Turkey Business

You BET we are thankful at The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society. While it has been a rough year for many, we are some of the most fortunate people working in the US. The best incentives we can earn are hearing your success stories, watching the research grow, and giving each blood cancer patient a second shot at life. The mission is our passion, and we are so thankful for our jobs! Here are some amazing outcomes you have allowed us to provide:

- $245,000 of financial support to blood cancer patients in Georgia to offset the financial burdens of blood cancer
- 5 of your dollars now covers the costs to send a packet to a newly diagnosed patient, which includes information on support and their specific disease
- We have now started a national volunteer and support group called IMPACT for 18-25 year olds right here in our Georgia office. This group allows survivors and patients to heal together while giving back to others battling cancer.
- Team In Training (TNT) is the world's first, best and largest charity sports training program and to this date has raised over $900 million since 1988. Yup, we’re going to hit $1 BILLION (in my best Austin Powers voice) this year. Follow their new blog: http://www.teamintrainingga.blogspot.com/
- With a $100 donation, you support 1 round trip per day for 5 days for a patient living in rural Georgia to drive to treatment in Atlanta.
- $1.8 Million dollars and COUNTING were brought in by Georgia Light The Night walkers this year. That’s a whole lotta lives being saved right there.
- Money talks, and the dollar signs have been flashing since since 1949… The Society has raised more than $680 million in research. This specifically targets leukemia, lymphoma and myeloma
- Kids across the country have proven that they have a voice by raising more than $100 million over the past 14 years with our Youth and School programs… Quite the future we have coming at us! Find out more on their awesome programs and how much Georgia schools have raised: www.schoolandyouth.org/ga

Really, I could go on braggin for hours. But it’s not really bragging… it’s my expression of how thankful I am for your support and selfless giving! I am inspired each day by constant compassion… and I could go on and on, but I’m sure my simple words will never describe how thankful we are to represent you! So, hats off to you all this thanksgiving, cause it’s you (and my job) I am thankful for. Now go carve some turkey!

’Til next time kids, stay Relentless For A Cure!

PS....just in case you forgot that mission we are workin towards:

Cure leukemia, lymphoma, hodgkin's disease and myeloma, and improve the quality of life of patients and their families.

Happy Thanksgiving! :)

A new kinda family tradition…

Here at LLS we know it’s not just during the Holidays that people need a helping hand, even though it tends to be the main time charities see donations pour in. Don’t get me wrong, it’s amazing the amount of selflessness we see November through January. Why not take this time though to teach your kids about giving and turn it into a year round habit, instead of an annual tradition?

The Light The Night Walk '09 is still collecting funds through January, and after that we will start planning for next year! Have your kids donate some of their holiday wealth to our Staff Team page if you don’t have one yourself. (http://pages.lightthenight.org/ga/Atlanta09/TeamIntern). Celebrate some of the free days of holiday break by bringing your children to visit kids in chemo or recovery rooms at the hospital. There are lots of programs at both Piedmont and Northside Hospital that are great options… it’s especially special for children to see their peers and understand what they are going through from another set of tiny eyes. (They will learn a lesson that will last a lifetime, and not even realize they are being educated!)

Need more inspiration?



This is Adam Wingate. When this cutie was just two years old, he was diagnosed with Acute Leukemia. His mom wants supporters and those on the sidelines to know "this has been devastating for our family,” says Mechelle. “But he is a strong little boy whose strength amazes me everyday. Without the support of The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society, Adam wouldn’t have a chance. All of us who are affected by blood cancers are fighting for the same thing—for our kids to lead a happy and healthy life.” With the help of your donations that support our mission, Adam is now in remission. Just like we do with honored and remembered heroes at our Light The Night Walks, hang this story on your fridge or in the living room and remind your family why we are working together to raise money and awareness.

Now if that’s not what your holiday season is about, we need to change out our thinking caps! Use this season to initiate the charitable acts, and continue giving past New Years… Soon enough it will be so habitual you’ll have forgotten when you even started!

'Til next time, keep on givin!

Four Days of Fantabulousness

Oh yes. You bet. It’s back.

