This is a lengthy post, but an important one. I ask that you please read it in its entirety.
Recently, I joined the board of the Western Ohio Epilepsy Foundation. I attended by first board meeting two weeks ago. At that meeting, I learned that:
- The Foundation is short on cash, and facing a potential budget crisis.
- I am the new marketing chair.
- I need to come up with a way to help raise several thousand dollars to keep the foundation afloat.
This foundation is an amazing organization. It helps to serve the needs of individuals and families trying to deal with Epilepsy. The EFWO helps people who people with epilepsy, many of whom live below the poverty line, to get information, medication, and medical care. The group defends the rights of those with epilepsy, and works toward the goal of “not another moment” lost to seizures.
Why did I choose to get involved with this organization? My infant son was diagnosed with epilepsy last year. Watching him fight through seizure after seizure has inspired me to take action. Let me tell you, when your kid is having as many as 50 seizures a day, you have to do something. So, know that I am not doing this to “pad my resume”, or to “further my network.” This is a personal crusade. Not only do I hope to make his life better, but I hope that by getting involved in the fight against epilepsy, that I can make life different for other families, other children, other parents, and for anyone afflicted with epilepsy. We spend a lot of time working with the amazing people in the Neurology Department at Cincinnati Children’s . I mention this because they have a mantra that I love. “Change the Outcome.” I now share that goal.
So, I turn to you and ask for help. How? I need you to talk, email, and eat pancakes. Let me elaborate…
First, I need help spreading the word about an event we are putting together on the morning of March 22nd. The event is a Pancake Breakfast. Here are the details:
WHAT: Pancake Breakfast and Easter Egg Hunt
WHERE: F&S Harley Davidson. 7220 North Dixie Drive, Dayton, Ohio 45414.
WHEN: Saturday, March 22nd, 2008 8:00AM – 11:00AM
HOW MUCH: $6.00 for Adults / $4.00 for kids under 12
WHAT ELSE: There will be Pancakes, Sausage, Milk, OJ, Coffee, Prizes Raffled, A 50/50 Drawing, an Easter Egg Hunt and more.
S0… Please come. Please forward a link to this page to others, and ask them to come. (Let me know you are coming if you like by filling out the contact form on this site). If you write a blog, please link to this post, or compose your own post telling others about the cause. Please help me change the outcome.
If you own a business and would like to donate to the event please let me know or contact the foundation directly at 937-233-2500. We are in need of food donations for the breakfast as well as items for the raffle and the Easter egg hunt. We are pulling this together quickly, so no formal marketing materials have been developed – quite frankly we could not afford them anyway. Although, what better medium could there be than a weblog? A real blog, by a real person, who is really involved in the cause.
Finally, if you are looking to make a difference in the world, I ask that you consider joining me. As the newly appointed chair of the Marketing Committee, a committee that does not go far beyond me, I am looking for energetic, creative, passionate people who believe they can change the world. I know I do. Help me make a difference. More importantly, help change the outcome of someone who has epilepsy. I don’t care if you are not a marketer, I need people who want to help – regardless of background. I need people to serve on the marketing committee. I need people to help solicit donations. I need people help run and plan events. Help me change the outcome… and the world.
Thank you,
David E. Bowman
UPDATE:
The event now has its own web site. Visit http://www.PancakesPancakes.com
You can RSVP, get all the event info, volunteer your help, donate items for raffle, and donate money directly to the Epilepsy Foundation of Western Ohio. Check it out, and thanks again for your continued support.
Since this is during spring break for many around the community and families will be travelling such as mine, is there a link you could provide to the donation page for the foundation like you have done for F&S and Children’s? That way even if someone cannot be there, they still may be willing to donate and help your effort, I know I will.
I did Google the foundation and found the donation page, but pointing it out may raise additional funds for those that cannot be there but are willing to donate.
Dave,
I’m very sorry to hear about your child’s affliction. I’m definitely intersted in helping you and the foundation in any way i can. I will be at the pancake breakfast as long as we don’t have any complications with the birth of our new baby boy on the 28th of February. I would love to volunteer any help that i could give during this event and/or any future events. I charish our friendship and wish nothing but the best for you and your family.
Sincerely,
Phillip Keeran
FYI – On the EFWO site the Donate function goes straight to the National Epilepsy Foundation. This does not help with the current cash situation that the Western Ohio Foundation is facing, as those dollars completely by-pass EFWO. We are working on getting up an event page with a link where you can donate directly. I will post on the site when it is up. Thanks to all who have expressed a desire to take part in the event either via coming in person or making a donation. It means a lot to me – and even more to the people who depend on the EFWO each and every day. THANK YOU!