Friendship Ball 2008- Best Buddies

In the middle of all of the pirate mayhem of Shrimpfest- an extraordinary group of young people (dressed in their finest) had their minds on something other than SHRIMP!!! Saturday evening May 3, 2008 was the annual "Friendship Ball" sponsored by Best Buddies of Florida (http://www.bestbuddiesflorida.org/).

20 young adults and many adoring fans (parents and friends) gathered at Target in Yulee for a quick photo opportunity and their ride to the ball- a stretch white Escalade Limousine!!!!! I wish there were words to express the excitement when their "ride" pulled in...Here are a few sneak peek shots- before they headed to "Masquerade"- at the Crowne Pointe Riverfront in Jacksonville.

Best Buddies!!!!

What a gentleman!!!

Are they crowning a "queen" tonight? Because you are sooo beautiful!!!!!

Okay- that is all of the sneak peek shots- Thank you so much for all of your support of the foundation- It is so fulfilling to be able to do something that brings so much joy to their lives- not one of them had ever been in a limo!!

Funding Needs and Fueling Dreams in the community!!

I wish I could have hopped in with them! Hooray to all of the parents who trusted us and allowed us to be a part of your lives...

More Art with TAP students

Another great day with the students in the TAP program- this is one of my most favoritest groups of young people!!!! We made Mothers Day cards with watercolors and I was amazed at the thought put into the messages for Mom... We have been invited to do monthly projects with them for the 2008-2009 school year. This program is fantastic and prepares the students for their job/career.
You can find them all around town- they are involved in so many events!! They even greeted me at this year's Bausch & Lomb tennis tournament...
Thanks to all of the companies here in Nassau County that support the TAP program and employ some of Nassau County's finest!!!

Giving Back

Sometimes when you donate money to an organization you wonder where it goes and how much is actually used for the purposes intended... I think it is important to let the people who make this foundation possible by their support- through prayer, donations, or art purchases- know just where their money is going...

All of the money we raise stays right here in Nassau County to benefit families of children with autism- whether it is a need, or simply something that will brighten their child's life.... This week we provided a local family with Pediasure for their child to help ease their grocery bill....Their daughter can only drink this formula and as many of you know- it is a little pricey- along with everything else going up these days!!!

Thanks again for all of your support- together we really are making a difference in our community!!!

Art at ARC

What a fun day we had today with the great group at ARC-Nassau. I had no idea how incredible their facilities were- what a treat!!!
I don't know who had more fun- them- or us.... I received the new nickname of "turkey butt" and made so many new friends!!!! Check out their website for more information on the services they provide at ARC- www.arcnassau.org
We are going to start working monthly with them- providing a monthly art program/project.. Still looking for more volunteers- If you have a heart for people, a great smile, and a couple of free hours a week (well worth it!!!)- contact us.
ncautism@comcast.net

Bausch & Lomb-Project Chance

B.J. with Project Chance showcased Geoff and Scout center court at the tennis tournament. The Pound Puppy even showed up to hang with them!!

We work closely with Project Chance (http://www.projectchance.com/) and love that B.J. invited Scout and Geoff!!! Scout is Geoff's service dog and provides him with the independence and self confidence he needs in public. Check out Project Chance to see more children and adults that have benefited from the heart and talent of B.J., her daughters, and many volunteers!!!! Community collaboration is so important!! Together we can impact so many more lives!!!

Our First Big Art Display

Finally- our first big art display.. The kids (and us) have been working so hard to prepare and frame all of these magnificent "works of heart" . We displayed over 35 art pieces at "Pets Wear Prada" an event put on to benefit animals and to promote autism awareness. Along with our art display- there was a great fashion show on the runway filled with people and pets!!! For a quick moment I thought one woman was going to lose her cat... I could just imagine this cat getting loose among all of the people in the tent... I got quite a chuckle out of that- plus it probably wasn't helping the cat's nerves to have me flashing that camera like the paparazzi!!

We had some very special and beautiful models and the art display turned out better than I even imagined- Just to see all of the easels set out and to know how much went into those paintings- I was overwhelmed to say the least. It is hard for me to let some of them go- each one has a story (just ask- we'll share!!) it is so hard to set a price tag on them- Like the mastercard commercial- they are PRICELESS.

A special thank you to Heather, Jean, and Amy for all of their hard work!! We couldn't have done it without you!! and to my "bible study girls"- thanks for being the most supporting and incredible group of friends- you made the evening special- and next year you guys are in charge- "Furry Couture"- here we come- (Amelia Island will never be the same)

Very Special Olympics

What a fun day!!! We had some great torch carriers!! Great job girls- Taylor ran her heart out around the track and Vanessa had a big finish on the stand!! We were so proud of them!!!
We had some amazing athletes show off their skills! Next year we need to make sure the bleachers are packed with fans!! It is so much fun and no one should miss it!! I was so proud of each and every athlete!! Thanks once again for letting us share in your fun!!!