tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-47946679329680869362024-03-12T18:38:40.728-07:00Thoughts from a 3-Day Crew Captaindadheartsacrohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04530914964036526584noreply@blogger.comBlogger53125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4794667932968086936.post-66457767998908800252012-09-10T08:50:00.000-07:002012-09-10T08:50:36.527-07:00Fundraising...if I can do it, you can do it!It's Monday morning, September 10, 2012. It's the morning after the San Francisco Susan G. Komen 3-Day for the Cure. Everyone is tired. The 1,200 walkers and crew raised a combined $2.4M in the fight against breast cancer.
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I feel so lucky to be part of such an amazing event and more importantly with such amazing people. We must remember that a disease like breast cancer knows no sides. Breast cancer doesn't take sides, it takes everyone!
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The other thing we need to remember is that a disease like breast cancer is "FULLY" funded. Breast cancer has unlimited resources...people! That's why it's so important to continue to raise money to fund awareness and preventative programs as well as research. <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-cQSeb8jbsHc/UE4L4qN7-hI/AAAAAAAAE-0/CKzU-gUnJic/s1600/award.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear:right; float:right; margin-left:1em; margin-bottom:1em"><img border="0" height="200" width="150" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-cQSeb8jbsHc/UE4L4qN7-hI/AAAAAAAAE-0/CKzU-gUnJic/s200/award.JPG" /></a></div>
This weekend I was honored with an award for being the top crew fundraiser even though crew has no fundraising requirement. I raised $5,770 and by Sunday, I received $230 in donations to put me at $6,000. It was humbling in the sense that I just figured it was my commitment to do the best I could to raise money. However, after a little bit of thought, I decided that I should embrace this award as a way to set an example for others. So for anyone who thought it couldn't be done, let my experience speak otherwise. If anyone needs ideas, please reply and I would be more than happy to share my ideas!dadheartsacrohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04530914964036526584noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4794667932968086936.post-79536758477680782142012-08-30T14:52:00.000-07:002012-08-30T14:52:48.646-07:00Where's KISS?<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-2TjQiTk-EYA/UD_eeqrf3AI/AAAAAAAAE-E/iIQPoQSx6tU/s1600/KISS_work.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear:right; float:right; margin-left:1em; margin-bottom:1em"><img border="0" height="200" width="120" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-2TjQiTk-EYA/UD_eeqrf3AI/AAAAAAAAE-E/iIQPoQSx6tU/s200/KISS_work.jpg" /></a></div>Just before the end of June, I introduced the newest member of Drew's Crew to the world. KISS came to Boston and worked hard to make the event a success. You can check out photos on the <a href="http://www.facebook.com/3DayEventSupportBoston2012">Event Support Team</a> page on Facebook.
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-h4WSliEHi-E/UD_exd6AeBI/AAAAAAAAE-Q/I5TiY5mjsTU/s1600/KISS_sleep.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear:left; float:left;margin-right:1em; margin-bottom:1em"><img border="0" height="200" width="200" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-h4WSliEHi-E/UD_exd6AeBI/AAAAAAAAE-Q/I5TiY5mjsTU/s200/KISS_sleep.jpg" /></a></div>
Returning from Boston, KISS was really tired. It was a very exhausting for such a small bear and the emotions that were tied into the event made it mentally draining. So KISS went into hibernation.
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However, I am happy to report that today, I was able to take KISS to the BeArport where she will travel to Reno, NV. There she will make herself a new home with her kindred spirit and my good friend, Kristin!
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I can't think of better timing for KISS to make her way to Reno. In Kristin's latest post <a href="http://kristinsgoodlife.blogspot.com/">Rainbows and Butterflies</a>, she has made some decisions in her life, which now include chemo to increase her survival chances.
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-o37g_xQWVGM/UD_f3DLQP7I/AAAAAAAAE-c/zD6SKVPu2Bs/s1600/Kiss_hug.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear:right; float:right; margin-left:1em; margin-bottom:1em"><img border="0" height="200" width="200" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-o37g_xQWVGM/UD_f3DLQP7I/AAAAAAAAE-c/zD6SKVPu2Bs/s200/Kiss_hug.jpg" /></a></div>I, along with many other of Kristin's friends admire her so much for her strength and positive attitude. It is my firm belief that a positive attitude is what helped my mom survive breast cancer. So again, it just seems appropriate timing for KISS to be on her way to Kristin, because, with KISS comes all the love and support poured into the search for KISS, the well wishes from Boston 3-Day Walkers and Crew, and hugs and kisses that we have bestowed upon KISS to give to Kristin.
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Kristin, there are so many people who love you and will support you in the fight! You are the shining example of a <font size="3" color="pink">PINK WARRIOR</font>!!!!
