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Emily's Intro...
I often refer to summer time as our busy season, mainly because it is when the majority of our fundraisers are held, but recently I stopped to ponder why lately has it seemed "more busy" than usual.
Now that fall is upon us, I didn't have to think too hard, because I know that September means Childhood Cancer Awareness Month. I have begun my official marathon training and fundraising for St. Jude. Trying to get the weekly runs in while emailing friends, family and past donors, and trying to post daily on Facebook, quotes, pictures and statistics, in an effort to raise awareness and much needed funds is time consuming! In fact, I have resorted to practically begging for donations and probably driving some people crazy. And as most of you know, asking for help is not easy. It is very humbling. When Sophie was sick, and I had a hard time accepting and asking for help, someone told me that by not giving others the opportunity to help or allowing them to help, was like denying them the chance to be a servant of God. And that really stuck with me. I carry that with me as I ask for donations to support my team and me. I know people work hard for their money and sharing or giving is difficult for some, but I figured I couldn't get a "yes" if I didn't ask. And I have gotten a lot of "yeses"! I am so grateful to all of the donors who have showed me tremendous support already. From donations of $10, all the way to $500, every single dollar is making a difference in the lives of kids with cancer. Because really, how can you say, "no"? There is no better reason to give than to give to our future. We would all do anything for our kids, right?
With the incidence of childhood cancer on the rise, and the startling statistic that 1 in 330 kids will get cancer, the chances that your child, or a child you love will, is real. If we work together now, there might be hope for those kids who will be diagnosed in the future. Innocent kids, who by no fault of their own, are being robbed of their childhood. They spend their days and nights in hospital beds instead of the comforts of home. Instead of worrying about friends and what to wear, their days consist of needle pricks and medicines that make them feel worse. They cannot fight alone; we must be a voice for them.
Currently about 46 children are diagnosed with some form of cancer and 7 children die of cancer in the United States every single day. Right now the government only allocates 4% of its research funding to kids. The American Cancer Society only allocates one penny of every dollar to pediatric cancer; and that is to all the types of cancer combined. At this point it is up to us and small foundations to raise money to make a difference. I know it doesn't seem like cancer will happen to you. I never thought it would happen to us. I honestly wish I would have known more about these devastating facts of childhood cancer so that I could have been an advocate long before we were forced to join the club. So I give you the opportunity to help this month. There are 7 days left of September. Do you think there is something you could do each day to make a difference?
"Alone we can do so little; together we can do so much." - Helen Keller
With gratitude and hope,
Emily Quayle
SFSF Board President
Sophie, Sarah, and Marie's Mommy
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Team SFSF gearing up for Memphis
For the eighth consecutive year, Team SFSF will travel to St. Jude in Memphis, Dec. 4-6, for the St. Jude Marathon Weekend. To date, the 36-member team, hailing from nine different states, has raised over $28,000, and they have until Dec. 31, 2015 to complete their campaigns. With an additional $20,000 to be donated by SFSF, the team hopes to reach $70,000 in donations, surpassing last year's $69,381. The members who have begun, kicked off, and met their fundraising efforts used the month of September --- Childhood Cancer Awareness Month --- as a great means to further their mission. Facebook provided an excellent venue for not only the team's fundraising, but for also spreading pertinent and heart-wrenching information about childhood cancer and St. Jude.
Team members, led by Captain Emily Quayle, include 23 veteran participants (many returning for several years) and 13 newcomers to the event (encouraged by friends and veteran participants). The St. Jude Race is like no other; running through the St. Jude Campus, cheered on by the young patients and their families, is a moving and inspirational experience, bringing runners back, year after year.
Team SFSF includes: Emily Quayle, captain, and Angela Allen, Kip Blackwell, Rebecca Blackwell, Scarlett Brianey, Leslie Deebach, Kathy Farquhar,Tate Farquhar, Ryce Federle, Leigh Ann Frederick, Evan Gillen, Rachelle Gillen, Keri Haibach, Renee Haveman, Lauren Hicks, Danielle Iaquinta, Kelle Ilitch, Travis Ilitch, Douglas Karn, Misty Karn, Megan Koch, Trina Lengyel, Charity McDonald, Mark McDonald, Charly Miklaski, Susan Miklaski, Denise Nemeth, Dana Nicklas, Meghan O'Brien, Kristin Paychek, Jennifer Slater, Sarah Smith, Nina Stanossek, Kristin Stobe, Heather Tinsley, and Amy Wilson.
