We all have life goals and I don’t know about you, but I’m not getting any younger. Several years ago I decided that I would like to someday run a marathon, just to say I accomplished it. I briefly started the 5 month rigorous training schedule and found it difficult to stay self motivated. It just wasn’t the right time.

Several months back my new girlfriend asked me if I would be interested in training for a ½ marathon. My immediate response was yes and we have been running ever since. We run 3 to 4 times a week. Anywhere from 12 miles to 26 miles weekly. Some days are better than others, but we keep each other motivated. We are well on our way to accomplishing one of our individual life goals together and it feels great.

Why Charity?

As many of you probably have thought of donating to charity or doing something in your community, I have always wanted to do something myself. But what, how, when and for what cause? There are so many, right? Then life gets in the way, we forget, another year goes by and we just didn’t get around to helping.

I have helped out at local food shelters cooking on the holidays before. I have gone to help some other friends with their charities before, but all too seldom.

To be completely honest I didn’t even think of charity when I started running for my marathon. I was doing it completely for selfish reasons. I wanted to achieve a life goal.

Why Connie Foundation?

So one morning my friend Ed came to pick me up and on the back of his car he has a pink ribbon and it says “Ask me about The Connie Foundation!” So I hop in the car and say “Tell me about Connie Foundation”. He looks to me and smiles and asks, “Are you messing with me?” I said “No, the ribbon on your car, tell me about it.” He lights up like a Christmas tree. He goes on to explain how Connie foundation helps those with cancer with their everyday necessities. He goes on to explain how he has donated his time along with his fiancé and how great it feels to give back. He asks me if I’d like to go on a fundraiser sometime and help out.

To that my immediate response was “well I am running in this marathon; why not make it for charity? Why not raise money for Connie Foundation?”

So here I am trying to do my part, but I can’t do it without a lot of support. So I’m asking all my friends, family, co-workers, facebookers, youtubers, and anyone else I can think of for your support.

Any amount will help. Don’t think because of the economy I’m asking for $100. I’m asking so many people even a $5 donation will help tremendously. If I could get that much from everyone I would far surpass my goal. So please everyone make a small contribution to this very worthy cause.

Thanks in advance,

Ryan

List of Donors:

Edmund Schlacher $100
Lisa Almodovar $100
Jason Perez $50
Thomas Perez $10
Debbie Moore $50
LeighAnne Corredor $50
Robert Maar $25
Ivan Ferrer $25
Paul Darmetko $100
Jose Arjona $5
Dan Jardine $120
Michael Douglas $50
Joseph Manuse $25
Bridie Menendez $25
Paul Metkomarine $100
Eddie Dalidowicz $100

“We are grateful Connie was able to see the seeds of the Foundation begin to sprout before she passed away, says Debbie Moore, Connie Foundation president and who was Connie’s best friend.  “We believe she would be proud of the way the Foundation has carried on her legacy over the years to be decent to others and help ease the financial burden many women with breast cancer face, especially in these uncertain economic times.”

The Foundation’s longevity can be, in part, attributed to its creative and successful fundraisers.  Over the years it has raised multiple thousands of dollars with its popular Bosom Buddies BBQ and fashion shows including an inaugural “Pretty in Pink” fashion show held in February, which paid homage to the 1980’s and garnered over $6,000.  Another Bosom Buddies BBQ is slated for this October and plans are in the works for the Foundation to be the beneficiary at several other local events in the coming months.

Additionally, the Connie Foundation logo, web site and newsletter received a new brand identity and web presence earlier this year by area PR firm The Gab Group to generate more awareness and community appeal. The foundation’s new logo, created by Creative Director Asia Samson, was designed to evoke a woman’s freedom from sickness and financial burdens. The look can be viewed by logging onto www.conniefoundation.org

“We are elated to report The Connie Foundation has given dozens of South Florida women to-date, who are waging the most courageous battle of their lives, a beacon of financial hope and assistance thanks to the determination of our board members and loyal supporters,” Moore adds.