<p>dadheartsacrohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04530914964036526584noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4794667932968086936.post-23551306255696019362012-08-09T10:50:00.000-07:002012-08-09T10:50:11.777-07:00What Do You Stand For?I've managed to hold my tongue for quite a long time as I watched over the last several years at the polarization of the nation. The economy is in shambles, yet people will go to great lengths to impose their views on others either through the legal system or in public forums. One of my biggest peeves has been the polarization of people who are no longer supporting Susan G. Komen because of the mis-handling of the Planned Parenthood issue.
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If you have been in a cave the last couple years, you would have missed how controversy started to brew about how Komen was sending fundraising dollars to Planned Parenthood for breast exams. Pro-Life supporters came out of the woodworks and lambasted Komen for the audacity to support Planned Parenthood. The organization drew so much flak that it pulled funding from Planned Parenthood and took away a channel for women to get screened for breast cancer.
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This action of course got all the Pro-Choice supporters up in arms to the point where Komen reinstated the funding. Ultimately, it was a mis-step by Komen in how they handled communication and strategy, but the damage was done.
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Now this year, as the 3-Day season gets under way, across the board, Komen is witnessing a downdraft in participation. Boston, which kicked off the season at the end of July, only saw ~1,000 walkers. Volume in prior years had been on the rise to about the 1,400 mark. The other 13 remaining events are seeing similar effects.
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So what's happening? Well, walkers are making the choice not to walk based on their stance on abortion. Walkers who want to walk may not be getting the same amount of donations because their constituents are taking a stand based on theif beliefs about abortion.
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I think this is a travesty, that people would allow their polarizing beliefs affect their will to fight an enemy WAY greater. Let's get some breast cancer facts straight people...
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1. Breast Cancer doesn't care what you believe about abortion<br>
2. Breast Cancer doesn't care if you are RICH or POOR<br>
3. Breast Cancer doesn't care if you are a woman or man<br>
4. Breast Cancer doesn't care about YOU!!!!!
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The bottom line is that years ago, <a href="http://ww5.komen.org/ContentHeaderOnly.aspx?id=6442452210&terms=a%20sister's%20promise">a woman made a promise to her dying sister</a>. And I truly believe that the Komen organization cares only about one thing...the erradication of breast cancer.
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So the next time someone asks you to donate for the sake of womens' health and the end of breast cancer and you reflect on the Planned Parenthood debacle, ask yourself this question...
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Are you pro-life, pro-choice, or PRO-HEALTH?
<br><br>dadheartsacrohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04530914964036526584noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4794667932968086936.post-91425674827474558802012-07-25T10:54:00.000-07:002012-07-25T10:54:15.652-07:00Meet KISSToday is a special day. 3-Day friends and ohanas (family) from around the country are preparing to descend upon the Boston area to kick off the 2012 Susan G. Komen 3-Day for the Cure season. This year, I have managed to bring together some friends and ohana to join me in the first event of the year.
This is also a special year. Earlier this year I was saddened to learn that my good friend was diagnosed with breast cancer for the second time. She was supposed to make the trek to Boston. Instead, she was scheduled for surgery and is currently convalescing at home. You can read her story here at <a href="http://kristinsgoodlife.blogspot.com/">Rainbows and Butterflies</a>.
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In her absence, we needed to find someone to her place. I elicited the help of another good friend who works in HR (Human Resources) at Qualcomm. Together, we put our heads to work and searched for a worthy candidate. This was not an easy task. The replacement had to have the qualities of our friend; warm, friendly, great smile, and hard working.
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After a nationwide, online search, we found our candidate. This representative fit the bill well. It gives me great pleasure to introduce the newest member to the 3-Day crew and specifically the Event Support team for Boston, <b>please welcome KISS!!!!!!
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KISS comes from a long line of caring and warm Build-A-Bears. Her experience consists of giving lots of love, bringing joy to a room, and brightening even the best of days. KISS gets her namesake from our dear friend...
