GUESS WHAT...

Hey guys,How are you?

I am positively glowing, do the hokey pokey and turn all about …… we got a LOCATION!Yipeeeeee!!! I’m so excited I almost screamed.

One of the fundamentals of having a fundraiser is of course, a location.

About 3 weeks ago I thought of a gorgeous church close to our house that would be perfect in every way shape or form for our fundraiser. Interested, I told my mum and she agreed. Brandishing a phone at hand she told me she knew a man who had connections to the church’s head. After several calls and emails sent back and forth relaying info needed to make an appointment with the reverend, I built up my guts and dialed his phone number. After a cheery quick phone conversation we agreed to meet at the church.

On first arrival all three of us (J.H, O.K, S.R) our bodies were fueled with energy and adrenaline. In turn, we explained our engagement to the secretary and then we were greeted warmly by the reverend. My first thought was “this is gonna be awesome, this is the place.” I think we were all extremely surprised at his youthfulness and giddy aura balanced by a never failing smile. Tell you the truth, I was not expecting that, I’m not sure what I expected, but to be greeted with so much optimism created a halo of safety and a bridge of love. We explained our cause, then our predicament In which he marveled and ensured. He told us he would love to give us the space to use, but it would need to be discussed in a board meeting. Then with positive affirmations he guided us towards the beautiful room we would be using. With every word he said it seemed he was convincing us to use it not us convincing him. The grandeur and perfection sunk in. all of us stood gawking that it had all of our necessity’s fully equipped. (Music system, presentation screen, tables and chairs, lighting etc.)

The room in itself was perfect,created in a hexagonal? Shape, it was a dream come true. It was just how we pictured and when Janelle and I closed are eyes, it was reality, perfection, a dream coming true on giant leap at a time. In the foyer there are tables we were told we could use to advertise to the congregation and lines of coat racks available for the night of. When I brought up the matter of cost, I explained our wish for the space to be a donation, without a doubt he responded, “Well I assumed as much.” His smile became contagious and would not leave. We exchanged cards and left, hearts brilliantly warmed with hope. On our return home, mischievously I devised a plan. We walked through the door, glumly frowning, trying to defy the laugh at our lips. When my mum asked about how it went, we did not respond. Sitting slouched, I turned away to muffle a giggle into a cough. Sad, we were sad, she persisted on the events of our meeting. Unable to contain are light we all began to giggle and she understood we had, had a glorious meeting. A little after a week later, in reply of an email of thanks, I received an email of conformation from the awesome reverend. He explained the church was ours to use and directed the message of cleaning. Jumping for joy, my heart soared and I replied. Thanking him again, I reassured we would leave the church in better condition than before.

So now, guess what…..

WE HAVE A LOCATION!

Hip, hip, hooray!

o.k.

Business Card Anyone?

So yeah, again: sorry it has taken soo long to update. But some exciting news has happened!
One of our very close followers/helpers has given us a very generous... you could say gift. She has given Ocean and I each Business Cards! Which for Ocean was sooo awesome, and for me was, well sooo awesome! (=

This will allow us to contact people a lot easier, and make our self more well known! In other words; really help us out with communicating to "The People".

I will be posting a picture of one on our Facebook Page once i speak to Ocean again... Hopefully you are all as excited as we are!

Superstore

Oh No! Shots!!!

Just called Alberta Health link to get information on what kind of shots we need to get before we go to Mexico. The nurse gave me the Canada Center for Disease Control. Not only does this website have information about shots it has lots of other information: MUST READ before we go to Mexico!

• To have the most benefit, see a health-care provider at least 4–6 weeks before your trip to allow time for your vaccines to take effect and to start taking medicine to prevent malaria, if you need it.

• Even if you have less than 4 weeks before you leave, you should still see a health-care provider for needed vaccines, anti-malaria drugs and other medications and information about how to protect yourself from illness and injury while traveling. 

•  Be sure your routine vaccinations are up-to-date...such as for influenza, chickenpox (or varicella), polio, measles/mumps/rubella (MMR), and diphtheria/pertussis/tetanus (DPT)
  
  
  • Also: Hepatitis A, Hepatitis B, Typhoid, Rabies

Happy Days

Okay, so two days ago(Friday) Ocean and I started our, you could call it, Bakery Tour of The City. We went to a bunch of different bakeries' on Whyte Ave that day to see who was open to donating/contributing to our fundraiser. Even though the walking was brutal on out feet, we had a blast!