As in years past, the 36-member team will run the various distances, as offered by the St Jude Memphis Marathon weekend. Most are running the half or 5K this year, but Emily, Charly and Nina are tackling the full again! Team members range in age, from 14-69.
With a goal of $70,00 the team eagerly accepts donations at the Team SFSF fundraising site, where potential donors may search and donate to specific, individual team members.
Details of the race results, fundraising amounts, and weekend activities will be featured in the 2015 winter issue of Smiles for the Season.
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 About those summertime lemonade stands... Yes, kids with cancer have to rely on lemonade stands and kids without cancer set up those stands and graciously donate their profits to non-profits earmarked for pediatric cancer. Case in point: Eight-year-old Brooke Hill and her friends from the Hunt Club Subdivision in Avon Lake hosted a combination lemonade/cookie stand on two beautiful summer days, June 17th and 18th, and donated their profits of $36.24 to SFSF.
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| | Fiona Gannon, Brooke Hill, Caden Gehrke, Conall Gannon, Daniel Bird, and Wyatt Bird hard at work! |
Brooke, a third grader at Eastview Elementary School, and her family, had attended the July 4th SFSF Bash & Dash events for several years. She was well aware of SFSF and Sophie's story and she "just wanted to do something." And she did! Having had the lemonade stand just weeks before this year's Bash & Dash, held annually at Walker Road Park, just a walking path away from the Hunt Club Subdivision, was a perfect reminder and inspiration for the upcoming event. SFSF thanks Brooke, her family, and her friends for their "necessary" fundraiser to help kids with cancer. |
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Cancer is the #1 cause of death by disease in kids under 14.
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Kayla Bucci bounces into business
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Event organizer, Kayla Bucci, places a winner's ribbon on one member of Team Steuewe, the 5th grade boys team champion.
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Twelve-year-old Kayla Bucci, literally the brainchild of the inaugural SFSF 3 on 3 Basketball Tourney, models her parents, Andrea and Dan Bucci, SFSF Board members, in her service, organizational skills, giving spirit, and ability to "get the job done." And she absolutely did, raising $3,366.56 for SFSF.
A seventh grader at St. Raphael's, Kayla "just wanted to do something different for SFSF." Her idea of a "3 on 3" fell nicely into place and interest for the 43, 4-man teams who paid the $25 per person registration fee and showed up ready to compete. The event, held at Avon Lake High School, Aug.1, 2015, was strategically-timed, after both baseball and swim season were over for most area summer programs.
With the help of Mom and Dad, Kayla secured tournament sponsors, designed flyers and T-shirts, planned the day's schedule, organized the concession stand workers, ordered and secured donations for items to be offered. In addition, she was the event's publicity, as she appeared on the Avon Lake TV station and was interviewed, answering questions about the upcoming event.
Furthermore, she sent a Survey Monkey to the participants following the event. According to Kayla, who reported to SFSF Board members at the August 16th meeting, "the event went well, with most responders 'liking the event.'" With suggestions for next year: "visible scores and timing clocks" and "consistent rules for refereeing," Kayla knows what she needs to better the event for next year.
SFSF thanks Kayla for her entrepreneurial skills and charitable work, and is in awe of her successful endeavor.
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SFSF Holiday Shopping Extravaganza ---
Provides carefree and casual atmosphere
The Third Annual SFSF Shopping Extravaganza, Saturday, November 14, 2015, at Holy Spirit Church, in Avon Lake, will once again feature popular vendors offering their wares in a one-stop casual and carefree setting just in time for early holiday ordering.
Organized by Kristin Van Euwen, former SFSF Board member and 2-time Race Director, the event will house displays from different businesses; this year there will be space for up to 50 vendors.
Among the vendors already committed are: Arbonne, Dove Chocolate Discoveries, Jamberry, Keep Collective, Mary Kay, Pampered Chef, Rodan and Fields, Scentsy, Tastefully Simple, Thirty-One, Tupperware, Wildtree , and handcrafted items by Melissa Czapor and ShopBMarie. This current variety provides buyers with goods to look their best, feel their best, serve their best, and give their best.