Shop ’til you drop is back in action just in time to shop the layered look for the fall or get your holiday shopping in before the mad rush. Really though, who needs an excuse to shop. (BUT, it is for an amazing cause just to throw another reason at you… wink, wink.)

You can choose to use your 30% discount at any of these stores: Gap, Gap Outlet, Banana Republic, Banana Republic Factory Stores and Old Navy. Can’t pick just one? Keep that coupon handy, cause it’s reusable!

Take it to the floor.. the shopping floor that is. If you are ready to save and donate, head to http://www.gapinc.com/giveandget/lls/ to print your coupon for the four days of fantabulousness. Share it on twitter, Facebook, via email and whatever other media form you can think of so you and your friends can look sharp while helping blood cancer patients.

Print it, shop it, save some dough, save some lives.

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Fear not, fellow followers! I have returned!! We have been swamped with mailings and overwhelmed with glee as we thank each and everyone of you for your participation and donations. So, really, it’s awesome that I haven’t connected with you in so long, I had too many to thank for reaching our goal! As promised there are pics of your beautiful faces illuminated at the Light The Night walks across Georgia on our Facebook page (http://www.facebook.com/pages/Light-the-Night-Walk-LLS-Georgia-Chapter/65563210773?ref=ts). Click on that, join our Facebook group and enjoy the site!

I would like to congratulate The Academy school in Alpharetta and Shawn Libby for organizing the Mission Day, which brought in a ton of money for Atlanta’s Honored Hero, McKinely and her team McKinely Miracle. Also, a big thanks to Michael O'Keefe who raised a whopping amount for Team In Training. Michael serves as an inspiration to his child at The Academy and as an amazing son to his mother who passed away from leukemia in 2007. Check out Michael (the biggest of all the kids) with LTN staff member Lauraine, the MacDaddy of checks from The Academy and Shawn & daughter McKinely in the great picture below.

Story time! Got a good one, an inspirational one or just a short one? We want to hear it. Email Kiley.borowski@lls.org to share your story. Everyone has a different journey, but together we can help make the path a little smoother.

Psssst! We are STILL collecting funds from all you amazing folks... Check out http://www.lightthenight.org/ga/donate/ to find your team page which will be active until the end of November. Don't have a team? No problemo! This site

http://pages.lightthenight.org/ga/Atlanta09/kileyb08 will lead you to our staff page, where you can donate away. Thank you in advance for helping to improve the quality of life of blood cancer patients and their families. You're the bomb.

'Til next time friends, keep on truckin!

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Picture Perfect

A picture is worth a thousand words. Shake it like a Polaroid picture. I’ll tag you.

However you say it, sing it, or post it- we like it and want it.

It’s time to show the web what you’ve been up to for the past months. Do you have pictures from fundraisers or team outtings? Awesome. Pictures from the walk? GREAT! With your support, we are continuing to climb our way towards the dollar signs we need to reach our 2009 goal. The more picture we can share and circulate, the higher chance you can help us get the word out about Light The Night and reach that goal for this year. Plus, how fun would it be to compare walk sites, fundraisers, and see if you happen to be in the background of another team’s pictures!

If you have pictures please send them to Kiley.Borowski@lls.org and they will be shared on our blog or Facebook group. Remember, we can still improve the quality of life for thousands of individuals and their families. So, keep fundraising and send those pictures on in!

‘Til next time friends- Just keep Swimming, just keep swimming….

Let It Rock.

$1.7 million statewide. You did it GEORGIA! That’s not too shabby I must say. It’s not quite our goal though. So we need you to rock it out. You got this far… how far can you get until December when your donations pages expire and we begin kicking butt for next year? You may say that I ask a lot. False. Think about the 912,938 people who have or survived blood cancer in the US. Plus, I wouldn’t ask you if a) I knew you couldn’t do it (cause you can.. duh) or b) I couldn’t offer some more incredible incentives.. The incentives are below, and remember, while our Walks in Georgia may be over, there are still patients and families in need. Below you will also find an awesome letter composed by one of our very own Campaign Coordinators to continue the success and accomplishments in Georgia.

You can do it Georgia. Let It Rock.

