Paying it Forward to a Close Friend May 30, 2009

My Girlfriend Gina's Happy Hour 5-21-09

Several weeks ago, one of my best friends, Gina Keeven, was put in the intensive care unit at the hospital where she spent 8 days fighting to gain her strength and recover from a life threatening illness.  This woman is one of the biggest “givers” I know and many people were concerned about her. 

Gina not only has 2 children but manages a successful business called Choices Catering and Brokerage.  Unfortunately, most of her clients stopped using her service since she was hospitalized and was unable to generate any revenue for almost 5 weeks!

Although she has the support of her close family, I knew she needed something else…the support from her network.  Personally, I wanted to find a way to help raise money to get her back on her feet again.  A few of us got together and decided to host a special fundraising event called, “My Girlfriend Gina’s Happy Hour”.

We hosted the event at The Little Hills Winery who graciously donated a glass of wine and appetizers for anyone who attended.  I want to personally thank Tammy and David Campbell for letting us host the event at their beautiful winery outside on their patio.

I believe we had over 40 people there to network and show their support.  Many people purchased a “Pay it Forward” donation ticket which touched my heart and absolutely amazed me.  Several people donated raffle prizes and almost everyone bought tickets.  I’d like to give a special thanks to Brenda Fraser with Zonta Int’l in St. Charles, MO for donating our only high ticket auction item for a weekend getaway for two. 

I’d also like to acknowledge the women that jumped in to help without even being asked.  One woman in particular spent a good portion of time making calls with me, setting up the event and making this all come together and that woman is Kathy Wasserman with Hardshell Productions.  A few other women that helped out were Julie Eudy, Becky Schoenig, Becky Quinn and Nancy Schneider. 

After everything was put together and tallied, we actually raised a little over $2,200 for Gina and her family!

Here is a complete list of all the amazing people that either attended or contributed to this special event.

Norma Boozer
Sherri Bell
Shari Peterson
Patricia Robinson
Julie Eudy
Lethia Owens
Becky Quinn
Kylin Meyer
Lisa Morgan
Cathy Sexton
Rebecca Lovelace
Marilyn Westenberger
Kimberly Conley
Kathy Wasserman
Vicky & Cara Shrum
Linda Kluge
Sue Spencer
Donna Ratliff
Jeanine Rauch
Mary Kay Sheets
Susan Snyder
Mary Morak
Rev. Pat Powers
Kathy Kannady
Tessa Greenspan
Amy Bea
Kim Snoe
Craig Daily
Shirley & Phil Gailus
Kelly Alcorn
Dianna Bridgins
Brenda Fraser
Naomi Francis
Steve & Sandy Ellison
Jennifer Prost
Gary Wagner
Sarah Zehr
Nancy Schneider
Maria Borror
Cindy Marsh
Kelley Lamm
Marcia Willman
Karen Garcia
Deborah Colburn
Becky Schoenig
Cathy Babis
Tammy Campbell

Thank you all, from the bottom of my heart, for your support!  It’s times like this that people like you are the true angels of inspiration!