finally - sorry for the delay but I really was just overwhelmed with how many I had to do. If you haven't received your yet they should arrive in the next day or two.
I will leave the Paypal button over on the right to purchase tickets until midnight tomorrow (Friday) night. While you won't receive your stubs before the drawing, that really doesn't matter. Trust me, if you buy tickets you are in it!!! If you would like to check you can email me at maliamegan@gmail.com and i will let you know your ticket numbers. We had a big winner in the last raffle purchase her tickets on line literally five minutes before I closed the raffle down. :)
So here's the scoop on how the raffle is going to work. As I said, you can purchase tickets up until midnight tomorrow night. The drawing will take place on Saturday, and either Katie or Charlotte is going to pull the winning ticket (they've been practicing.... we'll see who's up for the job on Saturday!) I am going to videotape the drawing and will post the video on here Saturday evening no later than 9pm. The winner will be notified also by email.
Thank you all SO MUCH again and I can't wait to see who wins. There's still time to buy some tickets! Pass the word along to your friends. :)
Finally, we've had a lot of people asking about the Toy Drive we did last year. Just wanted to let everyone know that yes, there is definitely going to be another toy drive and it will be starting very shortly (first week in November). Once again you can purchase toys through Amazon or drop them off, and we are planning for a fun, holiday drop off this year. More to come on that next week!
I also wanted to remind everyone that there is still time to purchase raffle tickets for the Life is a Highway Photography Package. The response to this raffle has been amazing, I am so thrilled with how many tickets we've sold, but there are still plenty left. ALL ticket stubs have been mailed out, finally - sorry for the delay but I really was just overwhelmed with how many I had to do. If you haven't received your yet they should arrive in the next day or two.
I will leave the Paypal button over on the right to purchase tickets until midnight tomorrow (Friday) night. While you won't receive your stubs before the drawing, that really doesn't matter. Trust me, if you buy tickets you are in it!!! If you would like to check you can email me at maliamegan@gmail.com and i will let you know your ticket numbers. We had a big winner in the last raffle purchase her tickets on line literally five minutes before I closed the raffle down. :)
So here's the scoop on how the raffle is going to work. As I said, you can purchase tickets up until midnight tomorrow night. The drawing will take place on Saturday, and either Katie or Charlotte is going to pull the winning ticket (they've been practicing.... we'll see who's up for the job on Saturday!) I am going to videotape the drawing and will post the video on here Saturday evening no later than 9pm. The winner will be notified also by email.
Thank you all SO MUCH again and I can't wait to see who wins. There's still time to buy some tickets! Pass the word along to your friends. :)
Finally, we've had a lot of people asking about the Toy Drive we did last year. Just wanted to let everyone know that yes, there is definitely going to be another toy drive and it will be starting very shortly (first week in November). Once again you can purchase toys through Amazon or drop them off, and we are planning for a fun, holiday drop off this year. More to come on that next week!
One of these two lovely princesses will pick the winning raffle ticket on Saturday.... it could be yours!!! :)
Wednesday, October 7, 2009
Thank you! and MORE!
The golf outing yesterday was a WONDERFUL day!! The weather was perfect, everyone had a great time and we raised some money for Jack's Fund. Thank you so much to everyone who helped/participated/donated/bought raffle tickets!
It really is a beautiful golf course, and yesterday it was even more beautiful because it was just swarming with butterflies. Everywhere, butterflies, people couldn't stop commenting on them. Last year there was a rainbow. This year there were butterflies. My Jack, he always sends something to let us know he's there.
This is what was in the program to tell what's been going on with the Jack Fund:
"Jack’s Fund has had an exciting year, reaching out to help numerous New Jersey families including one with severely premature triplets, as well as a hugely successful Christmas Toy Drive benefiting the Children’s Hospital of New Jersey. We also began partnering with St. Joseph’s Healthcare System to help us identify children and families who could most use our help.
Big things are in store for the future including The Second Annual Christmas Toy Drive and a 5k Family Fun Run/Walk in the spring. We hope to see you all there!"
The winner of the raffle - the trip to Prince Edward Island was one of my husband's fellow firefighters, a great golfer who we know will really enjoy the prize. And the winner of the television was someone who bought her raffle tickets on line and was literally the LAST tickets I sold through Paypal. We're thrilled for her too! Thank you to everyone who purchased a ticket, if you haven't received your stub yet they're in the mail.
