The Auction closes today. In just a few short hours (Midnight - EST.) the bidding will be finalized and prized pieces will be sent out. I have a few things I need to share with you. Again, I say thank you. From the bottom of my heart. We made it. I'm calculating out what we "should have" when the auction closes. I can't believe it. We can call 4 Paws for Ability and tell them we are ready. Alexander is going to have many other needs.... some we can't even picture right now. I'm overjoyed to say there will be a little left to begin his trust for those needs. Thank you.
If you could see me right now, you would know that I have tears in my eyes. I wish I could convey that gratitude through the computer.
For those of you who donated items. Thank you. This was my first auction. I could have done better. I honestly tried to promote the auction as I thought would be best. I had friends who encouraged me to promote every day and others who cautioned me not to turn people off by over promotion. I tried to find a happy medium. Some days I was overwhelmed with the amount of support and had a difficult time keeping track of everything. Some days things at home took a front seat to everything else. Thank you for donating your time, service, or items. I am so grateful for all the items that were donated. Your wonderful donations made this auction a success.
For those of you who bid on items. Thank you. I know many of you don't know our family. I know many of you were referred here by friends. Thank you. Thank you. Thank you. Alexander is going to have this amazing life. And you are a part of that. When you fall asleep tonight, be contented because you were apart of something so wonderful for someone so innocent.
For those of you who shared, promoted, told your friends, and helped generate support, Thank you. We needed to get the word spread. We needed people to know about the auction. Thank you.
For those of you who generously donated without anything given in return, Thank you. The monetary donations have overwhelmed me. Ray just can't believe it. I must tell you that when we first started down this road, neither of us knew how we were going to do this. When I said I was going to ask for support, Ray was a little skeptical. He sat in disbelief as the support rolled in. When I said I was going to hold an auction, Ray was a lot skeptical. I know he can't believe this journey is over in such a short time. Thank you.
And finally... for those of you who have prayed for us and continue to pray for us... Thank you. This means the most. God hears prayers.
Luke 2:40
The child grew and became strong; he was filled with wisdom, and the grace of God was upon him.
Thank you.
Thursday, June 30, 2011
Wednesday, June 1, 2011
Introduction to the Auction
Today is the big day. We are launching the auction for Alexander's seizure dog. Because of your generosity, we are so very close to our amazing goal of actually getting a dog for Alexander. I would like to take a minute to tell you some of the specifics about our plans once the auction is final.
We plan to use the organization 4 Paws for Ability. You can follow the link and read all about them. There are several reasons we chose this specific organization for Alexander's dog... Many people have asked A LOT of questions about the dog and process ~ so I would like to explain some of them.
1. This dog will be a service dog for Alexander. It will be specifically selected for him, and trained for his specific needs. We had hoped to wait to see if he would have greater needs (a service dog can be trained for more than one thing) ... but it has become evident that we need the dog sooner than later, so this one will be trained to alert for seizures.
2. The dog will be able to alert Ray, myself, the twins, Alexander's nurse, etc. if Alexander is having a seizure. He will basically be our "Lassie." Which is a mental image that makes my heart SMILE.
3. This is important because most organizations will not accept people if the dog is not directly able to "respond" to the person in need. For example, almost all programs eliminate small children because they do not necessarily have the cognitive language skills to communicate with the dog. The normal minimum age is around 12 for a service dog for this reason.
4. This is also important because almost all organizations will not train a dog to alert to someone other than the person in need. Our family needs to be alerted. This organization will train our entire family to work with this service dog. Although the dog will be a "service" to Alexander, he will accept commands from our family and alert our family members.
5. Service dogs are trained to alert when a seizure is happening. If the dog only ever does this.... it will be worth it. Ray and I can go back to sleeping because we will feel secure the dog will alert us if a seizure is occurring in the middle of the night. Often, a bond grows between the dog and the person that a dog can sense when the person is going to have a seizure. This bond cannot be explained... and we can hope that bond develops. Again, the bond of alert before the seizure happens is not a definite - but the alerting of a seizure once it starts is what this service dog will be trained to do.
5. Service dogs cost about $20,000 - $25,000 to train. If you look at the actual cost to the raise the dog on all these other websites, they all say about the same thing. Most organizations are cheaper to the recipient. This is because the organization gets money from other sources; people are put on waiting lists; etc. But - either way, the money is raised. We could have put ourselves on a list and in about 2-5 years gotten a dog, but we chose to act now. We hoped we could raise the money within a year. Never in a million years did we believe we would raise it this fast.
I can't believe I am posting this. I can't believe we are so close. I can't believe so many people have donated. I can't believe so many people have put so much toward our family.