About The Connie Foundation

Founded in honor of Connie J. Goodale who passed away from breast cancer in 2001, the Connie J. Goodale Breast Cancer Foundation’s goals are to assist local families affected by breast cancer with financial assistance and support in dealing with problems relating to this disease. This 501 (c)3 organization is currently the only South Florida foundation that provides direct financial assistance to breast cancer patients who qualify. To date, the Connie J. Goodale Foundation has raised over $100,000 that has been directly donated to local women with breast cancer. For more information, visit www.conniefoundation.org.

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The premier “pink carpet” event also introduced the formal launch of the Foundation’s new website: www.conniefoundation.org.

“Pretty in Pink,” organized by leading event specialists, The Gab Group, brought out over 200 guests who enjoyed a variety of unique performances including a fashion show styled by Jennifer Haley, founder of Delray Beach’s Trilogy Boutique and retro break dance performances by modern break dance crew Gum Unda Da Table. Gourmet hors d’oeuvres and a specialty cocktail called “The Connie,” which included delicious Nuvo Sparkling Pink Vodka Liqueur, were specially prepared by Forte for the night. Hair and makeup to match the fun fashions were provided by the exclusive new Salon Edge of Boca Raton and KROMA makeup.

The night’s entertainment continued with a touching spoken word poem about breast cancer called “Breathe” performed by HBO Def Poet Asia, and the grand finale came when a surprise cake by Ana Paz was rolled out and cupcakes with lit candles were passed around to guests to blow out and celebrate life. Other generous sponsors included Corbato Photography, Creative Video Productions, Leather Rock Bands and BraStraps.com.

“Pretty in Pink was a meaningful event for us,” says Connie Foundation President Debra Moore. “It gave us an opportunity to raise money and reignite community awareness for the Foundation so we can continue to financially assist local women with breast cancer. Connie would have loved this party, and it was so special to have her daughters Laurie and Jamie here to celebrate Connie’s spirit and legacy that continues through the Foundation.”

Exiting guests were gifted with Trilogy Boutique tote bags including several promotional items and KROMA Telia-Face Lifting Potion and KROMA Meringue All-Natural Lip Gloss.

About The Connie Foundation
Founded in honor of Connie J. Goodale who passed away from breast cancer in 2001, the Connie J. Goodale Breast Cancer Foundation’s goals are to assist local families affected by breast cancer with financial assistance and support in dealing with problems relating to this disease. This 501 (c)3 organization is currently the only South Florida foundation that provides direct financial assistance to breast cancer patients who qualify. To date, the Connie J. Goodale Foundation has raised over $100,000 that has been directly donated to local women with breast cancer. For more information, visit www.conniefoundation.org.

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WEST PALM BEACH, Fla. – January 30, 2009

Organized by leading event specialists, The Gab Group, this premier ‘pink carpet’ event will also unveil the formal launch of the Foundation’s new website: www.conniefoundation.org.

The 80’s-inspired ‘Pretty in Pink’ theme will feature a variety of unique performances including a fashion show styled by Jennifer Haley, founder of Delray Beach’s Trilogy Boutique and unique retro break dance performances by modern break dance crews. Specialty cocktails will be provided by Nuvo Sparkling Pink Vodka Liqueur. Hair and makeup for the fashion will be provided by the exclusive new Salon Edge of Boca Raton. Other sponsors include Corbato Photography and Creative Video Productions.

“In these tough economic times, we feel it is even more important to help those less fortunate. For those women who may not be able to pay for their medical bills associated with treating breast cancer, our Foundation gives them hope,” says Debra Moore, Connie Foundation president. “With this event and our new web site, we hope to make people aware of the great work the Connie Foundation does for our South Florida community.”

All proceeds from the event’s $25 cover per person will directly benefit The Connie Foundation. VIP tables are also available. To attend, please visit www.conniefoundation.org or call 561-350-7500 or email events@thegabgroup.com.

About The Connie Foundation
Founded in honor of Connie J. Goodale who passed away from breast cancer in 1999, the Connie J. Goodale Breast Cancer Foundation’s goals are to assist local families affected by breast cancer with financial assistance and support in dealing with problems relating to this disease. This 501 (c)3 organization is currently the only South Florida foundation that provides direct financial assistance to breast cancer patients who qualify. To date, the Connie J. Goodale Foundation has raised over $100,000 that has been directly donated to local women with breast cancer. For more information, visit www.conniefoundation.org.

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