BUT....we're not done giving away great prizes. Unfortunately this one is only for people in New Jersey. But if you live in the area this is a FABULOUS AMAZING PRIZE. It was too good to just give away or even have a silent auction for at the golf outing. I wanted everyone to have a chance at winning this, so we are having another raffle!
Tina Ryan of Life is a Highway Photography has been beyond generous in donating this incredible package. She is so talented and takes the most beautiful pictures - please, check out her website and see for yourself!
As for what you win, here's Tina's letter describing the package:
Dear Megan,
Jack touched so many people's lives in the short time he was here and continues to do so each and every day. It is my pleasure to be able to help raise money for the Jackson Malia Fund.
Life Is A Highway Photography would like to donate a What A View Boutique Package valued at $2975. The winner of this amazing package will receive the following:
What A View Boutique Package - valued at $2975
- Custom boutique photography session
- 24 x 30 gallery wrapped canvas
- Brocade or leather 8x12 semi flush 10 page album (20 images)
- 5 x7 print of each photo in gallery presented in a custom designed image box
- Digital files of each image shown in gallery
If session occurs outside of a 20 mile radius to 07860 additional travel fees will apply. Not redeemable for cash and non transferable. Session is for either a child session or family session up to 4 people. Session availability subject to photographer's availability and must be held before August 1, 2010
I wish I could win it myself, but that would probably look bad....lol. Seriously though, this is an awesome prize. And you can buy raffle tickets again through paypal over on the right side of this page.
These tickets are only $10 a piece - 3 tickets for $25 - 6 for $50 - 12 tickets for $100.
The raffle will run through October, and the winner will be drawn on October 31st.
Good Luck!! I can't wait to see who wins!!
And thank you ALL again for the support, love, kindness, help, prayers, everything.
It really is a beautiful golf course, and yesterday it was even more beautiful because it was just swarming with butterflies. Everywhere, butterflies, people couldn't stop commenting on them. Last year there was a rainbow. This year there were butterflies. My Jack, he always sends something to let us know he's there.
This is what was in the program to tell what's been going on with the Jack Fund:
"Jack’s Fund has had an exciting year, reaching out to help numerous New Jersey families including one with severely premature triplets, as well as a hugely successful Christmas Toy Drive benefiting the Children’s Hospital of New Jersey. We also began partnering with St. Joseph’s Healthcare System to help us identify children and families who could most use our help.
Big things are in store for the future including The Second Annual Christmas Toy Drive and a 5k Family Fun Run/Walk in the spring. We hope to see you all there!"
The winner of the raffle - the trip to Prince Edward Island was one of my husband's fellow firefighters, a great golfer who we know will really enjoy the prize. And the winner of the television was someone who bought her raffle tickets on line and was literally the LAST tickets I sold through Paypal. We're thrilled for her too! Thank you to everyone who purchased a ticket, if you haven't received your stub yet they're in the mail.
BUT....we're not done giving away great prizes. Unfortunately this one is only for people in New Jersey. But if you live in the area this is a FABULOUS AMAZING PRIZE. It was too good to just give away or even have a silent auction for at the golf outing. I wanted everyone to have a chance at winning this, so we are having another raffle!
Tina Ryan of Life is a Highway Photography has been beyond generous in donating this incredible package. She is so talented and takes the most beautiful pictures - please, check out her website and see for yourself!
As for what you win, here's Tina's letter describing the package:
Dear Megan,
Jack touched so many people's lives in the short time he was here and continues to do so each and every day. It is my pleasure to be able to help raise money for the Jackson Malia Fund.
Life Is A Highway Photography would like to donate a What A View Boutique Package valued at $2975. The winner of this amazing package will receive the following:
What A View Boutique Package - valued at $2975
- Custom boutique photography session
- 24 x 30 gallery wrapped canvas
- Brocade or leather 8x12 semi flush 10 page album (20 images)
- 5 x7 print of each photo in gallery presented in a custom designed image box
- Digital files of each image shown in gallery
If session occurs outside of a 20 mile radius to 07860 additional travel fees will apply. Not redeemable for cash and non transferable. Session is for either a child session or family session up to 4 people. Session availability subject to photographer's availability and must be held before August 1, 2010
I wish I could win it myself, but that would probably look bad....lol. Seriously though, this is an awesome prize. And you can buy raffle tickets again through paypal over on the right side of this page.