Incredible incentives.
$100 Raised Online = you will get a free movie pass
$150 Raised Online = 2 movie passes
$200 Raised Online = 2 movie passes and snack counter gift card


Campaign Letter To Continue Fundraising:

I had a great time at the Light The Night Walk. The evening was beautiful! For one night, hope for hundreds of thousands of cancer patients was shining brightly in red, white and gold balloons.
Insert team picture
I am very close to reaching my personal goal. I have raised over $_____. Would you consider making a donation to help fund cancer research? Every dollar counts, $10, $20 or more will make a difference. You can make a donation online by visiting my fundraising website by going to (insert personal fundraising page URL) You can also send a check, made payable to LLS, to me at [insert your address].
Help today! Thank you for your support of those who are currently fighting cancer! TOGETHER, we will find a cure for blood cancers!

Tonight's Gonna Be A Good Night!

Holy COW! Can you believe the Athens Walk is tomorrow and our ATLANTA walk is on SATURDAY!! No? Me either!! Excitement is high and heads are spinning with last minute fund raising, packing and planning. (My cube may look like a hurricane came through, but no worries... The Walks will look much more spectacular!)

Before I get ahead of myself with the excitement of Athens and ATL, I must share the best fundraiser since I started typing at you. While I may be biast since it's MY team's fundraiser, tonight promises to be delicious. Come out to PIZZA FUSION (info and directions below) because they will be donating a portion of their proceeds to Light The Night! Big thanks to Jeff Melnick at Pizza Fusion for being super generous.

Can't make it in? Order out! All delivery, in house orders, and beverages will be included in Pizza Fusion's donation. So get out, cause what better way to raise funds for a cure than eating and drinking!

Where: Pizza Fusion
http://maps.google.com/maps?oi=map&q=2233+Peachtree+Rd.%2cAtlanta%2cGA+30309
When: TONIGHT! 5-10pm
Phone: 404-351-9334
Menu: http://www.pizzafusion.com/menu/

Chow down, it's cure time!

We need some LOVE!

We are so fortunate to have you all as donors and participants in our LTN walks! We are going to ask for just one more thing from you... VOLUNTEER! Things are going great but we are short on Atlanta volunteers. Please check out the areas we need your lovin and email lauraine.frank@lls.org with your interest. Grabs some friends and help us kick cancer in the butt!

Clean-Up/Recycling (8:00—10:30 pm): Help break down and clean up walk site after closing ceremonies; collect and properly dispose of balloons and batteries.

Accounting Room (4:00-9:00 pm): A behind the scenes job. Count money and prepare for deposit. Must volunteer for entire shift. These volunteers will be indoors and will not be able to take part in the walk festivities.

Thanks for your support.

Keep on truckin*

Prizes, Events, Fun Friday... OH MY!

The rain certainly didn’t slow anyone at LLS down this week! We are in full force Walk mode with Albany’s Light The Night Walk TONIGHT! Vans are packed and en route for our very first walk this season in Georgia. This week we have more prizes and events to introduce and keep you on your toes for fundraising! Thanks for your support, read on!

Hard Workin Winners:

These fabulous five registered the most walkers last week! Awesome job Georgia, keep it coming!
Albany - Linda Brown - Dougherty County School System Monroe Golden Tomatoes
Athens - Linda Smith - Piedmont College
Atlanta - Dan Miller - Enterprise
Augusta - Jeff Annis - GPCA Advanced Services
Savannah - Barbara Hubbard - AASU College of Education

We have ONE MORE prize to give away... Bring in the most money in your city from 9/25 - 10/1 and you'll get a super star shout out and an incentive you won't want to pass up. Don't forget, we still have those terrific air-tran tickets on the line, too. Grab your team and get some dollars brought in this weekend!

Let The Good Times Roll:

THE LEUKEMIA & LYMPHOMA SOCIETY FUNDRAISER

Lovejoy Community Center

October 3rd

8:30am-2:00pm

“Ride in” Bike show & Bike games

Great BBQ!!!
Live performance by
“NO BETTER REST”

Contact Ted Lieb (404) 276-6578
Lovejoy Community Center
11622 Hastings Bridge Rd. Hampton

Keep up your hard work and dedication. We are lucky to have rockin fundraisers like you to help our Light The Night Walk! Whether you're in chemo now, supporting a friend battling cancer or remembering someone who's lost the fight, keep this quote in mind and have a fantastic FUN Friday! :)

'Til Next time.....

