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Fundraiser Follow-up - Success!

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Contributed by: Jennifer Bailey on 6/21/2008

For those of you who read my story ("I turned myself into a fundraiser" posted 5/11/08), I just wanted to submit a follow-up. I'm still smoke free and gaining power over the addiction every day. While there have been ups and downs and suprises...like having stronger cravings after being amokw-free for over a month...I've overcome each stumbling block without giving in. I haven't done it alone. My friends, coworkers and family have been behind me and cheering me on every step of the way. My biggest fans are myeldest daughter, who quit over a year ago and is very proud of her mom, and my boyfriend, who doesn't have to put up with me smelling like an ashtray anymore.

While my vision was to generate more revenue for The Club of Arts as a fundraiser, my efforts to improve my health have made sure I'll still be around to continue promoting the value of TCOA. My goal of $1,000 in pledges was not met, but the publicity did generate awareness of TCOA and what we do. I've gotten more calls, e-mails and drop-ins wanting information and to sign up for classes. And that's exciting!

Through pledge money received, TCOA has been able to fund a community garden to teach our members how to grow their own veggies, herbs and flowers. Some other new classes were added to the calendar that are raising a lot of interest, such as Clay Modling and Paper Quilling. Pledges from my becoming a human fundraiser gave these classes their 'seed' money. Now that I'm not a smoker, I can donate more personally...but what would really be encouraging would be to see all of you out there in the community coming together to ensure that The Club of Arts is able to continue providing what it does for people with disabilities. Pride in accomplishment. Self worth. A place to meet and make friends. A place to learn to create a thing of beauty...and a place where the word 'retarded' doesn't mean anything.

As for me and my health...I am one month, two weeks, six days, 10 hours, 56 minutes and 42 seconds a nonsmoker. That is 1029 cigarettes not smoked, saving $153.85. Life saved:three days, 13 hours, 45 minutes. And for that, I say my fundraiser was a success!

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Submitted By: Stephanie Johnson

posted on 6/25/2008 @ 5:36:26 PM

Rated Story

Woo hoo! That is awesome! I know you must be proud and your lungs thank you. And KUDOS to your support system--they are vital! Keep up the phenomenal work and thanks for getting the word out about TCOA!

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Submitted By: Tim Bergsten

posted on 6/21/2008 @ 2:07:42 PM

Rated Story

Fantastic! Way to go Jennifer!

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CONTRIBUTOR INFO

Jennifer Bailey

Colorado Springs , CO

Jennifer Bailey has posted 5 stories and 5 comments since joining on 12/20/2007. Jennifer Bailey 's average story rating is 5.

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