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<b>Kristin "I Survived" Szabo!</b>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-CMmG0EXaJ0Y/UBAvaUt-91I/AAAAAAAAE9w/UppiLvOQpuI/s1600/kiss.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left:1em; margin-right:1em"><img border="0" height="320" width="320" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-CMmG0EXaJ0Y/UBAvaUt-91I/AAAAAAAAE9w/UppiLvOQpuI/s320/kiss.jpg" /></a></div>
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You can follow KISS throughtout her Boston journey at the <a href="http://www.facebook.com/3DayEventSupportBoston2012">2012 Event Support</a> facebook page.dadheartsacrohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04530914964036526584noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4794667932968086936.post-11232300607910385972012-07-10T13:30:00.000-07:002012-07-10T13:30:11.560-07:00Baking to appeal to FashionistasSo the next chapter in the baking story comes from an idea that my sister had based on my comment about how many folks at work seem to have fashion sense. Thus came about the high heel cupcake idea.<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-a4_-bYI5q20/T_yQBKCYlfI/AAAAAAAAE9c/PDdi9CTroCE/s1600/shoe.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear:left; float:left;margin-right:1em; margin-bottom:1em"><img border="0" height="320" width="239" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-a4_-bYI5q20/T_yQBKCYlfI/AAAAAAAAE9c/PDdi9CTroCE/s320/shoe.JPG" /></a></div>
Having done the bake goods, I thought I had a good audience. However, cupcakes are sweeter and it came with a price tag of $5 vs. free and optional donation. While I don't think the cupcakes were as succesful, I still raised about $50 from 9 cupcakes. Yes that means some donated more than the $5. Interestingly enough, I have received comments about how much of a conversation piece they were and even got an email request for a future event. All in all, it was a lot of work. Maybe next time I'll have my sister do the mini-cupcakes.dadheartsacrohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04530914964036526584noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4794667932968086936.post-54979404682127279842012-07-06T08:11:00.001-07:002012-07-06T08:14:13.939-07:00Bake Sale Makes Dough (part deux)I'm truly amazed at the generosity of people. Yesterday I blogged that after a day of effortless fundraising (all I did was set it out), I raised $29. What I didn't know was that after I left work, other folks came looking for the goodies and even though they didn't find any, they found my dedication box and put in another $25!!! Then this morning my colleague walked over and dropped in an undisclosed amount and made a dedication, stating, "no cookie needed." I'm definitely need to make more cookies!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-G101aGqfQyg/T_cAgUgAWvI/AAAAAAAAE9M/gEwT7z7ABH0/s1600/dedication%2Bbox.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear:left; float:left;margin-right:1em; margin-bottom:1em"><img border="0" height="320" width="239" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-G101aGqfQyg/T_cAgUgAWvI/AAAAAAAAE9M/gEwT7z7ABH0/s320/dedication%2Bbox.JPG" /></a></div>dadheartsacrohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04530914964036526584noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4794667932968086936.post-91616693871387126562012-07-05T15:55:00.002-07:002012-07-05T15:55:35.233-07:00Bake Sale Makes Dough!So I tried something new in terms of fundraising. July 4th was spent with family and my sister and oldest daughter helped bake and decorate a dedication box.<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-92qylkK7YGA/T_YZf1BifiI/AAAAAAAAE88/tCOCtKxBEpo/s1600/dedication%2Bbox.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear:left; float:left;margin-right:1em; margin-bottom:1em"><img border="0" height="320" width="239" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-92qylkK7YGA/T_YZf1BifiI/AAAAAAAAE88/tCOCtKxBEpo/s320/dedication%2Bbox.JPG" /></a></div>I brought both items and set up a small sign to tell my story of why I fight. I figured it was worth trying out on a smaller audience given that today was the day after a major holiday and many folks would be out. I was amazed at the results. In just a short day, many of the baked goods were gone, I had dedications on the box, and inside was a whopping $29! I can only imagine what might happen if I made more and put it out on a day where everyone was in the office. Plus, I can possibly attempt this on 4 other floors!<br />
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If you think fundraising is hard, just put in a little effort. You might be surprised at the results!<br />
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Note to self, chocolate chip cookies and brownies = good. Peanut butter cookies = not so good.dadheartsacrohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04530914964036526584noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4794667932968086936.post-18290377355916101492012-07-05T10:17:00.000-07:002012-07-05T10:17:10.892-07:00Breast Cancer is tough, but we're tougher!A few weeks ago, I found myself doing something I haven't done in a while...cry. As I reflected on this for the next few days, I pondered what kind of cry was it?<br />
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First, why was I crying? Well, I had just learned that my good friend was diagnosed with breast cancer for the 2nd time. As we talked on the phone, I found myself choked up from the shock that breast cancer had hit close, again.<br />
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Her story is reflected in her blog here...<br />
<a href="http://kristinsgoodlife.blogspot.com/">http://kristinsgoodlife.blogspot.com/<br />
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So what kind of cry was it? Well...<br />
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It started as a cry of helplessness, the feeling that there was little I could do to help my friend.<br />
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Then in morphed into a cry of remembrance, reflecting on the days when my own mother battled breast cancer and remembering friends and their pain as they lost loved ones.<br />