We had called all the shops the day before to confirm that the manager would be in, and the first one we went to, Crave Cupcakes and Cookies, knew us by name! She was very bubbly and very kind. "We can most definitely give you guys a couple of dozen mini cupcakes" said with a smile that brought our hopes up with guiding lights.

The rest of the day went well. Lots of good vibes from the managers and employees. And the fact that I got an awesome top hat just boosted the feel good feeling of the day.
We can't wait for our next outing, and thanks again to those who are helping us and supporting our cause.

The quickest best phone call ever

Oh my Gosh I can't believe it, it is a dream come true.

Yesterday I went over to visit a possible caterer to see if they might be interested in participating in our event. I was disappointed to learn that the owner, who is a contact from a friend, was not available due to a meeting that had just started. I knew that I should have called ahead. I froze up when I was talking to the secretary. When I left the building I was sad and worried, because I had not delivered my message well.

Today I called the owner, to see if he had received the proposal. This is how the conversation went.

"Hi. My name is Ocean.
"We received your letter. I sent it to the marketing specialist. We would like to help you.
"Really? Thank you? That is Awesome!"
"She will be contacting you soon."
"Thank you!"
"Ok. Bye."

Awed and star-struck I hung up the phone. That was the quickest best phone call ever.

Becoming Real (a second perspective)

So on the 9th (last Tuesday), Ocean and I went around South Edmonton Common looking for donations. We had to write a letter for all the managers, but the day turned out great (even with all the walking :). We even got some donations that day! For example; gift cards and coupons. Ocean thought it was going to be a little nerve racking (and so did I, but don't tell her that!). Anyways... it wasn't at all! Everyone was so generous and kind I'd just like to say thanks to all those who are helping us to reach our goal of Changing the World.

Triumph Expedition (mostly)

Hello People of the World! Today is a good day!

Recently, Janelle and I had an expedition across South Common. We walked with intent and purpose to reach our goal of gathering donations. The first manager we talked to, at Swiss Chalet, was very light-hearted and impressed by our age and initiative, that we were doing this ourselves without an organization. He headed to the back, and we giggled nervously. When he returned: he had three free meal coupons in his hand. Yeah!!!! Now that set us on a good streak!

Swiss Chalet
2203 99 Street Northwest,
Edmonton, AB

(780) 988-2233

We visited a couple of other stores, and most of them said they would have to talk to their higher authority or their boss. We were prepared so we had letters in hand. They accepted the letter and we received a bucket full of business cards (to follow up with businesses in one week.)

Superstore
9711 23 AVE NW,
Edmonton, AB T6N 1K7

780-490-3918

Then we got to Superstore, we asked to speak with the manager, and she came. Unfortunately, that day was very hot, and I was unnaturally sweaty. When she asked to shake hands, I kinda delayed putting my sweaty hand into her palm. But, that did not seem to stop her from donating a $50 gift card. We leaped with glee: zealous to conquer the next store.

Periodically the rest of the stores all said they would have to talk to their bosses, or come back tomorrow. With that, my mother and I galloped triumphantly back. 99.9% also said they would contact us if their bosses said yes. One stoer said to visit their website and send an e-mail.

I think I love you Superstore and Swiss Chalet.

It is a good start for a long journey.

(My momma says we are learning good job search skills early in life....)

Becoming Real

So on the 9th(yesterday), Ocean and I went around for donations in South Edmonton Common, for the fundraiser. We had to write a letter for all the managers, and it turned out great.
We even got some gift cards and coupons that day! Ocean thaught it was going to be alittle nerve racking, and so did I (but dont tell her that!). Anyways... it wasnt at all! Everyone was so kind and generous.
I'd just like to say thanks to all those who are helping us get closer to our goal of changing the world.

The Principle's Office ...

Dudes and Dudettes,

So this is how the story begins, once there was a girl and her principle and her two lovely friends. Inspired by a dream they asked for a location to place their dream. With dignity the principle said, "I will have to speak to a higher authority on behalf of your dream." Brandishing our proposal, we placed it in his large hands, and told him it meant a great deal to us.

In days to follow we continually knocked on his door (he is a busy man), asking if he could support our dream. But each day he was overwhelmed with the end of school work. By the end of the week, our faith had faltered, but he stood strong and said, "If I do not read it by tomorrow, I will give you candy." Our spirits lifted the tinciest of the bits. So, coming back we actually wanted him not to read it, so we could have candy. But this is a better dream, people. So he read it. :) :(

Possibility filled the air. Anticipation and need hungered in our souls. He said, with astounding words, "It is possible, but expensive." I broke down in veracious tears. (Not really.) Standing strong, all three of us girls looked into his eyes as he told us, "You will be leaders in the future. I am Yoda!" Actually he said, "You will be leaders in the future. I am impressed by your strong will. I wish my sons had these kind of ideas. As a teacher at a high school, in awarding students who made a difference, the kids who won were always chosen because of the things you are doing now."

