Tuesday, December 04, 2007

The Hampshire House



It was a magical evening. There was only one thing that I would have wanted to change . . .I didn't want it to be over as quickly as it was.

After weeks of planning, the event has come and gone and I am so sad that it is over. We held a fund-raising event for Dana-Farber Cancer Institute on Monday the 26th of November at a beautiful venue in downtown Boston across from the Public Garden. This classy historic building was decorated beautifully for Christmas, the hors d'eouveres were amazing, the desserts looked beautiful, and the dancing was so much fun. All in all I would call it a very successful night.

The evening was so enjoyable. We had about 60 guests in attendance and I was pleased with the turnout on the Monday after Thanksgiving weekend. After mingling for an hour as the guests arrived, I took a few moments to talk about the motivation for this event. I thanked everyone for coming, talked about the mission of Dana-Farber, gave an update Catie's battle against cancer, and then proudly announced that we have raised over $5,000 for cancer research. I was amazed by the generosity of such a small group of people.

Several times that evening people commented that I must feel grateful that this part of my commitment to Dana-Farber is over--now I can focus on the real tough part-training for the marathon. I had to disagree. I think that training for the marathon might be easier than planning and executing a fund-raiser, but it was definitely worth it!

A few weeks ago I met for the first time with members of the Dana Farber marathon challenge team to begin our group training. I was overwhelmed by the dedication and motivation behind each runner. Listening to their stories as we ran made me realize what an enormous impact our combined efforts will make. Being a part of this incredible team is truly a humbling experience.

I didn't have my camera--terrible mistake--but, a friend took a few pictures for me. Hopefully you can use your imagination to put it all together.






11 comments:

Ashlee said...

That is amazing! Way to put this together. Good luck on training for the marathon. You will do good! What great people you two are!

Catie said...

Jen, you are amazing. I loved seeing the pictures. I am sad that Steve and I were not there to join you. I was thinking about you all night though and am so happy that it turned out so well. You are such a good person and determined in all you do (something I've learned from you), I know you will be very successful in both the fundraising and marathon parts of this challenge. I love you Jen. -Catie

Julianne said...

Sad to have missed it. Congrats on raising so much!

Anonymous said...

It looked so fabulous Jen! I'm so impressed... there's so many times people think about doing something to make a difference, but you actually did it. You deserve one BIG hug! Congratulations.

bentanelle said...

This looked like a huge success! The Venue looks beautiful! Good luck with the training for the marathon now. I ran one this summer and I would say to run more than one 20 miler before the big day, I think it would have helped me at the end! Good luck and have a great Holiday Season! Will you guys be in Utah at all? We are coming home so hopefully we can see you!

allegra said...

jen you're awesome! how do you find time to organize charity events, go running everyday, excel at your calling, look after 2 boys and still keep up a blog? you're amazing. talk about time management:)

great job on the event. everything looked incredible, and congrats on raising so much money!

Mandy said...

I would like to second Allegra's message - how did you plan such a festive fundraiser with two little ones at home? Congrats on such an awesome event. Jen, you inspire all of us!

Mandy said...

P.S. Allegra, are you Pixie's daughter? Pixie and I served in YW together in Provo. My hubby did MBA school there and Pixie told me all about your hubby's school adventures. Good luck - I'm glad you found my dear friend Jen. She will take care of you in Boston!

Kate said...

Sorry we couldn't make it! I'm so happy that it went well. You never cease to amaze me, Jen.

Mimi said...

You are skinnier than when you got married! Wow! I'm glad it all went well - looks beautiful. Is that Margaret Wooley in the first pic? If not - the face is so familiar - someone I've crossed paths with.

April said...

Jen, you amaze me. You are always so elegant and so great and making an event beautiful. I would have loved to see the end product and more so to participate in your goal in honor of Catie.

Good luck with your training!!