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Quickly, it turned into a cry of anger. Why is breast cancer still here? Where is the sense of fairness that it strikes where the light shines brightest?<br />
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Finally, my cry settled...not that it stopped, but it became a LOUD and ECHOING battle cry!<br />
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And so I will continue to cry and more importantly, I will continue to cry out, Breast Cancer, your days are numbered and you will not prevail.<br />
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And to Kristin, my dear friend, my battle cries this year will be dedicated to you!<br />
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<br />dadheartsacrohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04530914964036526584noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4794667932968086936.post-47021397507158160292012-06-18T14:22:00.000-07:002012-06-18T14:22:44.312-07:00Recognition is nice, but I don't want to be doing this foreverEvery year that I crew another Komen event, I often reflect why am I doing another event? As much fun as I have every time, there are several moments whether during planning, on event, or post-reflection where I just question why we have not found a cure. Sure it's great to receive recognition that you have the Crew Power Team or that you have raised $5,000. However, we're were only supposed to be in this "until there's a cure." I think a lot of folks would agree that it's long overdue. And while some would argue that vanity drugs support the rest of the industry, I truly wonder why a cure for cancer hasn't been found given the amount of scientific talent around the world. SO until then, I WILL continue the fight. I WILL continue to fundraise. I WILL continue to work on behalf of women and men who will face this disease, because everyone does deserve a lifetime.<br />
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-6e-WmlpH22c/T9-beBm-9WI/AAAAAAAAE7o/I2DiX4RedMI/s1600/CrewPowerTeam_Pin.png" imageanchor="1" style=""><img border="0" height="72" width="72" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-6e-WmlpH22c/T9-beBm-9WI/AAAAAAAAE7o/I2DiX4RedMI/s320/CrewPowerTeam_Pin.png" /></a><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-E-6PzYxJyhw/T9-bePoQZzI/AAAAAAAAE70/M1aWFXqWXKU/s1600/5K_Pin.png" imageanchor="1" style=""><img border="0" height="72" width="72" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-E-6PzYxJyhw/T9-bePoQZzI/AAAAAAAAE70/M1aWFXqWXKU/s320/5K_Pin.png" /></a><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-qNb12ArROog/T9-beg0HseI/AAAAAAAAE8A/rfP5ryAggjQ/s1600/500CrewFR_Pin.png" imageanchor="1" style=""><img border="0" height="72" width="72" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-qNb12ArROog/T9-beg0HseI/AAAAAAAAE8A/rfP5ryAggjQ/s320/500CrewFR_Pin.png" /></a><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-MTOCwCr4-ts/T9-be1Wu0lI/AAAAAAAAE8M/GEG3-DRMEHg/s1600/3Peat_Pin.png" imageanchor="1" style=""><img border="0" height="72" width="72" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-MTOCwCr4-ts/T9-be1Wu0lI/AAAAAAAAE8M/GEG3-DRMEHg/s320/3Peat_Pin.png" /></a><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-B8lIDGl1eeE/T9-be5q3_jI/AAAAAAAAE8Y/G9OYPUSkYNY/s1600/CrewCaptain_Pin.png" imageanchor="1" style=""><img border="0" height="72" width="72" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-B8lIDGl1eeE/T9-be5q3_jI/AAAAAAAAE8Y/G9OYPUSkYNY/s320/CrewCaptain_Pin.png" /></a><br />
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<br />dadheartsacrohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04530914964036526584noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4794667932968086936.post-1722459290176349392012-05-17T10:36:00.000-07:002012-05-17T10:36:45.015-07:00Fundraising is in full swing! Boston starts at the end of July and I would love to have 5 people today donate $10 each to help end breast cancer!<br />
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<a href="http://www.the3day.org/goto/sf12drew">http://www.the3day.org/goto/sf12drew<br />
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Every dollar counts in saving someone's life.dadheartsacrohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04530914964036526584noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4794667932968086936.post-80329173810856498202012-05-01T09:05:00.001-07:002012-05-01T09:05:24.912-07:00Don't Judge a Charity by Its Expense RatioThere is only a few months until July when 3-Day season kicks off with Boston! As I prepare for the event, getting rosters, calling the team, scheduling flights, I came across an article today that fits the way I feel about charities in general, but also about the way people think. The gist of the article is about the common measure by which people judge charities and ultimately contribute to. The popular measure is the percentage of adminstrative costs or expenses in relationship to how much goes to the cause.<br />
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I can see where this can be a problem. We've probably all heard the stories of how much Girl Scout cookies cost and how much actually goes back to the troops. We see stories in the paper about the high compensation of CEOs and executives while the average American struggles to make ends meet. We use past experiences as our guidelines to make snap judgements, which the article refers to a study about how the brain thinks.<br />
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Basically, our brains have 2 ways of thinking. The first way is the easy way, we look something over and using our past experiences we make a judgement call. The second way is a lot harder where there is actually an analytical side to handle complex issues. The problem is that it takes work and the brain natually shifts to the easy way.<br />
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So think about this. If Apple, the world's most valuable company right now, had an expense ratio of 20%, would you say that it is being mis-managed? How would you tell? You might respond that it takes more than that to assess if the company is not living up to its shareholders, such as stock price, debt to equity, sales turnover, new product successes, etc.<br />
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Then should a charity only be judge by one measure?<br />