"Life isn't about waiting for the storm to pass.

It's about learning to dance in the rain!"

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Eye On The Prize

Oh yes, Fun Friday has arrived yet again. We love it, you love, so let's get to it...

This week's lucky winners have raised the level of competition. Find your market to see which individual raised the most money online this week and won a $20 Target gift card.

Albany- Zan Twiggs: Team Twiggs
Athens- Ashley Garrett: Athens Regional
Atlanta- Nancy Shaw: Friends for Jordan
Augusta- Jeff Annis: GPCA - Advanced Services - Bugstopper
Savannah- Donna Dehncke: Andrea's Angels

There's plenty of healthy competition left for those who haven't seen their name on our glorious pages or email blasts yet. There are still three giant incentive weeks to raise money, check out our timeline below!
1)Team Captains in each market compete to registers the most walkers from 9/18 - 9/24... You'll will receive a sweet gift card.

2) Individuals who raises the most money online in each market the week of 9/25 - 10/1 will receive some special gift cards!

3)Hey, hey! Let's jet away! Through October 15th, for every $1,000 raised, you will be entered into a drawing to win 2 Airtran tickets! Get on it, people!

Need more ideas to bring in the funds? Look at the tips below or log onto your ETOOLS page and get some hints. And of course you know the lovely ladies on the Light The Night staff are always just a phone call away (404.720.7841), so hit us up if you need advice or supplies!

*Ask a local restaurant to donate a portion of their evening proceeds to your team.. you'd be surprised how willing and excited they are to participate... trust me, I just did it! :)

*Have a garage sale! Get rid of all that clutter now that the kids are back in school AND have their new supplies. Sell paper balloons along with all your clothes, toys, furniture and whatever else isn't nailed down in your house!

*Ask your office to brown bag it for a week or just one day and donate the money they would normally use for grub to your LTN team. You could even bring out blankets and make it an indoor picnic! (Send us pictures if you do that, please!!)

'Til next time my lovely walkers, keep on truckin!

PS, FOLLOW our page (very bottom on the right) to spread the word about LTN in Georgia!

A Little Help?

Everyone needs a friend or helping hand, no matter how independent or self sufficient you claim to be... I know you need help. Here at LLS, we are not afraid to admit, we need you! All of our markets are looking for a few extra hands to volunteer at their respective walk sites. If you are interested in volunteering for day of assistance, please contact Lauraine Frank at lauraine.frank@lls.org or give her a call at 404.720.7826. She is super cheery and looking forward to assisting you with figuring out where we need your hands.

While our picture today might be very cheesy, all of your hands are what help Light The Night reach our goals. Thank you!

Live music, fun times, cure cancer.

Looking for something to do this weekend? Trying to support Light The Night? We've got something for you!

Cocktail Cove is hosting a rock star event benefitting The Leukemia and Lymphoma Society. 3rd Wheel will be providing entertainment alongside Atlanta's ROCK100.5, Axel, who will be keeping the crowd alive with his MC talents. $10 donations at the door will get your charity fix in for the weekend as well. More details below!

Where: Cocktail Cove, Atlanta, GA

http://cocktailcovebar.com/

When: September 13

Time: 3 pm - 7pm

And we have a WINNER!

It is Fun Friday here at LLS. So, what you ask? So we have our first group of winners for $20 Target gift cards! If you were the busy bee this week and registered the most walkers, your name will be below. If not, we have three more weeks of incentives and lots more cash to raise… plus don’t forget about the AirTran tickets!

The winner’s bracket looks like this:

Athens: Bethany Parker, SONAT
Atlanta: Lisa Anderson, Emory Winship
Augusta: Frank Anderson, RBW Logistics
Savannah: Margie Fares, JC Lewis Mustangs
Albany: Becky Belcher, DOCO Regional Federal Credit Union

Yup, we know… your Fridays just got so much better.

Run and Tell That!

