When I was 13, I met a family who had five children, four of whom had Cystic Fibrosis. Two lived to see high school graduation. One walked down the aisle on her wedding day, her groom knowing she had a short time remaining. One by one, the four children with CF died - the longest surviving to 33 years. Years ago, most children with CF did not live to see their first day of elementary school. Today, the median life expectancy for people with CF is about 37. This is remarkable progress, but not good enough.

In October, I will be honored at the “Guys & Dolls Gala” sponsored by the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation where it recognizes outstanding young professionals in Indianapolis. As a result, I have committed to raise $2,999 (and if you donate the extra $1 that brings me to $3,000 - I'll take you out to dinner, on me!) to help the Foundation realize its mission of controlling and curing cystic fibrosis (CF).

People with CF have two copies of a defective gene that causes the body to produce abnormally thick, sticky mucus, which clogs the lungs. The mucus also obstructs the pancreas, causing difficulty with absorbing nutrients in food.

Events

Throughout summer, we will be sponsoring events called "Guys & Dolls" where you can support the cause while having a great time - for instance a casino night, wine tastings, volleyball games, cocktails in Broad Ripple, etc. Win cash prizes or raffle items at every event.

Raffle Item Donations

They can be anything! Donate your (tax deductable) tickets to a sporting event, a service like lawn mowing, or as simple as a gift card, I'm not picky! These items help attract people to events which brings not only dollars but also awareness to the CFF cause. Please fill out this form and then call or email me: jen-a-fire@hotmail.com or (517) 331-0433.

Cash Donations

Perhaps the easiest for you to do - but the hardest for me to ask for! I'm happy with $20, thrilled with $100, and may name my firstborn after you for donations above $500! Your donations will help find a cure for a debilitating and all-too-short lifetime affected by CF.

Black-Tie Gala

On October 9th, please join me at the Indiana Roof Ballroom for the 2010 Guys and Dolls Auction Gala featuring Indy’s finest Bachelors and Bachelorettes ready to be “auctioned off” with our unique "date" packages. If the Maui Grand Wailea is something you're interested in, you're going to want to bid on me! Experience 5 days and 4 nights at this 5-star, mega-luxury resort on Hawaii's beautiful island of Maui! In addition, there is an extensive live auction-featuring trip and specialty packages great for couples and larger groups, as well as a silent auction featuring dining, retail, sports and entertainment items. Attracting 500-600 guests, this black-tie fundraiser brings together volunteers, corporations and participants who jointly work to support the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation in its fight against CF. You can also find us on Facebook at Indiana Guys & Dolls Auction Gala as well as Twitter at Inguysndolls. Contact me for tickets to this great event!

Please remember that your cash and raffle item donations are TAX DEDUCTABLE. Merchandise donations will be listed in the official event program, and distributed to all guests and volunteers - and you will also be given recognition at our events.

I would never ask you to donate to anything that I haven't, so I'm shameless to say that the first donation was my own.
Thank you!
Jen
(517) 331-0433
jen-a-fire@hotmail.com

To learn more about CF and the CF Foundation, visit www.cff.org.