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Check out the story <a href="http://www.latimes.com/news/opinion/commentary/la-oe-shakely-charity-rating-kahneman-20120430,0,5220795.story">The worst way to judge a charity<br />
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<br />dadheartsacrohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04530914964036526584noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4794667932968086936.post-26759524761156969672012-04-09T10:49:00.000-07:002012-04-09T10:49:35.570-07:00First two crew assignments, it's officialGreat news coming in the last week. My first two crew assignments are confirmed! Batting first, <a href="http://www.the3day.org/site/PageServer?pagename=learn_about_cityl_BO_landing">Boston</a>, where I will lead Pit 2. Catch me and my good friend <a href="http://www.facebook.com/?ref=logo#!/ellepeji">Elle Peji</a> in July!<br />
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<a href="http://www.the3day.org/site/PageServer?pagename=learn_about_cityl_SF_landing">San Francisco</a> comes in September and I will be Camp Logistics captain! Woot woot! I'll be teaming up with more friends, <a href="http://www.facebook.com/?ref=logo#!/smcginty.sd">Stephanie McGinty</a>, Camp Coach and again with <a href="http://www.facebook.com/?ref=logo#!/ellepeji">Elle Peji</a>!<br />
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San Diego is still out ways, but more to come on that assignment.dadheartsacrohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04530914964036526584noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4794667932968086936.post-53880594239314812032012-03-30T13:30:00.001-07:002012-03-30T13:34:06.365-07:00Going for 3 with 3 Day!Well, the 2012 season is in preparation and will kick off in July. Over the last several years, I have attempted but never succeeded in attending 3 events in one year. For one reason or another, something has prevented me from reaching that goal. This year, I am determined to make 3 events.<br />
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It will start with a return to Boston, where I crewed in 2007. Boy was it HOT! After a couple months, I'll return to the SF 3-Day, right in my backyard. To round out the year, I'll hit San Diego in November which has moved up a week, hopefully to take advantage of any remaining good weather.<br />
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As for assignments, having experienced leading Youth Corps last year in AZ, I am looking forward to repeating in San Diego. You can catch me and my good friend <a href="http://www.facebook.com/ellepeji">Elle Peji</a> at Pit 2 in Boston and it is my expectation to lead Camp Logistics again in SF.<br />
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The captain meetings are already happening for Boston, my hotel is booked, and I just need to find a reasonably priced flight. I can't wait to get back to 3-Day where we believe it's the way the world ought to be.<br />
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<a href="https://secure3.convio.net/npt/site/Donation2?df_id=3708&FR_ID=1768&PROXY_ID=1288321&PROXY_TYPE=20&outreachid=4tvDqmDH3jSycgHcPiOW1QSf0CYuYdd-">Please support the fight by donating today!</a> It's estimated that in 2012, there will be 226,870 new cases of invasive breast cancer and almost 40,000 deaths from breast cancer.dadheartsacrohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04530914964036526584noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4794667932968086936.post-32373104221440256182011-11-20T20:43:00.000-08:002011-11-20T20:43:33.207-08:00We Close Another Chapter on 3-Day, Farewell 2011So we've logged another 15 events for Susan G. Komen's 3-Day for the Cure. I think it is a little bittersweet that while breast cancer is not yet a thing of the past, millions of dolllars have been raised this year that will go to programs designed for research, prevention, and awareness. I think it is a little sad that for all the money that is stacked up in the name of fighting breast cancer we can only go as fast as researcher discover new learning about how to stop it. So until then, the best we have awareness and prevention along with modern equipment for finding and eradicating. <br />
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I think also bittersweet is that I will personally be looking forward to another year of 3-Day for the Cure in 2012. I long for the day when I can say that I no longer need to participate because the answer has been found.<br />
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Until then, I bid 2011 farewell. I had an awesome time in both San Francisco and Arizona! I am planning 3 events next year where I hope to make it to Boston, repeat in SF, and hopefully return to San Diego. There are so many people I have enjoyed reuniting with as well as meeting new people who share the same passion as I do. <br />
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So if you have something you would like to share or remember, leave a comment here! See you all next year.dadheartsacrohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04530914964036526584noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4794667932968086936.post-74517685293582348972011-11-15T21:12:00.000-08:002011-11-15T21:12:48.605-08:00My Newest Favorite Team to CrewWell, AZ 3-Day has come and gone. All the hype leading up to event was all it was cracked up to be and more. If there is one thing I need, it's challenge. No crew team has ever come close to Camp Logistics, until maybe now. Yes, I am talking about the Youth Corps team. Led by one leader for every 5 young adults, this job works you physically and mentally. The first sign that it's a challenge should be when you realize there is a background check. "Passed". <br />