These tickets are only $10 a piece - 3 tickets for $25 - 6 for $50 - 12 tickets for $100.
The raffle will run through October, and the winner will be drawn on October 31st.
Good Luck!! I can't wait to see who wins!!
And thank you ALL again for the support, love, kindness, help, prayers, everything.
Tuesday, September 15, 2009
The Big Raffle
Tickets are available for sale for our big raffle at this year's Golf Tournament. We have three GREAT prizes this year!
2nd Annual Jackson Malia Memorial Golf Tournament
Raising Funds for Children with Special Needs
2009 Prize Raffle
Enter for your chance to win a six day trip for four golfers to Prince Edward Island!
Two easy ways to enter!
Click on the PayPal "Buy Your Raffle Tickets!" button on the top right side of this page and buy your ticket/s. Be sure to include your phone number in special instructions so we can call you if your the big winner!
Or go and print our Official Raffle Form and mail it in with your payment.
Your receipt and official raffle number will be mailed upon receipt of payment.
Thank you again for your support of the Jackson Malia Fund.... and good luck!!
2nd Annual Jackson Malia Memorial Golf Tournament
Raising Funds for Children with Special Needs
2009 Prize Raffle
Enter for your chance to win a six day trip for four golfers to Prince Edward Island!
Grand Prize
4 rounds of golf on Prince Edward Island - Crowbush Cove, Dundarave, Green Gables and Andersons Creek.
5 nights lodging at Rodd Brudenell River, a Rodd Signature Resort, with daily breakfasts
and full size rental van included.
Estimated value $5,000
Second Prize
42-inch flat screen Panasonic High Definition Plasma Television
Estimated value $1,000
Third Prize
Apple iPod Touch
Estimated value $230
Donation: $25 per ticket or 5 for $100
Drawing will take place October 6, 2009 at Hawk Pointe Golf Club.
Winner need not be present. No substitutions of prizes. No cash will be given in lieu of prize.
Blackout dates and restrictions apply. Participants must be over 18.
Receipt with official raffle number will be mailed to donors upon receipt of payment.
Two easy ways to enter!
Click on the PayPal "Buy Your Raffle Tickets!" button on the top right side of this page and buy your ticket/s. Be sure to include your phone number in special instructions so we can call you if your the big winner!
Or go and print our Official Raffle Form and mail it in with your payment.
Your receipt and official raffle number will be mailed upon receipt of payment.
Thank you again for your support of the Jackson Malia Fund.... and good luck!!
Saturday, August 22, 2009
Invite is Up!
The 2nd Annual Jackson Malia Memorial Golf Tournament Invitation is being mailed out and is officially online. Please join us for this year's golf tournament. Last year's was great, and we have even more exciting things planned for this time.
The form is located here:
GOLF TOURNAMENT INVITE AND SPONSORSHIP FORM
or over to the right side of this page. If you have any problem with the form -please email jacksfund@gmail.com and I will email one directly to you.
Sponsors are also very much needed so please, check out the flier and see if any of the sponsorship opportunites are something you'd be interested in.
Thank you all so much again for the support, we are very excited. Can't wait to see everyone out on the links!
The form is located here:
GOLF TOURNAMENT INVITE AND SPONSORSHIP FORM
or over to the right side of this page. If you have any problem with the form -please email jacksfund@gmail.com and I will email one directly to you.
Sponsors are also very much needed so please, check out the flier and see if any of the sponsorship opportunites are something you'd be interested in.
Thank you all so much again for the support, we are very excited. Can't wait to see everyone out on the links!
Tuesday, August 11, 2009
Golf!
The official invite for the 2nd Annual Jackson Malia Memorial Golf Tournament should be going out sometime next week. If you attended last year, received the save the date or any type of correspondence from us you are already on the mailing list.
If you would like to be added please email jacksfund@gmail.com or maliamegan@gmail.com with your address. We'd love to have you join us!
If you would like to be added please email jacksfund@gmail.com or maliamegan@gmail.com with your address. We'd love to have you join us!
Monday, July 6, 2009
Where have we been?
I am so so sorry it's been so long since I've updated this site!! The Charity has had a lot going on, as a matter of fact we have a board meeting tonight and I will definitely have some exciting news to share about the Fund, how it's being used and what we have planned for the future.
But for right now I have this - mark your calendars!!
But for right now I have this - mark your calendars!!