If we happen to raise more money than necessary for the service dog, we will put it in the trust established for Alexander. There are other things he will need in the future that could be large ticket items. The trust has been established to help us save money for those items.
And finally.... please know that our family does not forget our blessings. We will find a way to pay your generosity forward to another family. We are so grateful that 4 Paws for Ability exists to help Alexander, we will probably help fund raising in some way for other families. Raising $14,000 is a daunting task ... and we could not have done it without your support.
Once again... Thank you. Please take a few minutes to browse the items being auctioned. Please comment below the item if you would like to bid on it.
Please share share share the auction site with others.
Please check back in... if more things are donated ~ more things will appear!
To see a Quick LIST of Auction Items, Click HERE
Auction will end on June 30, 2011
1. This dog will be a service dog for Alexander. It will be specifically selected for him, and trained for his specific needs. We had hoped to wait to see if he would have greater needs (a service dog can be trained for more than one thing) ... but it has become evident that we need the dog sooner than later, so this one will be trained to alert for seizures.
3. This is important because most organizations will not accept people if the dog is not directly able to "respond" to the person in need. For example, almost all programs eliminate small children because they do not necessarily have the cognitive language skills to communicate with the dog. The normal minimum age is around 12 for a service dog for this reason.
4. This is also important because almost all organizations will not train a dog to alert to someone other than the person in need. Our family needs to be alerted. This organization will train our entire family to work with this service dog. Although the dog will be a "service" to Alexander, he will accept commands from our family and alert our family members.
5. Service dogs are trained to alert when a seizure is happening. If the dog only ever does this.... it will be worth it. Ray and I can go back to sleeping because we will feel secure the dog will alert us if a seizure is occurring in the middle of the night. Often, a bond grows between the dog and the person that a dog can sense when the person is going to have a seizure. This bond cannot be explained... and we can hope that bond develops. Again, the bond of alert before the seizure happens is not a definite - but the alerting of a seizure once it starts is what this service dog will be trained to do.
5. Service dogs cost about $20,000 - $25,000 to train. If you look at the actual cost to the raise the dog on all these other websites, they all say about the same thing. Most organizations are cheaper to the recipient. This is because the organization gets money from other sources; people are put on waiting lists; etc. But - either way, the money is raised. We could have put ourselves on a list and in about 2-5 years gotten a dog, but we chose to act now. We hoped we could raise the money within a year. Never in a million years did we believe we would raise it this fast.
I can't believe I am posting this. I can't believe we are so close. I can't believe so many people have donated. I can't believe so many people have put so much toward our family.
If we happen to raise more money than necessary for the service dog, we will put it in the trust established for Alexander. There are other things he will need in the future that could be large ticket items. The trust has been established to help us save money for those items.
And finally.... please know that our family does not forget our blessings. We will find a way to pay your generosity forward to another family. We are so grateful that 4 Paws for Ability exists to help Alexander, we will probably help fund raising in some way for other families. Raising $14,000 is a daunting task ... and we could not have done it without your support.
Once again... Thank you. Please take a few minutes to browse the items being auctioned. Please comment below the item if you would like to bid on it.
Please share share share the auction site with others.
Please check back in... if more things are donated ~ more things will appear!
To see a Quick LIST of Auction Items, Click HERE
Auction will end on June 30, 2011
Quick List of Auction Items
Photography Items
Snapshot Photography Package
Its Still Life Photo Session
Timeless Editing Photo Package
TLC Photo Session
Accessories
Custom Bottle Cap Bows
Custom Bottle Cap Accessories
Hand Crafted Disciples Cross Necklace
Hand Crafted Necklace and Earrings
Hand Crafted Necklace (New!)
Clothing / Blankets, etc
Custom Tutu
Handmade Knot Dress
Child's Play Cape
Pink Handmade Quilt
Around the House
Autographed Football (New!)
31 Picnic Bag
Bath and Body Works Sweet Pea Basket
Bath and Body Works Japanese Cherry Blossom Basket
WildTree Gift Certificates
Tastefully Simple Package (New!)
On the Wall
Snowman Cross Stitch Picture
Love Your Life Today Painting
Reindeer Cross Stitch Picture
Winter Themed Cross Stitch Picture
Handcrafted Wood Items
Child's Sized Stottlemyer Rocking Chair
Hand Painted Letters
Knit Cap Wine Stopper
Apple Wine Stopper
Hand Turned Potpourri Dish
Green Votive Holder
Acorn Lidded Box
Two Toned Turned Lidded Box (New!)
Boycote Key Fob (New!)