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For those of you who don't know, the Youth Corps has been a concept at the Boston 3-Day for some years. It is a program that gives young adults a chance to be on event, work as crew works, and experience a sense of community for a common cause, the end of breast cancer. Young adults anywhere from 11 to 16 can sign up, but they must write an essay and more importantly, they have to raise at least $500 to be on the team. I was pretty excited to learn that our team of 9 raised $6,000 for the AZ event.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/--XERVPhdx1s/TsNCpnDBMVI/AAAAAAAAEx8/yWlzXKEl4SE/s1600/IMG_1335.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear:left; float:left;margin-right:1em; margin-bottom:1em"><img border="0" height="320" width="239" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/--XERVPhdx1s/TsNCpnDBMVI/AAAAAAAAEx8/yWlzXKEl4SE/s320/IMG_1335.JPG" /></a></div>One of the things I find so awesome about this team is that it gives young people a chance to experience community, leadership, and a sense of giving back. Often, there is a personal connection to breast cancer. It's hard nowadays to find someone who hasn't been touched by this disease. However, we all work for a world where someday, we can reach a point where we can talk about breast cancer as part of our past...the way a kid today might question when someone talks about rotary telephones.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-4G14OK1o3IA/TsNEDPIXqMI/AAAAAAAAEyI/8hpjGO3hN6g/s1600/YouthCorpsAZ.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear:left; float:left;margin-right:1em; margin-bottom:1em"><img border="0" height="239" width="320" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-4G14OK1o3IA/TsNEDPIXqMI/AAAAAAAAEyI/8hpjGO3hN6g/s320/YouthCorpsAZ.JPG" /></a></div>I think what's exciting about the team is the innocence brought to bear on an event that is centered around something so horrible. It gives me a sense of hope that future generations care as much about eradicating breast cancer. I find it refreshing to see an energy that has been lost in others, an energy I almost lost. <br />
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So you might ask, "Was it the Youth Corps that gave you a different perspective or merely a change in jobs?" And I would respond, "Both." I've been looking for something different for some time now. However, I knew it was going to have to be something more rewarding than what is currently offered. Fortunately for me, it was made possible and it turned out to be the right combination.<br />
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Will I give up Camp Logistics? Highly unlikely. I love that job way too much, but I certainly have a new team that I can see myself putting a lot of energy into!dadheartsacrohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04530914964036526584noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4794667932968086936.post-51672164991642865692011-11-10T12:29:00.000-08:002011-11-10T12:29:36.036-08:00A Year of 3-Day Firsts for MeSo I'm sitting here in the crew tent before Crew Day starts in AZ and I have a lot of time to reflect. I'm realizing how much this is a year of firsts for me when it comes to 3-Day. <br />
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5. This is the first year I am doing AZ!<br />
4. This is the first year I am leading a team other than Camp Logistics (Youth Corps)<br />
3. This is the first year since 2005, that I won't be going to San Diego. Kinda sad about that one.<br />
2. This is the first event I won't have any Ka'Nunu Ohana on event.<br />
1. This is the first time ever (started in 2003), that I will get to see Opening Ceremonies!<br />
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I'm sure this weekend will be bound full of firsts and I am looking forward to new beginnings.dadheartsacrohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04530914964036526584noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4794667932968086936.post-31181998995355437192011-11-08T13:10:00.000-08:002011-11-08T13:10:37.255-08:00A New Venture for an Old Dog2011 has definitely brought new changes for me as a captain. San Francisco was a great event back in September. A new adventure awaits me this week as I volunteer both in a new city and new leadership position. Thursday, I will leave for the Arizona 3-Day and this time I will be fortunate to be a Youth Corp leader. The Youth Corp program has been something that originated in Boston, but this year has been proliferated to all the cities that host a 3-Day event. This team gives kids from 11-16 a chance to volunteer and contribute to the 3-Day community. Many of the kids have moms that have been through or are going through battling breast cancer. What makes this team even more exciting is that each kid must raise at least $500 to even participate. So this is for the serious minded individual who wants to make a difference in the fight against breast cancer. <br />
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This weekend promises to be very exciting as we also have a completely new route for AZ. Watch for updates on the <a href="http://www.facebook.com/CampLogs">SF Camp Logistics team page</a> (yes, I am leveraging) at...<br />
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<a href="http://www.facebook.com/CampLogs">http://www.facebook.com/CampLogs</a>dadheartsacrohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04530914964036526584noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4794667932968086936.post-52075172072725681362011-02-04T09:25:00.000-08:002011-02-04T09:25:09.859-08:00Change is in the air for 2011The only thing that stays the same is change. It happens in front of us all the time whether we are aware of it or not. Not everyone is adept at accepting change and maybe that because some need longer time to process and accept change. Often times you hear people say, "remember the good 'ol days?" or "things aren't what they used to be." I have to agree that days gone by, there were certainly good 'ol times or the appreciation of the status quo. However, if we don't go through change, how do we know that the past was good or not. We would also not know of things that make our lives better.<br />
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"The Case for Change"<br />
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Those of us who participate in efforts such as the Susan G. Komen, 3-Day for the Cure are all seeking one outcome...the end of breast cancer. Whether you are a walker or part of the crew, we all spend time preparing, raising money, and finally celebrating our efforts over 3-Days. Like all endeavors, we try things out. When it doesn't work, when adjust. When things work, we keep it in the program. When we learn something new, we look to implement. This is change. If we ever want to get to a world without breast cancer, it will entail constant change over time. While we will always know the constant of 1 + 1 = 2, the definition of success cannot be boiled down to a simple mathematical formula. Instead, it's the ability to adapt to the changing variables in life that occur and change the formula all the time. This is why the definition of insanity is doing the same thing over and over expecting a different outcome. <br />