A special feature will be a Chinese Raffle, with donated items, as well as gift items from the participating consultants, just one more opportunity to win that sought-after gift item.
Interested vendors may secure remaining sales tables by emailing Kristin or by calling her at 440-781-1179.
For only a $2.00 suggested entrance donation, attendees will have the opportunity to not only shop, but grab a quick lunch, purchase some homemade baked goods, visit the SFSF gift store offering the 2015 SFSF commemorative ornament, and mingle with friends.
Open from 10am to 4pm, the 6-hour shopping opportunity with vendor table fees of $30 each benefits SFSF.
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On the greens, raising green for SFSF
Summer may be over, and avid golfers are still hoping for a few more rounds, but SFSF happily reports the financial outcomes of two outings this season.
The early June Ohio SFSF Outing, on Legacy 18, at Sweetbriar in Avon Lake, June 6, 2015 netted $8776.70 for SFSF. Twenty-seven foursomes enjoyed a sunny, cool day on the links. Putting contests winners Matt Garman (1st place) and Bob Skiddle (2nd place) donated their combined winnings of $425 back to SFSF. Jess Engle, 50-50 winner, did likewise adding his $420 take back to The Foundation. Although very appreciative of the generosity of the winners and anticipating the return of the winnings, SFSF awarded Dick's gift cards to the 1st-3rd place teams. According to Marc Quayle, "This year we chose gift cards, instead of cash prizes, because we simply wanted the winners to WIN something, knowing that we appreciate their participation in the event. Although anyone who participates is a winner in my book."
Just a little over a week later, on June 15, 2015, 24, foursomes played Warwick Hills in Grand Blanc, MI, adding $5308 to SFSF coffers. With 3 more foursomes than last year, the Michigan outing attracts golfers to the prestigious, former home of The Buick Open, providing the opportunity to play at a renown course. Special thanks to Marc's parents, Kathy and Bob Quayle, Marc's brother and sister-in-law, Brett and Amy Quayle, and Marc's sister and brother-in-law, Leslie and Jacob Farmer, the fundraiser has benefitted SFSF for the last nine consecutive years. Once again, the weather was as perfect as the event.
SFSF is truly grateful for the golfers, donations, and volunteers who make these outings so beneficial to SFSF.
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More than rocks at The Rock Pile
Yes, it's time for mums, bales of straw, pumpkins, corn stalks, and adding the look of a fall harvest to front yards. The Rock Pile, located at 900 Nagel Road, can help with autumn decorations, and The Rock Pile generously donates 5% of pre-tax sales to SFSF if The Foundation is mentioned at time of purchase. This independent business, in conjunction with its "Fundraising That Rocks," donated $71.07 to SFSF from spring sales in May and June. Now that fall has arrived, visit The Rock Pile, stock up on supplies, and mention SFSF. What an easy way to help The Foundation!
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In the last 20 years, ONE new drug has been approved for childhood cancer.
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| SFSF grants approaching $625,000
Since June 2015, the Foundation has helped 34 families and awarded $34,000 in grant money, bringing the total amount of family grants awarded to $470,253. The grand total donated by SFSF, including donations to The Cure Starts Now ($82,000) and St. Jude ($70,000), is $622,253.