Walnut Bowl
Hand Crafted Wood Handled Pen
Mustang Wood Turned Vase
Variable Speed Wood Jointer
Snapshot Photography Package
Its Still Life Photo Session
Timeless Editing Photo Package
TLC Photo Session
Accessories
Custom Bottle Cap Bows
Custom Bottle Cap Accessories
Hand Crafted Disciples Cross Necklace
Hand Crafted Necklace and Earrings
Hand Crafted Necklace (New!)
Clothing / Blankets, etc
Custom Tutu
Handmade Knot Dress
Child's Play Cape
Pink Handmade Quilt
Around the House
Autographed Football (New!)
31 Picnic Bag
Bath and Body Works Sweet Pea Basket
Bath and Body Works Japanese Cherry Blossom Basket
WildTree Gift Certificates
Tastefully Simple Package (New!)
On the Wall
Snowman Cross Stitch Picture
Love Your Life Today Painting
Reindeer Cross Stitch Picture
Winter Themed Cross Stitch Picture
Handcrafted Wood Items
Child's Sized Stottlemyer Rocking Chair
Hand Painted Letters
Knit Cap Wine Stopper
Apple Wine Stopper
Hand Turned Potpourri Dish
Green Votive Holder
Acorn Lidded Box
Two Toned Turned Lidded Box (New!)
Boycote Key Fob (New!)
Walnut Bowl
Hand Crafted Wood Handled Pen
Mustang Wood Turned Vase
Variable Speed Wood Jointer
Snapshot Photography's Ultimate Summer Photo Package
Snapshot Photography’s Ultimate Summer Photo Package (total value $467.00)
-Full Photography Session, which includes:
-Approximately 2 hours of picture taking time
-Approximately 50-75 different photos to choose from
-Your choice of location: in studio, your home, outdoors, or a combination
-As many people (including pets), outfit changes and poses as the timeframe
allows
-Use of unique studio props and/or props of your own
-Planning and preparation with us beforehand to ensure your pictures are
personalized and that they capture your desired outcome
-Design work of your pictures
-Removal of scrapes, bruises, tan lines, blemishes, etc.
-2 Storyboard Collage designs
-A private online photo gallery to proof your photos before ordering: this
gallery will be active for two weeks and can be shared with family and friends
-Starter Print Package
-1 10x13
-2 8x10s
-4 5x7s
-16 wallets
-A set of “Say It” Boutique Photo Blocks (up to 7 small blocks)
-These blocks can spell anything you would like….a child’s name, LOVE,
Grandma, etc.
-An 8x10 Organic Bloom Frame
-your choice of style & color
-A Mother of Pearl Charm Necklace from the “Memories” boutique jewelry line
-An 8x10 hand painted canvas painting of a photo of your choice from the session.
For more information on the products & photo session being auctioned off, please visit www.SnapshotPhotography.com
Contact information:
Heather DeFranco
304-281-8939
heather@snapshotphotography.com
Studio location: 388 National Rd. Wheeling, WV 26003
Minimum Starting Bid is $100.00
To bid on this item, please place your name and bid below in the comments section. You should also e-mail me your contact information to themoweryfamilytrust@yahoo.com if you win the auction.
Custom Bottle cap Bows
Unique Bottle cap Bows
 | |||
| This Bow actually says "Alexander's Seizure Dog" on it and has the paw prints! |
Intricately designed with layers of coordinating ribbon, these bows will make any outfit look amazing. The Bottle caps are painted and decorated with unique designs that will make your little girl, tween, or teenager stylish!
For more information, contact Dianna at Twincess Inspirations. Make sure you "Like" her on Facebook:
Diana has generously donated enough bows to Alexander's Auction that we can have a "Buy It Now" feature. For $6.00 each, you can purchase a hand crafted bow. You may purchase 3 bows for $15.00. These prices include shipping.
Bocote Key Fob
Bocote Key Fob
This Key Fob is absolutely beautiful. It is hand turned from South American Bocote wood. It was made and donated by Bill Forney a member of the Cumberland Valley Woodturners Club.
To bid on this item, please place your name and bid below in the comments section. You should also e-mail me your contact information to themoweryfamilytrust@yahoo.com if you win the auction. The cost of shipping, (if any) will be added to your bid. Standard Postal Shipping will be used.
Walnut Bowl
Walnut Bowl
This beautiful bowl is 9 inches in diameter. It is turned from Walnut wood and has a beautiful rich color to it.
It was made and donated by Bob Daniel,a member of the Cumberland Valley Woodturners Club
To bid on this item, please place your name and bid below in the comments section. You should also e-mail me your contact information to themoweryfamilytrust@yahoo.com if you win the auction.
Photo Session by TLC Photographs
Photo Package by TLC Photographs
Win a free1 hour photo session complete with editing package and high resolution disk of photos. You can print your photos, put them on a blog or Facebook, or send them to friends. This value package allows you to get quality photos taken and make unlimited reproductions as you own the rights to the prints. Traci will travel anywhere within a 25 minute radius of Ft. Lauderdale, FL. This free session can be used any time during the next year before June 1, 2012.