I told you if you held out, the stuff and things would be good! We are not only happy because it's raining donations at LLS, but we also get to give away four weeks worth of incentives! Check below for this week's prize giveaway and even more awesomeness...

WEEKLY WINNINGS: Anyone registered who raises the most money online from 9/11 - 9/17 will receive a $20 Target Gift Card. So, get on that website of yours and do work! If you have trouble with your website, call our Light The Night line at 404.720.7841. This week's winner will be announced right here on Friday!

COME FLY WITH ME!
Oh, no. The prizes don't stop with four weeks of goodies. Each individual who personally brings in $1,000 of donations from now until October 1st will be entered to win TWO domestic AirTran tickets. Raise more than that? Sweet! You're name is entered in the drawing for every $1,000 you are raised.

Not that you really need an incentive to raise money to cure cancer, but I told you they'd be legit prizes if you waited to hear! Now run and tell that :)

Free Stuff and Things!!

Stuff and things that you won’t even believe. Stuff and things that are actually way useful. And the best part? These stuff and things we speak of are available to any and all Georgia Light The Night participants, as long as you are registered to walk. I cannot disclose all the stuff and things info just yet, but really… you want the stuff and things.
It’s not just some free goody bag given out at your cousin’s 5th birthday party. This is legit free stuff.
When you win the stuff and things, you don’t just win something for yourself (cause we don’t play the selfish game here at LLS). You are still helping the hundreds of thousands of people battling blood cancer. Now get to www.lightthenight.org/ga and register more walkers, cause I know you know they want to know about the stuff and things. Hang tight for the announcement of our fabulous free prizes (you know, the stuff and things).

’Til Next Time Teams, Raise Away!!

It was a... Strike!

No worries, the employees here at The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society are not going on strike. I'm talking about our ATL Kick Off Party held this past weekend at Ten Pin Bowling Alley in Atlantic Station... It was a hit. Shout out to William at swanky Ten Pin for being so very accommodating, but most importantly to all of our marvelous Team Captains that made it out! By the looks of this year's team captains energy and commitment, LTN 2009 is going to be very successful. Of course, it will only be that way with all of your support and determination (yes, I did pull out the corny line, but only dropped it because it's TRUE) so keep on truckin!

As one of our managers said, we wouldn't complain if we were out of a job because you raised so much money to cure blood cancers. Some might say that that would be the bomb.

We are here to provide you with the tools and support to put us out of our jobs (really, I AM serious), so find the emails to the lifeguard that taught your kids swim lessons this summer, the new teacher in school, your pastor and your barber- because just a few more people is all you need to meet your goal and raise funds from your very own donations webpage. It's the easiest way to walk the talk.

'Til next time teams, raise away!

Big Weekend Event: READY. SET. CURE!

CALLING ALL ATL TEAM CAPTAINS-- It’s time to battle cancer, bowling style! Tomorrow, August 22nd is the Atlanta Kick Off Party for Light The Night. We’ve got secret recipes to become the top fundraiser in town, lots of captain loot and games galore planned if you are ready to kick cancer in the butt. We can’t wait to see you, so remember the few details below, and get excited for a fun Saturday with The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society and fellow Team Captains.

Where: Ten Pin Bowling Alley (In Atlantic Station)
http://dolcegroup.com/tenpinalley/

When: THIS SATURDAY, August 22nd

Time: Program begins at 1pm, bowling until 4pm.

If you have more questions on the Kick Off or how to register for LTN '09, just call our Light The Night Line at 404-720-7841 or visit www.lightthenight.org/ga .

Ready. Set. Cure!

Discount Shop While Donating? YES, PLEASE!

Gooood Morning Friends! It’s been awhile since we last updated, but that doesn’t mean we’ve been poolside working on our tans. We have had Kick Off Parties, registered tons of walkers, and are psyched for the donations you are bringing us.

In the spirit of celebrating you, caring about back to school needs, and just being plain awesome, The Leukemia and Lymphoma Society has paired with GAP to give you some super fine deals (we're talkin' 30% off) for every purchase you make July 30th – August 2nd. With each purchase you make, 5% will be donated to help kick Leukemia in the butt. Hurry to http://www.lls.org/gap to print your reusable coupon! This is one time you can use and abuse to give and get!