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So look out 2011! Walkers and crew alike, be prepared, be flexible, and let's make this season one of the best yet!dadheartsacrohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04530914964036526584noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4794667932968086936.post-2491212335755083902010-12-24T22:49:00.000-08:002010-12-24T22:49:16.869-08:00A Time for ReflectionWow, we are about to close the books on 2010. As I take a moment to stop and reflect, I find myself in awe of how fast the year went by, how much was accomplished, and how much still needs to be done. A quick self-reflection, I find that I am a horrible blogger. Most avid bloggers fill the internet space with frequent updates about events, experiences, and the happenings in the world. I went through 2 Susan G. Komen 3-Day for the Cure events and completely forgot to blog. In my defense, I did post many times to Facebook during events.<br />
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So, have I learned anything this year? The answer is a resounding, YES! I constantly strive for improvement in some form or fashion. This year, it was the year where I wanted to practice patience and being even keel. I have realized that as a leader, the more people you lead, the more even keel you must be in order to prevail and appeal to the majority of whom you lead. To look back upon personas like Howard Dean who effectively destroyed his presidential hopes with one cowboy outcry, it is easy to see how the mass can move a ship in a different direction. To lead with confidence but exude patience can have an amazing effect on people and help you get to where you are going.<br />
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What else did I learn? Well, I learned more about my friends this year, especially my 3-Day friends. I made new friends on event as well as reconnected with old friends. More relishing were the moments with my Ka'nunu Ohana, both on and off the 3-Day field. What's great to know is that more often than not, the people you meet on 3-Day that you take time to get to know, can easily become your friend for life. And yes, it's a little cheesy, but if you take time to invest in people, the ones worth friending are truly a blessing in your life.<br />
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It's truly been a busy year...at least for me, but the learning I have each year, which really is just a reminder, is that all the things I do are really a means to an end. Because in the end, I always remember that there are only really 3 things I care about in life...Family, Friends, and an end to breast cancer.<br />
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So for what probably will be my final post for the year, I will take this opportunity to wish everyone a very happy holidays and a prosperous new year. May 2011 bring you health and happiness.dadheartsacrohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04530914964036526584noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4794667932968086936.post-20709686019315573712010-08-26T10:20:00.001-07:002010-08-26T10:21:47.703-07:00Meeting the Crew SeriesWith 3-Day SF Bay Area just around the corner, our FaceBook page will start profiling members of the Camp Logistics team. Check out our page and become a fan. It's a place to learn about folks, get additional pics during and after event, and find out other neat things going on with Camp life! Go to <a href="http://www.facebook.com/CampLogs">www.facebook.com/CampLogs</a>dadheartsacrohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04530914964036526584noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4794667932968086936.post-29512012211730282502010-08-25T09:29:00.000-07:002010-08-25T09:29:34.772-07:00Life Should Mirror Camp LogisticsPeople often comment that life on the 3-Day is how life should be. Unfortunately, when Monday rolls around, we forget some of the awful stuff we left behind the Thursday before. However, I think as crew, we should all mirror our 3-Day lives in the real world. Take for example, Camp Logistics. I think this should look and does resemble my life in reality. You drop in to work hard in order to positively change the lives of many people. Sometimes, it's smooth running and other times it's organized chaos. However, in the end, we wrap it all up and leave the place better than we found it. Life should be like that as well. I want to be able to look back or have others reflect on behalf that when I was alive, I worked hard to make a positive impact on loved ones, friends, and the people I associated with. I won't have always been perfect. And when I pass to a better place...I want to go knowing and feeling that the world was just a little better because I did something about it.dadheartsacrohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04530914964036526584noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4794667932968086936.post-89820415569378844852010-08-06T08:56:00.001-07:002010-08-06T09:21:31.391-07:00You can almost determine someone's character on 3-Day by how they fundraiseI'm often reminded in real life how people demonstrate their character towards each other and I am always comparing that to the character I witness on 3-Day. I once heard and now paraphrase that we ultimately see a person's character when they are challenged. Do they lash out? Complain? Wallow in the challenge? OR do they step up and demonstrate a commitment to meet that challenge in the eye and put every ounce of effort to accomplishing the goal? I have seen people with amazing character on event and then I have seen people with so-so or lackluster character as well. <br /><br />As a crew captain, I have the privilege of encouraging my team to fundraise and over the last eight plus years, I have started to formulate a hypothesis that the level of commitment, engagement, and character demonstrated on 3-Day can be correlated and determined by the corresponding level of funds raised.