Silver Sparkles Family Fun Day 2016

Join us for an awesome day of family fun with all the funds we raise after expenses going to support Brain Cancer Research.  (Can you still get your business at this event? Yup! Email me.) 

A special thanks to our sparkle sponsor, Drayer Physical Therapy Institute! 

Throughout the day we'll have free classes in the community room, lots to do in the gym, and even a few outdoor activities, weather permitting.  There will be food and raffle tickets for sale, so bring cash (we will take credit cards for raffle tickets, too).  Every vendor table has a fun thing for your kids to do, so you can check out local businesses and kid-friendly venues while your kids have a great time playing!

Why should you come? Well, come to have fun, come to meet local businesses and find places to plug your kids in.  Come to support local Mom-run businesses.  Come to support me because I run this insane website.  Come because cancer sucks.  I don't care, really, all that much about your motivation, just come!! 

TICKETS ARE PER FAMILY- you will need one ticket for everyone that lives in your home as part of your family.  If you bring grammy and grandpa and they don't live with you, they'll need their own ticket.  I really want this event to be accessible for families, so please be honest about your ticket purchases so that I don't have to start charging per person! Remember, too, we donate ALL the profit we make at this event, so it's all for a good cause!

Here's what's on tap so far:

Classroom Space:

Ballet Class with Academy of Russian Ballet

Mincraft Class with Animated Child

Special Storytime with Prince William Libraries
**Please note, admission to these is NOT guaranteed because we have space limitations**

Thanks to Just Between Friends for sponsoring our DJ!

Main Event Space:

We're updating this list as vendors sign up! Keep checking back for more fun! 
GMS Gymnastics- Flexed arm hang challenge

Jessica Salazar Photography- Family Fun Photo Booth

Jamberry Nails with Jaimie Gvozdas

Bach to Rock- Musical Performer and instrument play

Discovery Junction Children's Museum- Interactive Play Area

Chick Fil A Bristow and Chick Fil A Sudley Manor (and the cow!) Will be selling their Original Chick-fil-A Sandwiches -- all profit will go to brain cancer/brain tumor research. And the Chick-fil-A Cow will be there =) PLEASE BUY SOME CHICK FIL A :) this is a really big deal for our fundraiser!
LuLaRoe

The Freedom Center

Animated Child- Hosting our minecraft class, their table will be awesome, too! 

Soccer Shots- Score a goal challenge

Academy of Russian Ballet- hosting our ballet class, and their table will be awesome, too! 

Prince William County Parks and Recreation

Athlete's Addiction-  Agility Ladder

Game Truck- Full game truck play will be available outside during our event! 

Potomac Patriots Youth Hockey- Score a Goal

Lori Beth Willis Thirty One- Train station

Michael Chamberlin, Magician from 2:15-4:45pm

Kingdom of Azuria (Princess!) 

Brunos Bounce House- indoor bounce

DPGolf Academy- Putt Putt Golf
Pampered Chef with Doina Heinz- Food Fun
Gainesville Pediatric Dentistry- PlayDoh Dentist
JustJump Outdoor bounce
Megan Keys Photography- Temporary Tattoos
Kids Chemistry with Des & Desi
Drama Mama Cupcakes
Smoothie King of Woodbridge/Colby's Ride
DoTerra with Leah Zapata 
Stella and Dot with Melisa
MOMS Club of PWC

Raffle Items- We'll have awesome Swag Bags from Katherine Breyfogle and Got Posh for the first 200 people who purchase $10 or more of raffle tickets! (Cash or credit  cards will be accepted!) 

Raffle items include: 
We're updating this list as vendors sign up! Keep checking back for more exciting prizes! 

4 classes at The Little Gym

A one year membership at The Little Gym

Swim Kids gift baskets

Marketplace at Madison Crescent gift card set

Scentsy warmers

Toddlin Time of Manassas gift bag

The Smart Car Wash gift card

DC United Tickets courtesy of Soccer Shots

Soccer Shots Season

Simple Luxuries Travel gift basket

Barbie DVDs from Universal Home Entertainment

Passes to BeeHive Indoor Playground

Passes to Cheers Art Studio

Summer Camp from Edgemoor Art Studio

Gift Certificate to Abrakadoodle

Gift Baskets from Waterworks Water Park

Gift Basket from the Primrose School of Bristow
Birthday Party with AviationEd
Free PeeWee Golf Registration from DPGolf Academy
$105 Gift Card to DPGolf Summer Camp

Introducing 100 WWC Gainesville Area Chapter

100 Women Who Care is trying to open a Gainesville Area Chapter.  Read more about this organization and learn how you can get involved below. 
 