Although he did not give us candy, with kind hearts we gave him Lifesavers because he was a lifesaver to us. He said, "Wow, you guys are prepared."

With a tremor in our lips we walked back, our head held high and our shoulders back; we walked towards the sunset with a vision of another location for our dreams.

Thank you, Mr. Principle! We love you :)

Childrens Entertainment

So after going to the buffet and silent auction, my mom and I came up with a few ideas:
we thought since family's might came to our event, family's = kids, which
= entertainment and games. We came up with a couple of kid fun activity's,to include them:

• Sunday bar: we could have ice cram and all the toppings so children could make their own unique Sunday.
• Craft making contest: we could supply paper and create crafts like; paper hats or hand print fun etc.

I saved the best for last:

• Popcorn auction: we thought since the adults have their own auction, the kids should to. We would have a table lined with candy or toy prizes, and at the door the parents could purchase a small bag of un popped popcorn so the kids could bid on their favourite candy or toyJ

Silent Auction and Dinner

Hey, so I am part of a canoeing club and recently my mom and I received a invite in the mail to go to a silent auction and dinner by the group who sponsors our canoeing club.i showed my mom the invite and it said their would be a buffet and silent auction, which was exactly what we are doing J it was perfect until I read further and saw it said the entrance fee was 60 dollars per person. like holy Diana!!!So after concluding I was never going, I put the idea in the back of my mind never to be seen or heard of again. Until Saturday.

On the calender it said special mothers and daughters day. Let me tell you something, I always guess surprises before they happen and it drives my mom crazy but this time she did a good job at hiding the secret. I was clueless as we got onto the bus and went a totally different way then all my ideas. Movie, no we would ave turned left back their. Dinner at our favourite restaurant, nope different bus. Swimming, nope I'm dressed fancy and I don’t have a swim suit. You get the point. Still hiding our destination, This went on until we were on the other side of town at a golf course I had never heard of. We walked down the hill and their was a community league, right smach in the middle of the golf course. Still puzzled we entered into the doors and the smell of food wafted to my nose. People were dressed in fancy apparel and buying numbers in a log hallway. The idea of were we were presented its self from a locked cage and it hit me. Good one mom.

 Remembering the price of 120 for 2 people, I objected to this foolishness with a giddy smile planted on my face. Buying a number I still objected but less willfully as I entered and saw platters and platters of hot glorious food. After putting name tags on, We saw a piece of paper and found we were placed at table 18, the last table. The tables were scattered around half of the ballroom and the buffet was on the other side. In the middle a small stage was set up with a piano and mic. Fully equipped with a piano playing singer.e we sat with 8 people including ourselfs and engaged in conversation. The first thing I noticed was real cloth napkins with programs placed on it, and like four forks and knifes each! i know, crazy plus to cups and a massive plate.the program had the mission for their organization, the order of events and supporters.

I was surprised at how many people actually paid to get in. we discussed life at our table until a speaker announced we could walk around the ballroom walls were long tables were lined in prizes like: paintings, books, gift cards and care packages. Etc. we looked at each table that lined the walls and saw a constant pattern. Each item had a title and had a sheet of paper in front of ti. Their were two different color papers: green or white.The sheet had the item and a grid . above the grid it had the items value and were it was from. The grid had two sections: one for our bid number and one for how much you will pay. Some papers had a starting bid like 5 dollars and others didn’t. after we looked we sat down and the speaker made an introduction, he then proceeded to read out numbers to get food. It was awesome the way he did it. He called out tables with prime numbers, divisible by it self, even numbers and the happy number. Nobody knew so cellphones came out looking for the number.it turned out if you went and told the speaker you were happy your table would go first. Only one table figured it out.

We got the Delicious food and absolutely stuffed our plates! (I went back for secondsJ ) we chatted and a guy told everyone it was last call for signing your bid on green sheets. A couple people went up. Then we got dessert and the green bid winners were announced plus their was a raffle someone won. They also had an auction for your tables center piece,(yellow daisy's) which I had the highest bid for at the ed of the night.then after dessert they counted down for last call bids on the white sheets.for an hour their were speakers promoting their organization.