Every month, the SFSF Grant Committee approves applications for financial assistance for families of children with brain cancer. The children of the families who received grants in June, July and August 2015 are:
- Lillian, age 4 - DIPG
- Jayla, age 7 - passed away March 2105 from an anaplastic astrocytoma
- Isabella, age 5 - low grade astrocytoma
- Oni, age 4 - pilocytic astrocytoma
- Lexys, age 6 - DIPG
- Myasia, age 9 - Ewing's sarcoma
- Anonymous, age 10 - ependymoma
- Karter, age 1 - astrocytoma
- Alaysia, age 8 - medulloblastoma
- Grant, age 15 - medulloblastoma
- Roszetta, age 16 - pineoblastoma
- McKenzie, age 15 - anaplastic ependymoma
- Khamesha, age 13 - constitutional mismatch repair deficiency
- Kalesha, age 19 - glioblastoma multiforme
- Mason, age 14 - glioblastoma grade IV
- Anonymous, age 6 - DIPG
- Cody, age 20 - pilocytic astrocytoma
- Dylan, age 4 - anaplastic astrocytoma
- Khalil, age 3 - pilomyxoid astrocytoma
- Mariah, age 15 - optic glioma
- Tea, age 4 - pilocytic astrocytoma
- Autumn, age 8 - pilocytic astrocytoma
- Chayston, age 12 - ATRT
- Jake, age 10 - ependymoma
- Journey, age 2 - ETMR
- Alex, age 17 - glioblastoma multiforme
- Jared, age 20 - germinoma
- Ewen, age 10 - pilocytic astrocytoma
- Anonymous, age 5 - DIPG
- Gavin, age 10 - craniopharyngioma
- Emon, age 11 - DIPG
- Gabriella, age 5 - DIPG
- Miles, age 5 - optic glioma
- Amara, age 3 - oligadendrioglioma
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2015 SFSF Christmas Ornament Now Available
The 2015 eighth annual SFSF Christmas ornament pictured above is now available for purchase for $10.00. The 3-inch diamond-shaped, ceramic ornament features the logo from the 2015 SFSF Appeal, "Reaching for the Stars," on the front and the SFSF rainbow logo on the back. Only 100 ornaments have been ordered. Visit the SFSF online gift shop (coming soon), order from Emily by phone, 513-260-0917 or email or purchase at the Holiday Shopping Extravaganza at Holy Spirit on November 14. Postage for mail orders is $5.00.
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Fantastic Fitness Fundraisers at FMU
SFSF Board members Paul (Theo) and Amber Theodore, are Avon Lake's shining examples of the "It's not about me!" mantra. This summer, the dynamic duo from FMU sponsored monthly events to benefit SFSF: a Yoga Night in June, a first-time ever Ninja Athlete competition in August; a "Go For the Gold" Activprayer and early-morning fitness workout, and an Open Gym session in September. What about July? Oh, FMU sponsored and managed the Kids' Obstacle Course at The Eighth Annual SFSF Bash & Dash in July and were this year's "Grand Finale" race sponsors, contributing over $10,000 in goods, services, and fundraising dollars, among which was this year's largest sole donation by FMU members Jon and Julie Pugh, a generous $2900. Each event raised money and awareness for SFSF, while promoting a fit and healthily life style.
Yoga Night provides relaxation, meditation, and fellowship
The second of the year, Charity Yoga Night, held June 30, 2015 at FMU, raised $159 for SFSF. Conducted by instructor Katie Johnson, the night featured a one-hour class open to FMU members and guests, following a regularly-scheduled workout. In attendance for this session was SFSF co-founder and Sophie's dad, Marc Quayle.
Going Gold Month For Childhood Cancer Awareness
Begins early with Ninja Athletes at FMU
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| | The Ninja Athletes getting ready to compete. |
The brainchild of Theo, the Ninja Athlete event on August 28, 2015, at FMU provided the opportunity for 31 athletes, ranging in age from 9-14 to compete in several rounds of circuit challenges. This one-of-a- kind event showcased the registrants competing through FMU's signature Ninja obstacles including the monkey bars, cargo net, rolling pipe, quintuple steps, cliff hanger, ninja straps, the WARPED WALL, and more! The $20 participation fee entitled participants to an event T-shirt and the chance to win category prizes. Winners in 6, age-group divisions were awarded $25.00 Amazon gift cards, and were encouraged to spend their gift cards through Amazon Smile, once again, benefitting SFSF. The Friday evening event ran an hour longer than anticipated; but the positive feedback from participants and spectators, in a very warm gym, convinced Amber and Theo to hold a second Ninja competition in late November.
Thanks to Amber, Theo, and the SFSF volunteers for organizing and planning the event in the "gold-decorated" FMU facility. A special thank you to Mike Vlasak, from Jets Pizza in Westlake who provided the pizzas for the concession stand and to Giant Eagle of Westlake for providing the apples and bananas. The event raised $820 for SFSF.
According to Coach Theo: "Not only is it FUN to play on these obstacles, but it's one of the best ways to get kids stronger and develop overall athleticism. They are getting in great shape and don't even realize it!"
Click here to watch a recap of this inaugural event.