It’s a very simple concept: We gather 100 women who care to make a $100 donation during a 1 hour meeting.  

The impact: $10,000 to a local charity, four times a year!  

Formation of a Gainesville chapter of 100 WWC is in the works. Please join us for our first meeting, held in partnership with the NOVA chapter of 100 WWC, on February 4th, 2016 at 7:30 p.m. at the Centreville Regional Library, located at 14200 St. Germain Dr., Centreville, 20121). A good turnout from our area means all future meetings will be held in Gainesville! For more information, check out our Facebook page at https://www.facebook.com/groups/1013008238756383/, or contact Julie Beal at julesnd02@yahoo.com or Hasna Ridwan at hasridwan@yahoo.com.

Featured Organization Friday: Keep Mothers Alive

A new non-profit based in Prince William County is aimed at saving expectant mothers in Africa.

Dr. Diagaunet Dodie's Keep Mothers Alive pilot project aims to save at least one more expectant mother in Africa.  The program will officially begin in the fall of 2015. 

Dr. Dodie's project will begin in Duekoue, Cote D'Ivoire.  

Per their press release, Duekoue is a small town of about 72,000 people in the Western part of the Ivory Coast in West Africa. In 2011 during the Civil War, the city experienced the largest massacre in the history of the country. Over 1,000 people were killed in a single day and many of the country’s infrastructures were destroyed. Women and children paid the heaviest price in this war. Four years later, the consequences of the civil war still persist. Maternal mortality crisis is now one of the highest in the country. The community has endured hardship, the women have become even more vulnerable and something needs to be done immediately. 

“The economic challenge in some west and east African countries is so severe that pregnant women hardly get the right drugs, infrastructures or medical help needed.  Delivery is like having one leg in the grave. I lost a dear cousin and her twins to preventable maternal death. KeepMothers Alive is to give families the chance to happiness and the joy of having one more life full of potentials added to them.” Stated, Dr. Diagaunet Dodie, the KMA Founder and CEO.

Keep Mothers Alive will kick off their DESPAIR TO HOPE campaign with the primary aim of saving an African mother’s life through a PIIPE approach:

·       Provide medical supplies and equipment.

·       Improve the quality of data.

·       Increase antenatal care, skilled birth attendance and postpartum visits.

·       Provide additional training for health workers.

·       Empower women.

Founded in 2015, Keep Mothers Alive was born from the pain of losing a close cousin to eclampsia and driven by the passion of ending every birthing experience in joy. 

“Keep Mothers Alive is an international partner of public health specialists who is committed to preventing maternal mortality in the most economically challenged areas of Africa by improving women’s accessibility to health care; engaging communities to prevent mother and child mortality; strengthening the health care system to provide quality of care for women; advocating for a call for action on maternal death; partnering with community leaders, government officials, and other NGOs to raise awareness of maternal mortality and its economic and social impact; empowering women about maternal health issues and the risks of home births; applying mobile technology to increase prenatal care utilization and healthy behaviors.” 

To learn more about Keep Mothers Alive, visit www.Keepmothersalive.org

Got Toys?

One of the more popular questions we go during the holiday season was about where to take previously loved toys.  Here's what our readers suggested for places in Prince William County to take your gently loved playthings that need a new home.

The ACTS waiting room can use new toys.  Children often have lengthy waits here with their caregivers.  ACTS is located in Dumfries and can be reached at 703-441-8606.

SERVE is a family and individual shelter in Manassas.  They can be reached at 571-748-2537.

Ask your doctors office or OB/GYN if they need any new toys for their waiting rooms.  They'll be most interested in hard plastic toys that can be bleached/disinfected on a regular basis.

Purple Heart will come and pick up at your home.
The Lupus Foundation will come and pick up at your home.
American Veterans will come and pick up at your home.
National Children's Center will come and pick up at your home.

House of Mercy off Wellington in Manassas 703-659-1636.

