When I set out to be captain of my own team again for the SBACFL Walk-N-Roll for Spina Bifida, I never imagined just how many people my humble efforts would reach– in Central Florida, as well as beyond.
On Wednesday night, Chantilly Patiño of Multicultural Familia and Bicultural Mom moderated our very first Walk-N-Roll Twitter Party for Spina Bifida.
An unprecedented online event meant to raise both funds and awareness, we managed to raise $120 for the Spina Bifida Association of Central Florida. More importantly–we did raise awareness. During this Twitter party, the hashtag #SpinaBifida had nearly 2 million impressions! This is a huge leap forward for the spina bifida cause.
I could never thank Chantilly and all the sponsors and co-hosts enough for all their hard work and dedication to this cause. I’m truly moved by everyone’s show of support. I was also amazed by how many joined the conversation– both people who had been touched by spina bifida, and people who knew nothing of spina bifida before this event. Both groups alike joined forces for this effort, and I will always be grateful to all of them.
On Thursday evening, I hosted another event– in person, at Bravo! Cucina Italiana, here in Orlando. Proceeds from ticket sales benefited the SBACFL Walk-N-Roll for Spina Bifida.
An intimate crowd joined us in support of The Cause, including two families who are part of the SBACFL. A special thanks to Amanda Kern, who took some beautiful photos of the event.
Why, oh why did I have my eyes closed for this one? An otherwise beautiful family portrait, taken by the ever-attentive Bravo staff.
Bravo! Cucina Italiana General Manager Michael Monahan was the one who made it all happen that evening. Thank you so much for caring about the Spina Bifida community! 
*SIGH* At every event I attend or host, I have to put up with another of Mami’s gratuitous photo shoots. #Mamarazzi
Our friend Giancarlo came to support our event!
My good friends Brett and Krystal also came out to support me! Love them.
I’m always grateful for Vionet-Edith’s support. She’s a true friend…part of the family.
Attendees were greeted by an assortment of appetizers and enjoyed drinks on the terrace. We couldn’t have prayed for better weather!
Speaking of prayers…my beloved priest, Father Bassam, was there to support me and my family.
I was able to share special moments with other people, including a camera crew from the UCF Cornerstone program. These college students from my alma mater are volunteering for New Hope for Kids, another one of my favorite organizations, and they showed up to interview me about my experience as a wish recipient!
(There’s more photos where that came from! Stay tuned. )
Another priceless moment that evening was reuniting with Amanda’s son Chance. Now 20 months old, this incredible little guy has touched so many lives already. Ever since the first time I met him over a year ago, I’ve felt a very strong connection to him. He is definitely very special to me. I love Super Chance!
(Note: All the following photos are courtesy of AmandaKern.com.)
My wonderful family is always so incredibly supportive. I couldn’t do any of it without them!
It’s true– Amanda went on a *photo* shooting rampage during the event– expect to see some photos of all the Walk-N-Roll team captains as part of the Walk-N-Roll for Spina Bifida publicity campaign!
Other attendees included Shannon Celentano’s family, Dede Mischel. Thank you so much for your support!
When all was said and done, we made $120 for the Walk-N-Roll. Hmmm…I guess that’s my number. Maybe I should play the lottery…?
I feel remarkably blessed to have so many people supporting me. Whether it’s online or off, in person or from afar, there are so many ways that people can impact a life, support a good cause.
So, thanks to each and every one of you who attended and/or promoted either the Twitter party and/or the Bravo! event. I’m amazed and humbled by your love and support.
As if these events weren’t enough to send me into “awareness overload,” a truly remarkable meeting took place on the Saturday following the Bravo event which some of you heard about on Facebook. Yes, I actually met Judy Woodruff of PBS NewsHour for the first time in person, while she was in Orlando covering the campaigns.
During our meeting, Judy eagerly agreed to an interview! Below is our chat.
And when all is said and done…whether you have given a donation or spread the word, you are helping! Awareness isn’t just a means to an end– it is the end we’re searching for.
Love,
Laurita ♥
© 2012, Laurita. All rights reserved.
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