 Later an amazing comedian (the piano playing singer) cracked jokes and made us laugh like crazy.the nice thing was his humor was for all ages and funny for every one. I think we should higher a comedian for our event.the comedian played 25 snip its of songs and if you got all of them right you win one of his Cd's. Ecstatic I tried my hardest only getting 13/25 L . At the end of the night I was so happy, and full of ideas for our event. I also received emails of a couple sand man who wanted to support me for going to Mexico. what an amazing evening.

Brain Storming

It is a beautiful day, spring is almost here and I cant wait. Recently, we had a meeting with Jannelle Stephanie and I in which it contained several topics such as: fundraiser ideas, benefits to the school, locations, what we will learn and created a VIP list. For fundraiser ideas we came up with several like car washes or bike sales.Then we came up with a long list of ideas in which the school would benefit from our fundraiser that we would like to present to the Principal. One of them was it will create a sense of community. Then we crated plan B’s if the location of the school doesn’t work out. After a very big list of skills we will learn from this experience of planning. Finally we created a V.I.P. list for people like the Principal etc. wow, what a day that was.
Coming to the end of the meeting we told my friends about the blog we created and asked them to be authors. Accepting with glee, they gushed out with encouragement for the future.

First Blog

:) Hi welcome to this amazing blog which happens to be mine!!!!!
i hope you enjoy viewing my adventure to Mexico. The process will be long and the work hard but i know even before i go it is totally worth it. Most teenagers want a car or cellphone for their birthday but i want more than any thing in the world to change it. i look forward to this journey, changing the world one step at a time. ;-)

love

me

P.S. Today, my mom came up with the idea of a blog. We nailed the idea and created what you see right now! I couldn’t wait to show my friends!!

Meeting the Principal

We had our second meeting in which we thought of talking to the Principal of our school if he would let us use the school gym for the fundraiser. When we talked to him he also liked the idea and encouraged us to continue on but asked how it would benefit the school. (proceed to Our Ripples to see what we came up with)

Getting Support

On our first meeting we discussed the whole idea of the dessert auction and dinner and getting the desserts. We found out we would probably need a letter of authentication to show the dessert donars our purpose and that we were not just going to steal their money. We then decided on writing a letter to a teacher for a meeting the next day.before we talked to him we conversed on how we should approach the schedule. In the meeting we told him our plans and asked him for an letter of authentication. He liked our idea but asked him to ask him closer to the date of the dinner. We will! J

In the begining

Hey so let me explain a little bit about hero holiday. This organization is a humanitarian aid group. They visited my school with a band to promote them. Interested after the concert I went to the hero holiday table and asked a few questions. In answer I received a pamphlet. on the way home I read it and learned their organization goes to four places; the Dominion republic, Haiti, Mexico and Thailand. My initial response was I wanted to go to Haiti. I wanted to help as much as I could after the earth quake and this seemed like a good way of doing so. Once I got home I announced my desire to my mom. Being the awesome mom, my mom is, she looked into it. We looked at me going to Haiti but for reasons you had to be 18 and older. Sad but not discouraged I realized their were other places. So we proceeded to research the others we came across Mexico, I fell in love with the whole idea. On the website it told us the schedule. It consisted of two weeks at the end of august of work and joy. On the first day you fly to meet your group then from their proceed to a rural part of Mexico. After orientation you meet the family you build the house for. Then over a week you sweat and build a house for them. Next you pool your extra money together as a group and buy the family furnishments such as: beds, toys, groceries etc. later you dedicate the house.finally as a reward for the work done there is a day at a volcano, Boogie boarding and spending a day at the beach with the family!

While your their you can choose to either sleep in tents or a hospis. I was absolutely delighted when I found out the have hot water for showers and flushing toilets. J
In all excitement I told everyone l knew what I planned on doing. My two best friends were interested and so now well probably go together. I'm so exited to travel, not as a tourist but as someone who can make a difference.

Each summer is now booked with different places to go with this group and others. J
now with two friends coming, they told me they both were going on a pricey school trip that same summer. I realized 1500 dollars is a good price (plus the ticket to the meeting spot and extra spending money which equals off to around 2000 dollars) but it is a lot of money. My mom thought it would be a good idea to have a fundraiser. So we came up with the idea of a cake silent auction and dinner. Loving the idea my friends Janelle and Stephanie decided to come over every week on a designated day to discuss and plan fro this fundraiser until the actual dinner date, some time in February. (since the deposit is in may) uplifted with happiness for our future travel, makes each meeting alive.