Monday, November 28, 2011

Sponsor Running for Ryan!

So in this crazy little plan of Running for Ryan,
I have small goals, and I have large. 

I just tried to make a list of "the small" and came to an immediate stopping point.
There really is nothing very small about any of this at all.
In fact, this whole campaign, as we'll call it, has taken over my existence.

The point I'm trying to make is that there are things that I knew would happen:
I would sell aprons, and have sold 49.
I would receive incredible donations, and have received over 25 (40% of my goal).
I would have incredible support.
I would run a marathon.
I would raise awareness.

One of my major fundraising goals is to get sponsors. 
I have what I feel is an incredible following in just a 4-week span. 
Followers are from far and wide: Tampa to Memphis to New Orleans to Canada to England. 
It's really incredible. 
So I figure I can help those who will help me.

My sponsorship strategy:

First and foremost, sponsoring Running for Ryan will provide incredible support to the Hoyt Foundation. A sponsorship donation will help in the betterment and advancement of the hearts, minds and bodies of physically disabled children.

I will place the company's logo on the shirts I train in. I have over 400 miles to go... including the Rock N' Roll Mardi Gras Half Marathon this February. 

In addition, the company's logo will appear on shirts that we will be selling as a fundraising effort. 

Lastly, a company has the option of including its logo on this very blog, which has generated over 2,000 views in its short existence. 

So what's it gonna cost you?
Aside from the kindness in your heart:

$25 - Company Name
$50 - Small Logo
$100 - Medium Logo (plus link on blog)
$250 - Large Logo (plus link on blog)
$500 - X-Large (plus link on blog)

LARGEST BIDDER WILL RECEIVE A FULL-SIZE LOGO ON A TRAINING SHIRT!

Do it for Ryan!
Do it the the kids!
Do it so my dreams aren't crushed... no pressure.

Seriously, you all. The sky is the limit.

I even sent a letter to the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and am currently working on one for Matt Lauer.

I am hoping that Matt Lauer is the highest bidder because I may or may not already have a shirt made.

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So whether you are Matt Lauer, or a small company who wants to make a big impact,
let me know! 
I can be reached at my email: kellyn.gowen@gmail.com
Donations can be made here - be sure to include your contact information.

Check out Memphis Pedicab Company sitting nicely over there to the the right! Whoop!

Let's make a difference you all!
Make me want to run today!

If you want a printable sponsor flyer to show your boss,
 click here or see the tab up top!

Wednesday, November 16, 2011

Dear Lacey


This week had a really rough start.
First of all, it was entirely bittersweet to see my first batch of aprons go out the door.
Those were my  babies. 
I literally cried putting those together, as I wasn't entirely sure what I was doing. (at first)
I asked my mom and husband 800 times if they were seriously good.
"No, like, seriously. Don't lie to me because I'm weepy and this is my dream...."
Then Ernestine died. 
(that is my old sewing machine to the newbies)
Then I realized I was entirely sleep deprived.
I was literally choosing to fold, press and stitch fabric over eating.
I was dehydrated.
I was emotional.
I had to choke back tears when my 2-year-old said "Mommeeeee, please no more work."
A hot flippin' mess.
Seriously... hot - it's 80 degrees here.
But something happened yesterday that TOTALLY blew my mind (in a good way).
I received a donation from someone who has never met me.
Has never met my brother.
Doesn't even live in Florida. (I think anyway)
Has no idea who the Shucks are.
A totally random person donated to my cause.
Dear Lacey,
You are the reason why I don't mind that I'm sleep deprived,
or that I licked 20 envelopes in a row today to people who may toss it in the trash,
or that I have a LOAD of apron orders,
or that I am still awake writing a blog post at 10:34 p.m. when I should be in bed,
or that I have started getting shin splints
or that sometimes my back feels as if it belongs to an 80-year-old man
or that I had to run with my dog and my gabbing toddler this weekend
or that I get major wedgies on longish runs
or that I nearly twist my ankle every time I turn the corner off Broadway
or that I have literally no idea what I have got myself into....
I joined Team Hoyt to make my efforts contagious
I wanted people to see what I see. 
Know what I know. 
Feel what I feel.
This is why I started a blog and stay up late to write and edit posts.
Or why I annoy the bejeebers out of people of Facebook.
The fact that you came to my blog, saw what I was doing,
and was moved enough to share your love with us,
literally blows my mind. 
Joining Team Hoyt and starting Running for Ryan was incredible,
but Lacey, what you did was more so. 
You are the reason why I will get up tomorrow and keep going.
I thank you.
-Kellyn
I thank everyone who has made a donation thus far.
I thank everyone for the apron orders, sharing our link of Facebook or Twitter,
and even those who took a second to just think about us.
This love is what's going to push me across the finish line.
Keep it coming!
If Lacey isn't proof enough that we are making a difference,
then I don't know what is...