Daycares and Preschools may also be interested. Again, especially in toys that can be cleaned and disinfected easily.

Village Thrift off Smoketown in Woodbridge.
Savers Thrift 

Eme's Army hosts a sight-impaired playgroup and will take tactile, light-up, or talking toys.

Featured Organization Friday: Street Light Winter Clothing and Tent Drive

Featured Organization Friday: Fundraiser for Isla the Brave

Isla the Fierce

Though she may be little, she is Fierce

Isla’s Story

Give Back 2 Others has chosen to honor a newly diagnosed child named Isla Kate Lucks.  Isla lives in the community and is in the fight of her life.  On July 31, 2014, just shy of 15 months old, Isla Kate was diagnosed with Stage 4 Neuroblastoma. This is a rare pediatric cancer affecting the nerve cells. For Isla, her diagnosis came through the discovery of a large tumor on her left adrenal gland in her abdomen. This beautiful little girl now has a long and difficult treatment plan ahead of her. Her strong willed personality has given her the nickname, “Isla the Fierce”.  She fights with grace and dignity and has been lauded by the medical team as one of the best babies they have ever served. Her tenacious spirit and love of laughter has kept the staff on their toes. Isla is a ‘Mama’s girl’, a chatterbox, and she loves to sing and dance.  Her favorite foods are marshmallows and olives. She loves Elmo, Abby Cadabby, and her family; especially her best friend and older brother Elliott.  Throughout the next year and a half, she will be in and out of hospitals, enduring painful treatments and traveling far to receive the best care available.  Give Back 2 Others desires to rally around this amazing little girl and her family to show them how much they are loved and supported.  Our fundraising event on November 21^st will be the opportunity we have to support this family in tangible ways.  We hope to see you there!

About GB2O

Give Back 2 Others started as a simple holiday party at the home of Holly & Jason Andrzejewski in 2009.  The focus each year was  to “give back” to someone in need. Holly and Jason asked guests to bring donations or  gifts to be given to a designated family.  Each family chosen had a member struggling with a life-threatening illness.  Through the incredible generosity of friends, Holly and Jason were able to make a difference in ways they had never dreamed possible. Holly and Jason began to wonder if it would be possible to do more.  In 2011 they decided it was time to take it to the next level. With the help of a local 501c3 charity, Trevor’s Treasurers, they organized a party that received more than 300 guests and raised a large sum of money for Trevor’s Treasurers. This incredible experience solidified their desire to continue the event and ”Giving Back 2 Others” was born.  On August 20, 2014, Give Back 2 Others was created as a legitimate Non-Profit organization.  They are currently waiting on their 501c3 approval from the IRS, which is expected any day. With the help of the Board of Directors and many active volunteers, they have big plans for the future of GB2O and look forward to helping many families in the future.

Donating to GB2O and tickets for the Holiday Gala

Donations can be made through the GB2O’s website or by check made payable to: “Give Back 2 Others”.

Tickets for the Gala are $75 and include: Open Bar, Food, DJ, and Silent Auction

Tickets can be purchased on GB2O’s website or by check made payable to “Give Back 2 Others”

www.giveback2others.com

7524 Rio Grande Way, Gainesville, VA 20155         Give Back 2 Other EIN: 47-1660704

Youth For Tomorrow's Country Fair

We had such a great time at Joe Gibb's Youth for Tomorrow Country Fair and Auction.  Tickets were $10/adult, $5/kid, and ages 3 and under were free.  There was a $5 off coupon on their website, and several people mentioned they got their tickets from an online deal site (not sure if it was living social or groupon). I'd never been before, although I see their folding board signs all over the county every year. This is a very, very well done production.  Some of the fun included:

• Bounce Houses/Inflatable Obstacle Courses (more than I cared to count, probably upwards of a dozen)
• Junior Firefighter Challenge
• Redskins Players Play60 Challenge
• Washington Nationals NatMobile
• Hog Races
• Petting Zoo
• Rides
• Crafts
• Vendor Fair
• Huge Food Court (additional fee)
• Horse Carriages and Mini Train Rides
• Entertainment on various stages including cheerleading, gymnastics, and dance

There was probably more.  Honestly, we spent from 11-3 at the fair and probably could've stayed longer and still not seen and done everything.  The lines were manageable for all the rides, except perhaps laser tag, which got a little out of hand because of some "spot saving" for a "family" of 20 or so, but other than that the wait was generally okay.  