THE SECOND ANNUAL JACKSON MALIA
MEMORIAL GOLF AND TENNIS TOURNAMENT
Tuesday, October 6, 2009
Hawk Pointe Golf Club
294 Route 31 South
Washington, New Jersey 07882
Tuesday, November 18, 2008
Toys Drives
I'm sorry it's been so long since I've written here... trying to keep up with TWO BLOGS in addition to everything else might just be a little too much for me!
The golf outing was really a wonderful day and (I think!) a huge success. We will definitely be doing it again next year. HUGE thank yous to everyone who helped, donated, played, participated in any way. If you want to read more about it and see some pictures, I wrote about it here.
There are two Christmas Toy Drives in Jack's memory right now, which we are so excited about. If you'd like to read more about it, it's here.
If you'd like to donate a toy in Jack's memory to go to a child at The Children's Hospital of New Jersey (in Newark New Jersey), you can have one directly sent through the Amazon Wishlist.
Thanks so much to everyone again for even reading here, following Jack's story and continuing to care not only about my sweet baby but our whole family. You all help to keep Jack 'here' through your kindness.
The golf outing was really a wonderful day and (I think!) a huge success. We will definitely be doing it again next year. HUGE thank yous to everyone who helped, donated, played, participated in any way. If you want to read more about it and see some pictures, I wrote about it here.
There are two Christmas Toy Drives in Jack's memory right now, which we are so excited about. If you'd like to read more about it, it's here.
If you'd like to donate a toy in Jack's memory to go to a child at The Children's Hospital of New Jersey (in Newark New Jersey), you can have one directly sent through the Amazon Wishlist.
Thanks so much to everyone again for even reading here, following Jack's story and continuing to care not only about my sweet baby but our whole family. You all help to keep Jack 'here' through your kindness.
Monday, September 8, 2008
Don't you golf?
We have gotten a great response from everyone with donations, sponsorship, volunteers, we are really thrilled - thanks to everyone! The raffle has been a huge success and is basically SOLD OUT!
BUT
We really need golfers!!! Please, if you live in the area, come out and play - it's going to be a really fun day, lots of prizes, tons of food, and all for a really good cause. There is still time to sign up - the forms are over on the right, or email me at jacksfund@gmail.com and i'll send them to you.
Thank you!!
BUT
We really need golfers!!! Please, if you live in the area, come out and play - it's going to be a really fun day, lots of prizes, tons of food, and all for a really good cause. There is still time to sign up - the forms are over on the right, or email me at jacksfund@gmail.com and i'll send them to you.
Thank you!!
Friday, July 25, 2008
Invite UPDATE
There were some problems printing the invite. I reformatted it, so it should now print easily and is no longer on legal paper. Please let me know if anyone continues to have a problem!
It's updated in the box to the right, or click here:
http://www.scribd.com/doc/4092340/Jack-Invite
It's updated in the box to the right, or click here:
http://www.scribd.com/doc/4092340/Jack-Invite
Tuesday, July 22, 2008
Jack's Golf Tournament
The First Annual Jackson Malia Memorial Golf Tournament is officially not only happening, but going to be a great, big happening!! The invites are finished and going out. Emails are being sent to everyone who requested one, but you can also see and download/print the invite and raffle ticket - they are over on the right hand side of the page. Simply click the small box icon on the right hand side. Or click here:
Invite:
http://www.scribd.com/doc/4025661/Jack-Golf-Tournament
Raffle:
http://www.scribd.com/doc/4025788/Raffle
The Raffle is for an amazing golf trip for four to Ireland.
We really need not only golfers but sponsors. Please email me if you have any questions. I am really hoping to see some of you there - and see one of you take that trip to Ireland!
Invite:
http://www.scribd.com/doc/4025661/Jack-Golf-Tournament
Raffle:
http://www.scribd.com/doc/4025788/Raffle
The Raffle is for an amazing golf trip for four to Ireland.
We really need not only golfers but sponsors. Please email me if you have any questions. I am really hoping to see some of you there - and see one of you take that trip to Ireland!
Thursday, June 26, 2008
First Gift
We are on our way to becoming an official 501(c) charity... it's very exciting! There's still a lot of work to be done, but we have our EIN number and things are moving (thanks to my dad and my aunt, mostly). We also are working on lots of ideas of what's going to happen with the money. I took the girls to visit the hospital where they were born and specifically the NICU. We got some great ideas while we were there and some people to contact who can help us find sick or hospitalized children who need help.
