$25,000 Down and $25,000 To Go

Hey everyone ... Here is an update on my crazy fund-raising effort for the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society's, Man and Woman of the Year competition.

So I started my Hooked On A Cure campaign on April 4 and now on May 6, a month later as a group, a team, we have raised $25,000!!! Wow!!!

With $25,000 left to raise by June 15 I can really see a momentum happening. There is a groove and rhythm and above all else I am completely overwhelmed with goodness from everyone around me! Have no doubt about the decency and humanity that surrounds us. I'm here to let you know that it exists.

One "item" that was donated to my cause by a good friend and amazing orthodontist is a full set of metal braces for either an adult or child!!! Dr. Gregory Coakley of Two River Orthodontics was so kind to donate this fantastic gift that is a $6,500 value and we want everyone to have a chance to win them.

Raffle tickets will be sold for $25 and there is no limit on how many chances you can purchase. They go on sale this Friday and we will pull a winner on June 12. Please let your friends know about this.

I thought about doing it to the 'highest bidder' at auction but I really want everyone to have a chance. Even if you don't 'need' them, you can buy a chance to win them and donate them to a child in need. Thank you Dr. Coakely. You always believe in charity and are always giving back! For ticket sale locations visit our official page and Skin and Bones Day Spa in Little Silver will have them.

Our first official event kicks off this Friday, May 10 at 8 pm.. at the Brighton Bar in West End. Three amazing bands have all agreed to donate their time and come out and play for "us." One of the bands, Readymade Breakup has blown me away by literally getting back to practicing after being retired for a couple of years to show massive support! I love them!!!! Also playing is Arlan Feiles and the Broken Hearted. And from Asbury The Drive Home is playing along with Christina Alessi. I want to also thank Greg Macolino, owner of the Brighton Bar for being so kind to donate the Brighton for our event! You Rock, Literally!!! Congrats need to be shouted out to Greg also for launching (last week) a brand new record label called Brighton Bar Records. Greg has been featuring 'original bands and artists' for over 30 years. Keeping it real! We wish him much success!

Saturday, May 11 we get all 'down-doggie' at Even Flow Yoga in Red Bank for a yoga practice for our LLS fund-raising. I want to thank Melanie Avison and Christian Valeriani for donating their time to getting us centered. A $20. donation is what it takes to participate in this hour and a half flow. 2:00 - 3:30 at 19 Mechanic Street in Red Bank. This is for ALL levels. Even if you have never tried Yoga, come laugh at me!!!

On Friday May 17 and Wednesday May 22 we have events at my spa in Little Silver. Skin & Bones Day Spa will host a mini-facial event on the 17th and a wax-a-thon on May 22nd (right before Memorial Day Weekend!!). We are booking up so call us soon at 732-530-5030. The facial event is a $40. donation or add a foot massage during your mini facial for 10 dollars more! Refreshments and free gifts from Yonka Paris will be provided too. Then on the 22nd we are donating 100% of our waxing costs to our LLS effort. So come, have fun, enjoy refreshments and a light atmosphere and get smooth for the cure!

Save the date for June 1 at the Long Branch Elks Lodge where we have some fun with live music, gift auctions, Chinese auctions, 50/50's food, drinks and more. We have AMAZING donations from some of your favorite local businesses! You won't want to miss it. $25. at the door.The event is from 4-midnight and if you can, get there before 9pm to get in on the gift items. Thank you to the Long Branch Elks for being so super generous and helpful!!!

So you can see that there is a lot of planning and running around. It's all worth it. Every single second I spend agonizing over this is NOTHING compared to what people sick and dying are going through waiting for the hope of help.

Join me and Team Erica and come to our events, donate to my web page, tell your friends and fight with us.

I'll be back with more updates soon and if you have any questions or inspiration please feel free to leave comments or email me.

Thank you.

E