I would definitely recommend checking this out in the future! Not only was a it a great time, it's for a charity, and that's a great combination. 

Featured Organization Friday: ACTS iWalk

Fall is around the corner and it’s time to mark your calendar for the 4th Annual IWALK for ACTS on Saturday, October 18. ACTS of Prince William and Image Church are excited to team up with the Potomac Nationals to host this year’s event at our new location Pfitzner Stadium in Woodbridge. This year’s event is shaping up to be a day of fun, fellowship, and fundraising that you won’t want to miss!

The details …
4th Annual IWALK  for ACTS
Saturday, October 18 
Pfitzner Stadium * Home of the Potomac Nationals
7 County Complex Ct, Woodbridge, VA 22192
Registration @ 9 a.m., Walk @ 10 a.m.
Free community festival – 10 a.m. - 2 p.m.
$20/person or $50/family
Register now at www.iwalkforacts.com.

We are encouraging groups to sign up together and create a group fundraising goal. This year, the highest group fundraiser and the highest individual fundraiser will each win a prize! This is a great opportunity to give back to your community and help our neighbors in need.

Funds raised through this year’s event will support ACTS of Prince William. ACTS provides relief, fosters hope and promotes self-sufficiency for our Prince William area neighbors in crisis due to hunger, homelessness and personal violence. By joining as a participant, your support will help:
... keep ACTS' Help Line open 24 hours a day so that our community members in crisis have somewhere to turn.
... give individuals facing abuse resources and reassurance that they are not alone.
... keep the doors open at our shelters so that families have a place to call home until they are back on their feet
... feed hungry children in our neighborhoods through the ACTS Food Pantry.
... families keep the lights on through Emergency Assistance and provides resources for making ends meet.

Thank you in advance for joining us. With your help, we can make a difference, one family at a time.

Seed Stomp Volunteers Wanted!

Join Leesylvania State Park on October 4th from 11am-1pm at the Lee's Woods Trailhead to help establish a field of wildflowers while having fun at the same time! Questions, call 703-583-6904 or email genevieve.white@dcr.virginia.gov

Summer Food Pantry Crisis

I know we talked the other day about how House of Mercy was running low on food.  It's not just them.  I'm gonna use the word crisis here.  On purpose.  Because this (Pictures taken from the ACTS Facebook Page):

 That is a crisis.  There is NO RICE AT ALL. There's no pasta sauce.  There are two shelves of pasta.  ACTS serves hundreds of people a month. It's only the 17th.  This is not Old Mother Hubbard going to the cupboard, guys, these are our neighbors and their children.

Now you know I have a particularly soft spot in my heart for ACTS, but you can go to wherever your favorite organization houses their food.  I am willing to bet money that they won't turn you away.

Here's a list of most-needed items (I'm emailing some frugal blogger friends to see if I can align this list with current grocery deals):

Most Needed Items
Peanut butter	Jelly
Cereal	Oatmeal
Tuna	Boxed Mac and Cheese
Spaghetti	Pasta Sauce
Canned Fruit	Canned Vegetables
Canned Soup	Milk
Eggs	Meat
Diapers (larger sizes 3+)	Deodorant
Soap	Shampoo
Toothpaste	Toilet Paper

Please help if you can.  Nobody cares if it's brand-name spaghetti or the 10 for $10 stuff at Giant.  Nobody cares if it's Del Monte Green Beans or the ones from Wegmans (what's that, like $.29/can?).  Just Be Awesome And Help.  Thanks.

30 Acts of Kindness Task 14: Hypothermia Shelter Dinner

During February, March (because snow is not my friend) I'm celebrating my 30th Birthday with 30 Acts of Kindness suggested by readers.  The point of these posts isn't to "brag" about what I've been doing, but rather to raise awareness about different organizations in Prince William County and share how you and your family can get involved in making our area a better place to live.  If you'd like to join me in any of my assignments, or if you participate in one on your own, I'd love to get your picture and/or story to share!! I'd love to think this is making a difference, and I hope that you'll join me!  

