Today was a big day. We presented a check to Dr. Jacqueline Brown and Tony Conway of the Atlanta Children's Shelter in the amount of ...Drum roll.... $6,010.00! We surpassed our goal of $5,000 by an incredible 20%. I hope each of you, whether you were a sponsor, volunteer, bridal couple, or donor, take a moment to feel pride in what we have accomplished together.
I finally caught up on my sleep but I am still running around doing a million things! We got quite a few of the photos back and should be getting them out in the mail within the next day or so. We're still waiting on about 9 more but will get those out as soon as we receive them. Meanwhile, check out the slide show on youtube. Enter 404040 in the search field. We will update the slideshow when we get the remaining photos from our photographers.
The event was a huge success! Attendance was estimated at 1,100 and we raised over $6,000. The funds will go toward shelter programs and shelter operations.
We met with the director of the shelter last week and we already began discussing plans for "Sylvia's 2nd annual wed-a-thon - 2010. We should have a venue selected by mid-January. For those of you who have volunteered to help out next year, expect a phone call from me :-)
I can't believe it's been a week since our first couple walked down the aisle. Did any of you take a mini-honeymoon? Tell us what you did your first week of marriage?
We're still getting rave reviews about the wed-a-thon. We got a few photos back from our photographers and will begin posting them on the website sometime this evening. Check back soon as I will continue to update and as always, let us hear from you.
I'm just getting back home from the hotel and am still glowing from the excitement and the love that was in the air over the weekend. Congratulations to our newlyweds and newly vowed! The feedback we have received from around the city and around the country has been nothing short of amazing. I am grateful that you trusted us to carry out one of the most important days of your life.
To our volunteers: You blew me away! You showed me that there are still lots of wonderful people all around us every day. You not only went above and beyond, but took our event to a another level. I look at you all as an extended part of my family and I hope you feel the same.
After I catch up on my sleep, I'll share with you more stories, photos, and details about our incredible wed -a-thon. Thank you - you are all beautiful, fantastic people.
It is 5:30am and I am reviewing my LONG list of things to do. My morning will start with an interview with Karen Graham of Fox5 followed by picking up items from sponsors and finalizing last minute details. I'm sure you'll be wrapping up last minute things as well. I started planning "40-40-40" well over 6 months ago, and I must say, it has been a very exciting and rewarding experience. It has been a pleasure working with all of you. I look forward to meeting you tonight!
We have one week to go! Usually the last week is spent getting accessories, finalizing guest lists, buying your favors, etc. By now, you should have had your final dress fitting, and by all means - DON'T FORGET YOUR MARRIAGE LICENSE!!
I met with Susan Hawkins, who donated some favors for our couples. You will love them!
Speaking of favors for your guests, if you need any ideas, giving a food item is always a winner. How about chocolates, cookies, or candy apples? You can never go wrong giving something edible.
With 10 days to go, I bet a lot of us will be busy! My day started at 6:30am with a phone call from a floral sponsor. I'll be doing a lot of running around today; a visit to a bakery; a meeting with the printer for your programs and a meeting with Steve Hicks of "Leaves to Let" for lighting. I have one "must do" item, which is to get a comfortable pair of shoes for the event. What is your "must do" item?
Less than two weeks to go and I can announce that our event schedule is FULL! We have no more time slots available. Congratulations to our forty couples; we are excited and looking forward to the first wedding on November 14th. Our sincere thanks for your participation in "40-40-40" for the children, and a million thanks to those who have generously donated to our Atlanta Children's Shelter fund. The money, household items, and volunteer time will have a tremendous impact on the lives of Atlanta's homeless.
Yes, the countdown continues, and you all are taking this event to even higher levels! We have been interviewed by several media networks and sources and there's more to come. The event was even covered by a news organization in Tampa. We only have 3 slots left. and I have a feeling that they won't last very long!
There's a lot more to to, but our sponsors and volunteers have been SO awesome...
So tell us...What part of this event is the most exciting to you?
As we start the "Countdown" to the event and to many wonderful new marriages, I'd like to say thanks to the wonderful brides and grooms-to-be that I've spoken with. Let us know how things are going!
Great things are happening! Our story has been running on the local NBC affilliate, "11 Alive" and has generated a good deal of interest. Slots are filling up, but we all still have more work to do!
The news piece is emphasizing the advantage to brides and grooms for participating in "40-40-40", which is great. I must add, this is not a "Cheap, Quickie" wedding deal. Although lasting only one hour, your wedding will be very elegant and classy. I can tell you - You will be BLOWN AWAY! To see the interview or read the article, go to our "Press / Media" page.
On Thursday 10/8 Sylvia visited EKI Flowers to discuss the floral arrangements that Lynn Wells will be creating for "40-40-40". A big thanks to Lynn and Nadia for their generous donations!
I can’t believe how many amazing people I am meeting through this event! I had the opportunity to talk with Kevin and Taylor from 104.7 the FISH today about "40-40-40". The interview is expected to air next Thursday 10/15 in the morning. Check back to the blog for further updates!
Also, we wanted to again, thank all of the couples, volunteers and vendors for your willingness to particiapte in this event for the Children's Shelter. We sincerely appreciate all of your help. Only 5 weeks to go!!!
It was great meeting Valerie Hoff of 11 Alive today. She will be doing a feature story on "40- 40-40". Thank you again Kelly with Kelly's Closet for allowing us to use your beautiful boutique to film the interview. We will keep everyone posted and let you know when you can see the interview air!
We just wanted to thank all the couples who have signed up for "40-40-40", as well as those who have donated funds to the shelter. We also wanted to thank the volunteers and vendors who have offered their time to help out with "40-40-40". You all are truely helping to change the lives of so many children and their families in Atlanta. The momentum is really starting to grow and we are so excited to make this event special for the couples that are taking part in it. We still have several time slots we need filled, so if you are interested or have any questions please do not hesitate to contact us.
I had a so much fun talking to Jeff, Jenn, Melissa, and Wendy today on the Bert Show on Q100. I can not thank you guys enough, as you really got the word out to couples in Atlanta about the event, as well as volunteers wanting to help out. We got so much feedback, but there are still time slots available! So hurry up brides and grooms :)
Also, we still need cakes, flowers, ect. so if any vendors are interested, we would appreciate any help you would be willing to offer!
Yesterday we visited the Atlanta Children's Shelter. It was such a heart-touching experience to see homeless families with small children walk through the door, looking for placement. I sat in the lobby area, waiting to meet with the Director of Development, with tears in my eyes, wishing I could do SO much more! But, every little bit helps, and I am beyond overjoyed to be hosting this fundraiser.
The responses that we are getting from couples wanting to participate is overwhelming. This is going to be an exciting event, and already the word and electricity is spreading throughout Atlanta.
We welcome donations - no amount is too small. Also, there is a need for household items at the shelter. Please go to the 'Donations' page on this site, and click on "household items" for a listing of the items needed.
We are always looking for volunteers. If you'd like to help out, we would be happy to have you. Go to our volunteer page to get more information, or feel free to give me a call.
Atlanta Children's Shelter
Sylvia, Tony Conway - Director of Development, Herschel Clark
We had 3 more volunteers to sign up today. The momentum is already building. We'd like to say "thanks" to all of those who have contacted us, offering their services. A list of volunteers will be added in the next few days and we hope that you will want to be added to the event volunteer list.
Hello everyone! We are starting our blog on Thursday, September 10 - a little over TWO months from the event. We are excited about "40-40-40"TM for the children, and look forward to your input, feedback, and comments as we proceed.