If you are interested in previewing more of Traci's work, feel free to contact her by "liking" her Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/PhotographsbyTLC or at photographsbyTLC@live.com
Tutu
Handmade Tutu
Imagine your daughter playing dress up with this beautiful tutu. It is a mermaid style - Long, full, with rich colors. Can be made from sizes Newborn to 5T. This handmade with love tutu features a beautiful combination of teal and turquoise tulle, and a navy ribbon bow, but they are completely customizable. If you win the auction, you can pick the color and style that you like the best!
Check out more styles and designs at Loving Shop
http://www.etsy.com/shop/lovingshop
http://www.etsy.com/shop/lovingshop
To bid on this item, please place your name and bid below in the comments section. You should also e-mail me your contact information to themoweryfamilytrust@yahoo.com if you win the auction.
To bid on this item, please place your name and bid below in the comments section. You should also e-mail me your contact information to themoweryfamilytrust@yahoo.com if you win the auction.
31 Picnic Bag
31 Picnic Set
Have the Ultimate picnic with these pltes, water bottles, utensils, and insulated bag from 31. 31 has amazing products that are fashionable and completely functional.
A special thank you to Bobbi Jo Worrell for the donation. Please order other 31 products through her website.
To bid on this item, please place your name and bid below in the comments section. You should also e-mail me your contact information to themoweryfamilytrust@yahoo.com if you win the auction. The cost of shipping, (if any) will be added to your bid. Standard Postal Shipping will be used.
To bid on this item, please place your name and bid below in the comments section. You should also e-mail me your contact information to themoweryfamilytrust@yahoo.com if you win the auction. The cost of shipping, (if any) will be added to your bid. Standard Postal Shipping will be used.
Wild Tree Gift Certificates
3 $25 Gift Certificates for WildTree Food
Rediscover cooking the Wildtree way.
Wildtree was founded on the premise that food should be natural, nutritious, delicious, and easy at the same time. Wildtree offers a wide variety of everyday foods that are 100% All Natural!
NO preservatives ~ NO Hydrogenated Oils ~ NO High Fructose Coron Syrup ~ NO MSG ~ NO Dyes ~ NO Fillers ~ Peanut FREE
To review the online catalog:
Gift certificate may be combined with the company's June customer promotion through June 30th, 2011
To contact Erin to place an order: wildtreetoyou@yahoo.com
To bid on this item, please place your name and bid below in the comments section. You should also e-mail me your contact information to themoweryfamilytrust@yahoo.com if you win the auction.
Tastefully Simple Package
Tastefully Simple Food Package
Get this great package of Tastefully Simple items.
This package comes with:
1 Bountiful Beer Bread Mix
1 Potato Cheddar soup Mix
1 Key Lime Cheese Ball
1 Twisty Grahams
Be sure to visit Kristen's Tastefully Simple website to order any other great dishes at www.tastefullysimple.com/web/kryver
To bid on this item, please place your name and bid below in the comments section. You should also e-mail me your contact information to themoweryfamilytrust@yahoo.com if you win the auction.
The cost of shipping, (if any) will be added to your bid. Standard Postal Shipping will be used.
To bid on this item, please place your name and bid below in the comments section. You should also e-mail me your contact information to themoweryfamilytrust@yahoo.com if you win the auction.
The cost of shipping, (if any) will be added to your bid. Standard Postal Shipping will be used.
Hand Crafted Necklace
Hand Crafted Necklace
This beautiful hand crafted necklace is a one of a kind find. These necklaces are made by Marcie Taylor and sold to benefit their foundation, The DrewMichaelTaylor Foundation. Please check them out HERE. Marcie generously donated a necklace to be sold at Alexander's Auction.
To bid on this item, please place your name and bid below in the comments section. You should also e-mail me your contact information to themoweryfamilytrust@yahoo.com if you win the auction.
The cost of shipping, (if any) will be added to your bid. Standard Postal Shipping will be used.
Hand Crafted Necklace and Earrings
Medallion necklace and earrings
This was made and donated by Jim Kline a member of the Cumberland Valley Woodturners Club.
To bid on this item, please place your name and bid below in the comments section. You should also e-mail me your contact information to themoweryfamilytrust@yahoo.com if you win the auction.
Custom Bows
Custom Bows
Alisha makes beautiful custom bows. Each bow is $5.00. You can place an order here or on her website (Just make sure you say it is for Alexander's Auction.) Please go and "like" her facebook page http://www.facebook.com/pages/ninebrownbirdsimages-designs/209620079070138
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