The Bill Mehr Drop-In Shelter is run by the Cooperative Council of Ministries (CCOM) and is located at 14730 Potomac Mills Road.  If you're on Telegraph Road just past Toys R Us, where you could turn left onto Opitz/Smoketown to go to Wegmans, but you go straight towards the bus depot instead, you will eventually dead-end into the shelter.   From November 1-March 31 from 6:30pm-7am, this space is also used as a 50-bed hypothermia shelter.  This allows area residents who typically sleep in tents or other makeshift spaces to come in from the cold and sleep safely.  The space also offers shower facilities.  Patrons are offered a ride to churches on some nights where dinner is provided, but some cannot or prefer not to go, and some nights there's not a dinner option, so I was very excited that you guys helped me to bring a simple meal over.  Chick Fil A Sudley Manor Drive happened to be celebrating their 50th Anniversary of the Chick Fil A Sandwich by giving away 50 of them.  To win, entrants just had to say what they'd do with the sandwiches and have friends/family/facebook vote for their idea.  You guys are an awesome flash mob ;)  I picked up all 50 of my sandwiches at once and drove them over to Woodbridge one fine Wednesday evening.

My car smelled so buttery and delicious.  

I needed to take the heated bag back to CFA, so I had a good excuse to sit and chat with folks while they ate.  I love talking to people, and there were a lot of really great stories shared around the table.  This was a really easy and quick way to do something positive.  We actually did this as an impromptu family project when the "Polar Vortex" first came though.  My mom really has a heart for people not being cold- it's actually an ongoing joke with us that she cannot drive through DC in the winter without "losing" her coat.  She and her BFF brought over materials to my house and with my kids we packaged PBJs, Cup of Noodles, Crackers, and a treat up so the shelter could hand them out.  There's a kitchen in the facility, so hot water, microwave, and fridge are available. Simple, easy, and still helpful- this was definitely an easy act for anyone to try!! I bet it'd work just as well with $5 pizzas from Little Caesar's if you don't have a contest to win! 

PS- while the shelter will be closing at the end of the month for evenings, they'll still have the drop-in shelter open during the day.  They have a list of needed items, including boots in various sizes, on their website, so be sure to check that out! 

30 Acts of Kindness Task 13: ACTS Thrift Shop

During February, I'm celebrating my 30th Birthday with 30 Acts of Kindness suggested by readers.  The point of these posts isn't to "brag" about what I've been doing, but rather to raise awareness about different organizations in Prince William County and share how you and your family can get involved in making our area a better place to live.  If you'd like to join me in any of my assignments, or if you participate in one on your own, I'd love to get your picture and/or story to share!! I'd love to think this is making a difference, and I hope that you'll join me!  

I feel like I owe ACTS another day of Thrift Shop work- I ran late in traffic and arrived 20 minutes after I should have and then I had to duck out early because my son had a hockey tournament in York, PA and we were told that we should leave extra travel time.  I actually really liked working at the thrift store- first because I had a few readers join me and it's always so cool to chat with you guys, and second because we got to organize books, which I loved! I really like jobs where I can see that I'm accomplishing something, so watching books and boxes and bags get emptied out was really satisfying! 

The ACTS Thrift Store is located at the Route 1 split in Dumfries and staffed by the lovely people in red vests. 

You can donate, shop, and volunteer at the Thrift Store.  I'm going to tell you right now- they had amazing prices!! There was a special sale the day we were there, so books (normally 5 for $1) were 10 for $1! People got hardcover collectors books, the entire Twilight Series, 50 Shades of Grey, The Help, and more! Kids books were 5 CENTS EACH, and there were tons of nice books! I saw people snag Harry Potter, Percy Jackson, unopened Sesame Street and Dora music books, and more! I didn't spend a lot of time in the clothes, but I did notice some really nice work shirts if your husband has to wear a button-down for his job. 

Donation Hours:

Tuesday – Friday: 10:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.
Saturday: 10:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m.

Retail Hours:

Monday – Friday: 10:00 a.m. – 7:00 p.m.
Saturday: 10:00 a.m. – 6:00 p.m.

To volunteer, contact Robin at rsheedy@actspwc.org.  This work can involve some lifting/moving, so it's best suited for older teens and adults- but it really was satisfying work! 