The golf tournament is still on for September 29th - if you're interested or would like to be added to our mailing list, please email me at jacksfund@gmail.com. We are also going to be having a raffle for a GREAT prize.... more info to come!
The most exciting thing to happen recently is we were able to use a little of the money we've collected so far to do something small for a little boy in the area, who I'll call Izzy. A friend of a friend of my mom's works with Izzy, tutoring him in his home. He suffers from a Metabolic Disorder called Neiman Pick's disease. It's an awful disease, that is worsening as the years go on. A few weeks ago we had a VERY hot spell here in NJ, and my mom's friend contacted me with an idea.... his family really wanted to be able to get him an air conditioner but just couldn't afford it. They live in a 3rd floor apartment and I know it had to be HOT for all of them, but especially this poor little boy.
We were able to give them the money to buy a large AC and even have a little left over. Here is some of the email my mom's friend sent me:
Hello Megan & PJ -
I gave (Izzy's mom) your generous check, card and picture of Jack this afternoon. Her father and sister, nephew, Izzy (in his wheelchair) and younger daughter were all gathered around the new A/C in the living room window when I arrived. It was actually comfortable with the additional help of two fans. We looked at your website, talked about Jack's fund and admired your beautiful babies. Izzy watched and heard everyone talking. He turned his head toward his Mom as if to say "show me the picture" and then looked right at the picture of Jack. He doesn't always respond to what's going on but today he was quite alert.
His mom showed him and told him it was a picture of an angel. I explained about the breathing tube and told Izzy how Jack has two sisters. He seemed to be listening intently. His mom said the A/C was $300.00 and they also bought one new fan for Izzy's room. The rest of the money will go towards a new mattress for Izzy. The money will be VERY helpful for these extras or just helping to pay the electric bill. I can't thank Jack's fund enough for making this deserving little boy and his family so happy.
Nothing has made me happier the last few months (aside from my two girls, of course) than that email. I am so thrilled that we were finally able to do something to help. This is exactly the kind of thing I have had in mind... we might not be changing the world, it might be a small gift, but it helped. When Jack was sick, I know the small things meant so much to US.
Thank you so much Emily for helping us find this special little boy and his family! :)
The golf tournament is still on for September 29th - if you're interested or would like to be added to our mailing list, please email me at jacksfund@gmail.com. We are also going to be having a raffle for a GREAT prize.... more info to come!
The most exciting thing to happen recently is we were able to use a little of the money we've collected so far to do something small for a little boy in the area, who I'll call Izzy. A friend of a friend of my mom's works with Izzy, tutoring him in his home. He suffers from a Metabolic Disorder called Neiman Pick's disease. It's an awful disease, that is worsening as the years go on. A few weeks ago we had a VERY hot spell here in NJ, and my mom's friend contacted me with an idea.... his family really wanted to be able to get him an air conditioner but just couldn't afford it. They live in a 3rd floor apartment and I know it had to be HOT for all of them, but especially this poor little boy.
We were able to give them the money to buy a large AC and even have a little left over. Here is some of the email my mom's friend sent me:
Hello Megan & PJ -
I gave (Izzy's mom) your generous check, card and picture of Jack this afternoon. Her father and sister, nephew, Izzy (in his wheelchair) and younger daughter were all gathered around the new A/C in the living room window when I arrived. It was actually comfortable with the additional help of two fans. We looked at your website, talked about Jack's fund and admired your beautiful babies. Izzy watched and heard everyone talking. He turned his head toward his Mom as if to say "show me the picture" and then looked right at the picture of Jack. He doesn't always respond to what's going on but today he was quite alert.
His mom showed him and told him it was a picture of an angel. I explained about the breathing tube and told Izzy how Jack has two sisters. He seemed to be listening intently. His mom said the A/C was $300.00 and they also bought one new fan for Izzy's room. The rest of the money will go towards a new mattress for Izzy. The money will be VERY helpful for these extras or just helping to pay the electric bill. I can't thank Jack's fund enough for making this deserving little boy and his family so happy.
Nothing has made me happier the last few months (aside from my two girls, of course) than that email. I am so thrilled that we were finally able to do something to help. This is exactly the kind of thing I have had in mind... we might not be changing the world, it might be a small gift, but it helped. When Jack was sick, I know the small things meant so much to US.