<br /><br />For example, in my experience and reflecting back, the folks on my team who have raised $0 for event typically showed a less than desirable level of commitment on event. Furthermore, these folks also included whiners, complainers, and challengers to authority. They were often late to meetings on event, late to rise in the morning, and could not be found when needed. Worst of all, these folks would have an excuse for everything. "Fund raising is not a requirement for crew." "Why do we have to help them?"<br /><br />On the contrary, the people who raise a significant amount of money (~$300 or more) had high levels of commitment. They were the first to agree to pitch in. They participated in fund raising events. Most importantly, during event, they remained highly engaged and open to anything.<br /><br />Now there are some responsibilities incumbent upon the captain. First, you must lead by example. Don't expect things from your crew if you will not do the same. Second, you have to engage the team and fire them up. Remind them that this is a fund raising event. While crew is not required to fund raising, you can easily position the fact that it costs money to run the event and for every dollar raised by crew, it helps offset event expenses. Third, reach out to the newbies who have never crewed or walked before. You may find several diamonds in the rough who just need the help to jump start their fundraising. Finally, put forth some challenges to your crew. Start a friendly competition with other crews or provide incentives to your top fund raisers.<br />Challenging your crew will give you leading indicators as to how they will perform on event. <br /><br />My final thought. You won't be successful in getting all your crew to be superstars. You can't inspire someone who isn't passionate about what they are doing.<br /><br />Share your thoughts and observations. I can always use reference points and other ideas!dadheartsacrohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04530914964036526584noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4794667932968086936.post-18671537411982436682010-06-21T11:04:00.000-07:002010-06-21T11:19:37.672-07:00Supporting Women's Health Awareness and Early Detection - Thanks Angela!<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/__isfsrE1oaw/TB-r_FvP7-I/AAAAAAAAEUg/NA-Juf0nT-I/s1600/angela_leon.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 90px; height: 270px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/__isfsrE1oaw/TB-r_FvP7-I/AAAAAAAAEUg/NA-Juf0nT-I/s320/angela_leon.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5485291971521015778" /></a><br />I am happy to announce that I have a winner in my iPod Shuffle giveaway! Angela Leon, colleague and friend, stepped up last Thursday and made a wonderful donation to the cause. In addition, she picks up a brand new iPod Suffle and 25 chances to win an Apple iPad. <br /><br />More importantly was Angela's reason for donating. While she read my posts about the contest, the donation was in support of women's health awareness and early detection. In my interview with Angela, she mentions, "...this is very preventable." Angela's connection to breast cancer is distant compared to many I know and I think this she fortunate. Angela, however, participates at local race events and has met many other women who have had breast cancer. She has thought about signing up for the Susan G. Komen 3-Day for the Cure with a friend and hopefully, we'll see her out on event in the future. In the meantime, THANK YOU Angela for your wonderful donation!dadheartsacrohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04530914964036526584noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4794667932968086936.post-53784452025890957192010-06-14T11:35:00.001-07:002010-06-14T11:49:37.550-07:00Need a tax deduction for this year and an iPod?<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/__isfsrE1oaw/TBZ4BVG8kZI/AAAAAAAAEUY/TuFxG7c3EA0/s1600/shuffle.png"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 256px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/__isfsrE1oaw/TBZ4BVG8kZI/AAAAAAAAEUY/TuFxG7c3EA0/s320/shuffle.png" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5482701560611639698" /></a><br />It's never too early to think about tax time. Throughout the year, you will be presented with opportunities to make charitable donations. Since you are reading this blog, please consider this one of those times! Your donation will help go towards breast cancer research, prevention, and awareness. In addition, I will sweeten the pot by throwing in an iPod Shuffle for the first person who donates a minimum of $125. My crew is also hosting a fundraiser. For every $5 you donate, you will receive a chance to win a new iPad!<br /><br />Donate today by clicking on the donation banner on the right or click on this <a href="http://www.the3day.org/site/TR/2010/SanFranciscoBayAreaEvent2010?px=1288321&pg=personal&fr_id=1470">donate link</a>dadheartsacrohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04530914964036526584noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4794667932968086936.post-79054650303711583102010-06-04T08:17:00.000-07:002010-06-04T08:30:14.795-07:00Fund raising is so important, I am giving an iPod Shuffle away<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/__isfsrE1oaw/TAkZ0lP0n4I/AAAAAAAAET8/OyGaAY2clCY/s1600/shuffle-black.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 90px; height: 253px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/__isfsrE1oaw/TAkZ0lP0n4I/AAAAAAAAET8/OyGaAY2clCY/s320/shuffle-black.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5478938812815286146" /></a><br />TODAY only, I am giving away 1 iPod shuffle to the first person who donates a minimum of $200 to the fight against breast cancer. In addition to that, the winner will receive an entry to win an iPad for every $5 donated!<br /><br />Consider a donation of any size however, as the fight against breast cancer is too important. Your contributions will go towards research, awareness, and prevention of this deadly disease. Please help, having breast cancer is no longer a certain death sentence. That's all due to the donations that have helped over the last 20 years.<br /><br />To donate today, visit <a href="https://secure3.convio.net/npt/site/Donation2?2321.donation=form1&idb=734457461&df_id=2321&FR_ID=1470&PROXY_ID=1288321&PROXY_TYPE=20">my donation page!</a>dadheartsacrohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04530914964036526584noreply@blogger.com0