 

30 Acts of Kindness Task 11: The 25th Project

During February, I'm celebrating my 30th Birthday with 30 Acts of Kindness suggested by readers.  The point of these posts isn't to "brag" about what I've been doing, but rather to raise awareness about different organizations in Prince William County and share how you and your family can get involved in making our area a better place to live.  If you'd like to join me in any of my assignments, or if you participate in one on your own, I'd love to get your picture and/or story to share!! I'd love to think this is making a difference, and I hope that you'll join me!  

Do you like to tailgate? No, seriously, this is a legitimate question.  Why? Because if you do, The 25th Project might be the PERFECT place for you to volunteer your time.  

Organizer Jay Herriot started The 25th Project by handing out meals on Thanksgiving and Christmas with his family.  Since they both happened to fall on the 25th, they decided to keep going, and provide home-cooked meals each month on the 25th.  You can come out with your family and help out this fun organization every month on the 25th.  There is basically zero prep work involved.  You show up (we brought socks, but there's a list of needed items available here), you split into groups, and you hang out in a parking lot and eat some really really tasty soup and chat with people.  More than anything, I've learned as I do this 30 Acts series, people really just want to connect with other people.  

I took my boys (ages 7 and 10) with me, and we had an awesome time.  This isn't a "heavy lifting" type of volunteering, but it's very personal and fun.  

So, here's the process:
1) Check the facebook page.  RSVP that you're coming and if you want to bring some needed items, stop at Walmart on the way.  
2) You're going to meet up with the big group BEHIND Home Depot.  I drove past Kohls and Global Food to the end of the shopping center, and there was obviously a group of people doing something! People meet up starting around 4:15-4:30.
3) Volunteers divide up.  A group stays behind Home Depot, another group heads to Kmart, and another group heads to the shelter.  
4) Chat and help out.  Hand out socks, first aid kits, soup and bread.  Talk about the Redskins.  Talk about whatever.  Be a friend.  It's awesome.
5) Can't actually show up? The 25th Project is a 501c3 and you can donate to them, which helps to pay for things like Propane Tank Refills- so very vital in the cold weather and not cheap!  Mail checks to: 

  The 25th Project
  6908 Sydenstricker Road
  Springfield, VA  22152

30 Acts of Kindness Task 10: Organize/Donate

During February, I'm celebrating my 30th Birthday with 30 Acts of Kindness suggested by readers.  The point of these posts isn't to "brag" about what I've been doing, but rather to raise awareness about different organizations in Prince William County and share how you and your family can get involved in making our area a better place to live.  If you'd like to join me in any of my assignments, or if you participate in one on your own, I'd love to get your picture and/or story to share!! I'd love to think this is making a difference, and I hope that you'll join me!  

Between the snow, the ice, and that thing I did on Saturday (#SilverSparkles!) I have gotten way behind on writing about my 30 Acts of Kindness, but that doesn't mean that I forgot about them!! Since several had to be rescheduled due to weather, I'm going to end up going into March, but I figure that as long as I get them done, I'm good! 

I had several people write in to suggest that I round up unnecesary items around Casa di Kotlus and make a donation to Lupus/AmVets/Goodwill or some other organization that will come to you and pick up your items.

Now, this was a fantastic suggestion for several reasons.  First, since we currently live in a townhouse, I make it a regular habit to get rid of anything that we aren't using- with the exception of Christmas decorations- and so I'm always getting calls asking if we have anything to donate.  Second, since we are currently in the process of selling our house, there's nothing wrong with fewer things to move and put away! We were able to round up 3 garbage bags of clothes, toys, shoes, and other items, and have them picked up at our home! Easy peasy lemon squeezy! My kids are actually great at doing roundups of unwanted toys now- we keep repeating we're "so blessed we have to give things away" to them from the time they're born ;) and the best way to help them is to give a one minute challenge and have them find something, which removes the temptation of agonizing over which teddy bear won't "miss" them. 

Thanks so very much for that Toy Story 3.

If you'd like to clear out your home and benefit others in our community here are a few resources of organizations that will pick up at your home:
Vietnam Veterans of America
AMVETS
Lupus Foundation
National Children's Center
Goodwill
Salvation Army

These organizations will schedule a date/time for pickup and even leave a donation slip so you can claim your donation value on your taxes.  Note that the Salvation Army gives guidelines on what you can claim for various items on their website, which can be tremendously helpful.

Happy Donating!!