Thank you so much Emily for helping us find this special little boy and his family! :)
Thursday, May 22, 2008
Getting to work
Here's some updates:
My aunt is working on making us officially a foundation. It sounds like it's a lot of paperwork and things that need to be done, but it's not difficult... just time consuming. So it's GREAT she's helping with that - we will be official!
The very first idea I had when we talked about forming this foundation was to use some of it to send a child (or children) to camp. I recently contacted a very nice reporter at The Star Ledger who did an article on the Fresh Air Fund in Sunday's paper to ask for her advice and help with this. She's put me in contact with someone who can hopefully help us. My main criteria is I would like to send a SPECIFIC child(ren). I want them to know they are going to camp because of Jack.
This is VERY late but another huge huge thank you to everyone who walked in Jack's memory (and in honor of Katie and Charlotte too) for the March of Dimes on April 27th. I received so many nice emails from people asking me if it was okay to walk for Jack and just saying they had thought of him while they walked. Thank you all so much, the March of Dimes is wonderful and I love that Jack was able to be there with all of you.... we will definitely do the walk next year!
One of the readers of my blog had sent me an email asking if her entire law firm could walk in honor of my babies - they ending up raising over $5,400! This is one of the posters she made to hang up in her office:
(Click on it to make it larger). I love it, it's amazing. Thank you Michelle! Thank you to everyone who thought of my Jack, and my girls.
Finally, if anyone has any ideas for how to use this fund, please email jacksfund@gmail.com and let me know. My main concern is it go to a child and their family directly. It can be something as simple as a sick child needing a new bed or a tv for their room to a family needing help with their medical bills. I think our main concern right now is FINDING those children.
My aunt is working on making us officially a foundation. It sounds like it's a lot of paperwork and things that need to be done, but it's not difficult... just time consuming. So it's GREAT she's helping with that - we will be official!
The very first idea I had when we talked about forming this foundation was to use some of it to send a child (or children) to camp. I recently contacted a very nice reporter at The Star Ledger who did an article on the Fresh Air Fund in Sunday's paper to ask for her advice and help with this. She's put me in contact with someone who can hopefully help us. My main criteria is I would like to send a SPECIFIC child(ren). I want them to know they are going to camp because of Jack.
This is VERY late but another huge huge thank you to everyone who walked in Jack's memory (and in honor of Katie and Charlotte too) for the March of Dimes on April 27th. I received so many nice emails from people asking me if it was okay to walk for Jack and just saying they had thought of him while they walked. Thank you all so much, the March of Dimes is wonderful and I love that Jack was able to be there with all of you.... we will definitely do the walk next year!
One of the readers of my blog had sent me an email asking if her entire law firm could walk in honor of my babies - they ending up raising over $5,400! This is one of the posters she made to hang up in her office:
(Click on it to make it larger). I love it, it's amazing. Thank you Michelle! Thank you to everyone who thought of my Jack, and my girls.
Finally, if anyone has any ideas for how to use this fund, please email jacksfund@gmail.com and let me know. My main concern is it go to a child and their family directly. It can be something as simple as a sick child needing a new bed or a tv for their room to a family needing help with their medical bills. I think our main concern right now is FINDING those children.
Monday, May 5, 2008
We finally begin....
Things are finally moving with regards to Jack's fund. We had our first meeting last week to start to plan the Golf Tournament (tentatively scheduled right now for September 29th at Hawke Point).
There's going to be an article about Jack and his fund in our local paper on Thursday and I'm hoping that really helps get the word out about his charity and the golf tournament. So many people have already been incredibly generous in their donations so we are off to a good start! We've begun really looking for the first child to help with the fund, and a few other things are in the works, which I'll save to share when they're further along.
I'm excited to really start doing something with this. Jack has shown us time and time again over the last 4 months that he's still 'here' and still touching so many people. It's time I started to keep my promise to him and help him continue to change the world for the better.
There's going to be an article about Jack and his fund in our local paper on Thursday and I'm hoping that really helps get the word out about his charity and the golf tournament. So many people have already been incredibly generous in their donations so we are off to a good start! We've begun really looking for the first child to help with the fund, and a few other things are in the works, which I'll save to share when they're further along.
I'm excited to really start doing something with this. Jack has shown us time and time again over the last 4 months that he's still 'here' and still touching so many people. It's time I started to keep my promise to him and help him continue to change the world for the better.
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