I had been asking Jana for weeks what I could do to help with the last minute preparations, but she seemed to have it under control. I was a bit worried. Jana is an expert at these types of fundraisers, but with her going back to work, planning my house warming party, being under the weather AND the Memphis Miles walk, I just didn't know where she would find the time.
Evidently Jana doesn't sleep.
Because every aspect of the event was marvelously carried out.
There were danishes, fresh fruit and coffee upon arrival. One would visit the registration table to confirm their presence (or sign up for those who hadn't done so online) and pay their registration fee + any other donations they had collected. There were also several tables set up by the sponsors of the event, offering all kinds of goodies from stress balls (definitely needed that) to portable radios, popcorn to potholders (Mom loves these freebie tables) and our exclusive Memphis Miles bag (reusable!) with plenty of goodies and a beautiful note from Jana to her fanclub! :)
After the mingling and registration (Kiera and I were supposed to do the welcoming and directing, but it was so cold that everyone in my group, consisting of me, Kiera, my mom, Lea, Theresia and Tina, took turns), Jana did a small speech, welcomed Mark Lutrell (the Shelby County mayor) and had the Father from her church lead us in prayer. Then it was 2.75 mile walk (easy peasy) and back to the welcome center for music (DJ!) and more mingling. After everyone left and we cleaned up, Kiera and I joined Jana and a few friends for a picnic. The food was wonderful, but the weather was completely unagreeable and we ended up spending more time wrestling with our food than eating it (think: windy Chicago autumn). Next year, Jana said, we're going to McAlister's!
While we didn't reach Jana's $25K goal, we did raise quite a bit of money for the MMRF. And, perhaps more importantly, we were able to raise awareness to MM and reach out to others in the community whose lives have been affected by MM. Leading up to the walk, Jana was able to use a variety of media outlets to spread word of the event. On Thursday, she was on with ABC 24 news and, at the event, she met a mother and teenage son who had seen Jana and her promo for Memphis Miles on television. The mother said she had lost her husband to MM last year and the walk made her feel like she had a place of belonging and a way to memorialize her late husband.
[As an aside, let me say that Jana was a natural both on the television and the radio. She didn't appear to be the least bit nervous and was articulate and charming--I think she missed her calling!]
I've already begun brainstorming for next year's event (as has Jana). With a little experience under our belts, word out on the street and a good bit of the work already done for future years (logo created; signs made; vendors, volunteers and sponsor lists created), next year should be even bigger and better!
Thanks to everyone who showed up (on my end) and those who donated online. It's great to have such a wonderful, supportive and kind-hearted group of friends in this little 2.75 we call life.
No need to wait for the next Memphis Miles; we can continue to spread the word throughout the year.
Just remember:
Powerful thinking advances the cure.
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| Jana and me after the walk |
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| One of the many signs leading the way |
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| Even Taylor Mae came out in support of MMRF |
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| Maroon is the color for MM support, hence the scarves Kiera, Theresia and me |
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| The best friends a girl could ask for! |
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| The fine folks at El Patio on Austin Peay were nice enough to turn this on and up so I wouldn't miss Jana's TV debut! |