Important Kick-Off at Avon Lake High School
On September 7, from 5:30-6:30 am FMU organized an Activprayer work-out for the all the children dealing with the horrible disease of cancer, at Avon Lake High School. Attracting 20 fitness fanatics and childhood cancer awareness warriors, the event promoted FMU Going Gold in September for Smiles For Sophie Forever and Childhood Cancer Awareness Month. Coach Theo thanks everyone "... who came out and dedicated their work out to something bigger. God Bless."
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| | The Activprayer athletes and pictures of the kids with cancer that lined the fence during the workout. |
FMU Opens hearts and bodies at Open Gym
On Saturday, September 19, 2015, FMU sold out the 30 spots to kids who opened their hearts and bodies for FMU's Going Gold for Cancer Awareness and SFSF event. With an individual admission of $15, the event raised $530 for SFSF. Events like these are so much better than Saturday morning cartoons and video games. Once again, SFSF thanks Coach Theo and FMU for their sincere dedication to SFSF and the health and well-being of today's youth.
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Every day 46 kids are diagnosed
with cancer; every day
7 kids will die from cancer.
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Grace plans the Race
Twelve-year-old Grace Walters just wanted "to help raise money for Smiles For Sophie Forever." Grace, the daughter of Kim and Chris Walters, original members of the SFSF Board of Directors, added, "Sophie was my close friend, and I wanted to help her charity."
Grace and her family were in the process of making a big move to Richmond, Virginia, and Grace figured "the bike race would be a fun thing to do" before the family left Avon Lake at the end of August. Grace rounded up the neighborhood kids in late June, days before the Eighth Annual SFSF Bash & Dash at Walker Road Park, to compete in the fundraiser, pumping up the neighborhood for the upcoming event. Those competing in the event, "had to race from one circle of the neighborhood (Gramercy Place) to another. " The $5.00 entry fee, per person, was donated to SFSF...$30.00 to be exact!
The prize was a ribbon, created by Grace, and, of course, neighborhood bragging rights. Grace says, "I had a good time putting it together."
SFSF thanks Grace for her thoughtfulness, friendship, creativity, and donation. SFSF awards Grace a theoretical "volunteer ribbon of honor."
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Perfect Weather for 8th Annual SFSF Bash & Dash
Once again, the Fourth of July was a sunny and bright day, perfect weather for the Bash & Dash at Walker Road Park. The cooler morning temperatures were ideal for a 5K walk or race, with temps reaching the low 80's for the Bash. And once again, the festivities were without a glitch.
Profits were less than those in the past years, with the number of registrants in the mid 700's, and fewer kids' activity wristbands were sold. SFSF Board members attributed the smaller crowd to the fact that July 4th fell on a Saturday, with many having Friday as the legal, day-off- of work holiday, allowing for a welcome, get-away, three-day weekend.
The snowball effect of having fewer participants in attendance also minimally reduced 50-50 sales and profits, as well as concession sale profits. However, the Chinese auction and Silent Raffle had a greater profit margin. The most significant difference was in the area of personal donations and fundraising, with the lack of Nordson's $10,000 matching gift having a noticeable difference.
This year's profits were $48,005.58, just $2000 less than this year's goal of $50,000, but 27% less than the profits in 2014.
However, SFSF considers all fundraising events successful, since they provide additional monies to fund the three-fold mission of SFSF: helping families, funding research and supporting St. Jude, and raising awareness.
The Foundation thanks all participants, donors, and volunteers who helped raised almost $50,000!
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| Shopping for the holidays
With Halloween just a little over a month from today, Thanksgiving not even a month later, and Christmas less than 100 days from today, shopping will begin in full force.
Online shoppers remember to use Amazon Smile and iGive for your orders; designated percentages from both will be earmarked for SFSF, if shoppers designate SFSF as their "charity of choice." SFSF supporters who used AmazonSmile and iGive added a combined total of $112.59 to the SFSF coffers, by using the sites during the first half of 2015.
SFSF thanks those who use the two services, and reminds all who have not registered to visit AmazonSmile and iGive to begin a very simple, cost-free method of supporting SFSF.
Think AmazonSmile and iGive for Halloween costumes, holiday décor and supplies, and most of all, Christmas gifts and supplies... the possibilities are endless, the effort minimal, the rewards, priceless.
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