Tips to remember while giving and getting this weekend:
1) It's Four Days ONLY! Go on and getcha some ASAP
2) Head to any or all of these stores- Gap, Gap Outlet, Banana Republic, Banana Republic Factory Stores and Old Navy
3) Flash your coupon before you check out to take part in this phenomenon of whopping deals and donations.

4) Georgia resident? Rock on by combining this coupon and TAX FREE WEEKEND!
5) You are fundraising, so that extra popped collar or little skirt you may want, they are actually helping someone’s dad pay for his blood test or a little cousin find a mentor to help understand and empathize with her blood cancer.

Like always, spread the word about these sweet savings and fundraising for the short week. Tell us how you and your friends Give and Get, we may need to borrow something you bought this weekend!

Fireworks and Fundraising Sound Great!

Everyone is out, weather is hot, and food is great. Why not add some fun and easy fundraising to your 4th of July weekend? You'll have mad cash before the fireworks even start if you look below and recruit some friends for these simple fundraisers.

ICE ICE BABY- Forget lemonade, it's hot outside. Freeze Pops: tastey, easy, cheap and refreshing. You can't ask for much more, other than perhaps $1 set up at your pool. These classic summer yummies come in mass packing by the hundreds for under five dollars if you pick the pick the right grocer. Set it up and get ready to have the kids and adults swarming.

SPARK AND SHINE: Everyone is usually looking for their own fireworks display before the show. Sell small, safe sparklers to light your July night!

GIVE A LITTLE GET A LITTLE: If you're not hosting a BBQ, you're probably going to one! Help a friend mow their lawn in exchange for a donation to your team. Just an hour or so and everyone will be green with glee.

BAKE IT OFF: 4th means food, and if it doesn't it will now... Plan a bake off of any and all dishes and drinks at your backyard party. Ask for small donations from all entries and eaters, hand out cards to rank the top 3 recipes, spread the fare around and let the eating begin! Announce your winners and thank them for their grub and their dough.

STRIKE A POSE: With lots of digital cameras be pulled out this weekend, put your festivities to up to a challenge. Create a contest for all of the photos taken during your 4th celebrations, having friends and family email their best pics to you. Upload to sites like shutterfly or facebook and make your judgment. Each person participating can donate to your cause and everyone will be able to view pictures from the weekend in one place!

TOURNEY TIME: Bags, cornhole, beans and boards, bean bag toss... Whatever you call it, you know it's a great backyard game. Create a tournament with a tiny entry fee and play on! The ultimate victor can be announced and rewarded at the end of the games.

For more fundraising ideas for anytime of the year, head to www.lightthenight.org/ga and find "sign in." You can access the pages with the login/password given at registration. Scroll down to downloads from the fundraising toolbox tab and pick any of the downloads. Get motivated, fundraise the fourth away!

Easy As Pie Registration

Come one, come all! Invite friends, coworkers, your barista, or the kid who cuts your grass. Every step counts when we are walking to cure. If you prefer to enjoy the summer night alone, register as an individual. Team up with a group or sign up as a team captain and motivate others to illuminate the night. Head to http://www.lightthenight.org/register/ to pick the registration option that best suits you! Anyone can get Leukemia, it's a cancer that does not discriminate. When you register for Light The Night, you just might see an old friend, boss, server or the kids that help with the local chores, and you may be taking a step to save their lives. 231,461 people are living with leukemia in the United States, how have you helped?

Tina Fey: 2009 LTN National Spokesperson

Check out our 2009 National Spokesperson

Tina Fey and send this link to your potential team members!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FFiVgS5dxo8

Also send along our informational video: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KC7cHiWyr5U&feature=channel

Light The Night takes on Blogger

Welcome to our Light The Night, GA 2009 Blog! We are already excited and encouraged by the amazing progress with four months to go until our LTN Walks. Postings will include stories from our topnotch teams, keep you in the know with all of our exciting events, some fantastic new fundraising ideas and of course stories about those who inspire us to walk for the cure. We want your photos, encouragement and ideas, so please feel free to submit your posts. Enjoy!