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Love...Our love for Ryan gives us the strength and power to fight. We will never stop fighting DMD.
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 Speaking of love...we are celebrating the arrival of Ryan's little brother, Mason. Ryan is thrilled with this new addition to our family and is enjoying every minute of being the "big brother" now.
DMD's aggressive time-line is what keeps us working day and night to win this fight. DMD experts are making unprecedented progress against Duchenne, and for the first time in history, the hope for a treatment is very real. We are thoroughly determined to reach our goal and cautiously optimistic that we will get there in time to save Ryan and the thousands of other boys facing the same fight.
The end of the year was a big push for us, and this year we have some effective new ways to bring new supporters into the fold. Ryan's Quest is now a 501 (c)(3) tax exempt public charity which may possibly open some opportunities within the corporate world. In just one year of establishing Ryan's Quest, we were able to raise $250,000 for DMD research and we are confident, that with your continued support, 2009 will prove to be even more successful.
We know it is a difficult financial time for almost all of us. Please keep in mind that we are different from many other charitable causes in that we are on a very intense time-line. Donations are always greatly appreciated; However, there are many other ways that you may help: |
WORKPLACE IDEAS
Now that we are a certified public charity, many major business and small executive offices will be able to participate.
- A simple and low-cost idea is to initiate a "casual for a cause day" at your place of employment. Colleagues may "dress down" for a day in return for a donation to Ryan's Quest. Perhaps, you could even ask your employer to match the donations that are raised on that day.
- Ask your employer about "gift matching". Some businesses/corporations will match any donation that is made to a tax exempt public charity from employees within the office. Most often, this only requires you to fill out a one-page form. You may even be able to ask your employer if Ryan's Quest may be added to a list of charities to be supported during the "giving season".
- Smaller offices, without cafeterias, may enjoy the following idea: In the past, "Cook Offs" have proven to be an extremely fun and lucrative fundraiser for Ryan's Quest. It's really quite simple...Select a theme for your event (soups, salads, dips, meals, desserts...the possibilities are endless!). Then recruit volunteers to cook/prepare the food. On the day of the event, each person who wishes to participate will pay a set price (selected by you) for the meal; with all of the proceeds benefiting Ryan's Quest. You could even make it more enticing by voting for the favorite and providing a prize for the winner.
- Ask your employer to sponsor a hole at our upcoming Golf Outing this April. You may visit the "Upcoming Events" section of our website for a brochure or request one to be mailed to you. Contact Dave info@ryansquest.org.
- Acquire permission to sell Ryan's Quest merchandise at your place of employment. This will help to raise funds and also the much needed awareness for DMD. There are many items to choose from including, bracelets, necklaces, car magnets, t-shirts, & tank tops.
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INDIVIDUAL IDEAS
Many people want to help in some way, but are unable to decide which way is best. Here are a few ideas that we suggest:
- "Pops for a Purpose"- This fundraising idea was initiated by a high school student in Hamilton, Chelsea Pitonyak. She, along with a group of friends, donated her time and services to Ryan's Quest by selling Ryan's Quest lollipops outside of a local supermarket for one weekend. These girls raised over $1,000! We have already reserved dates and times for lollipop sales this Spring. If you are interested in helping with this fundraising idea, please contact Michele by email michele@ryansquest.org.
- Basket/Item Donations: Our annual Ryan's Quest Fest will soon be approaching. The gift auction was a great success last year and we are anticipating an even larger turnout this year. We are in need of themed baskets or item donations! Some ideas for baskets include Movie Night Out Basket, Children's' Books Basket, Car Care Basket, Spa Package Basket, Dine Out Basket, Toy Basket, Kitchen Basket, Hair Care Basket...Item donation ideas includeipods, bikes, cameras, gift certificates, event tickets, fashion jewelry. Team up with family members or friends for another inexpensive, yet effective, way of supporting our cause. If interested, all you have to do is email your idea to Maria info@ryansquest.org. We would be more than happy to arrange a pick-up date & time that is convenient for you.
- Dinner Party: Host a private dinner party for friends and colleagues and request a donation in return for their attendance.
- Keep informed: Please continue to visit our website and stay informed about our upcoming events. We are always looking for volunteers to help assist with event preparation and to volunteer time during the events.
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 HOLIDAY HUGSRyan would like to send a "HUG" to all those who helped fundraise during the 2008 holiday season...
- How Enchanting! The Enchantment Community at Hamilton selected Ryan's Quest as the recipient of a charitable donation from their annual Holiday Party. Committee members of this event prepared three gift baskets to be auctioned off with proceeds benefiting Ryan's Quest. This community's efforts raised $1,000 for DMD research. Many thanks to you all! We are blessed to have your support.
- That's a Wrap: Purchasing gift wrap is inevitable during the holidays... so why not buy it while also supporting a great cause? Thank you Debbie & Rob Gray for organizing this fundraiser and for "tearing it up" with a $600 donation to Ryan's Quest.
- Picture A Cure: Lauri Bookholdt, Ryan's cousin, put her beautiful talents of photography to great use by hosting this event. Holiday and family portraits were taken at the picturesque Olde York County Club. Sitting fees and the extreme generosity of the country club's members raised a remarkable $1,700. Thank you Lauri!
- Got Dip?:Teacher and staff members prepared various dips and salads for a cook-off to raise funds for Ryan's Quest. Donations were made in order to taste and vote on the food during lunch periods. It was a delicious deal earning over $100 for the organization. Thank you to Krissy Tramo and the staff at Greenwood Elementary School in Hamilton for your continued support.
- Yankee Candle Fundraiser: Michele Arnwine organized this fundraiser for Ryan's Quest earning $550 for DMD research. The Yankee Candle Company gives 40% of candle sales for fundraising efforts. Thank you Michele and to all who participated.
- Race for a Cure: Trenton Forest #4 of the Tall Cedars of Lebanon held a "Nascar Race for the Cure Event" in their long standing effort to find a cure for Muscular Dystrophy. Trenton Forest #4 has been involved in raising money, vital for the research effort, for more than 56 years. Guests at this event enjoyed racing NASCAR type remote controlled cars and raised over $3,000 for Ryan's Quest. A very special thank you to Robert Conner and all those who made this event possible.
- Party-Lite Fundraiser: Shannon Reyes, Kristin Reyes and Heather Bennett (Ryan's Cousin) helped to raise money by donating a percentage of Party-Lite Sales to Ryan's Quest during the month of December. Over $300 was earned for DMD research. Thank you for your generosity
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 Upcoming Events
Ryan's Quest Golf Outing
Thursday, April 30th
Tri N' 4 Ryan at the NJ State Triathlon
Sunday, July 26, 2009
Mercer County Park
Please register soon, if interested
Spaces are filling up fast!!!
World Laughter Day 5K Run/Walk
Sunday, May 3, 2009
Veterans Park
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