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Sunday, November 13, 2011

A Run With Gray and Raya (never again)

Husband just back from an 8-day South American adventure with Tulane. 
Somehow having him home resulted in this as my Sunday run:

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I did 3.8 miles.

It felt like it was 50.

I honestly feel it would have been better had I a lugged a sandbag.

Toddlers also cannot just enjoy the ride. Oh no.
Our excursion went a little something like this:

Gray: Mommmeeeeeee, where are we goooooing?
Me:  On a run.
Gray: Mommmeeee, a ruuuun? Mommeeee ruuuun?
Me: Yes.
Gray: Raya run Mommeee?
Me: Yes.
Gray: Gray running Mommeee?
Me: No Gray is riding. In the stroller. You are riding in the stroller.
Gray: The stroller?
Me: Yes.
Gray: Mommmeeeeeeeee?
Me. (huff pufff)
Gray: MommmeeEEEEEEE?
Me: (huff) Yes. (Puff)
Gray: You see the truck mommmeeee? Mommeee that's a red truck. BEEP BEEP.
Me. Yes
Gray: Oh! You hear the firetruck mommmeeee? WOOWOOWOOWOOWOO
Me: (Insert iPod earplugs.)
Gray: (muffle muffle muffle muffle)
Me: That's great, honey. Wow!

Oh, don't judge! Have you ever had a conversation with a 2-year-old?

But I guess the perk to that enticing conversation 
18 doggy potty breaks 
3 plastic bags
+
14 pot holes...

..got us here:

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There is a god.

Wednesday, November 9, 2011

Buried in Aprons

Well the apron kick-off was certainly exciting.
My mother came into town to help me,
and thank god for that.

We were literally buried in fabric, thread and needles.
Well, I still am.... she got to hop on a plane this afternoon.

Thank you dearly to all of those who made orders! 
They are being shipped out this week,
possibly tomorrow!

I have learned a lot through this endeavor.
1. Aprons are not as simple as they seem.
2. Fabric disappears very quickly.
3. Ernestine was not prepared to take on this task.
4. Wine makes sewing exceptionally fun and relaxing.

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So, Ernestine had a mild meltdown.
As much as I love her, we had no time to wait for her to recuperate. 
Please meet, Myrtle:

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This "heavy duty" new friend is in fact, heavy duty. 
She plows.
She's amazing.

So there are now three new things to know about the aprons:

1. They will have a much quicker turnaround time because it is finally cool out, meaning I am drinking more red wine... meaning that I'll be rocking these aprons. 
I made all of these last night with a glass of wine and some Edward Cullen (excellent combination, might I add):

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2. They are guaranteed to make your food taste better.
(Seasoned bread crumbs and pepper aren't the only flavor in this kitchen)

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3. I am open to fabric suggestions. 
I found this one that I liked and will now offer:

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So be sure to email me at kellyn.gowen@gmail.com or Facebook me 
and I'll get one out to you! 

Remember that there are so many opportunities to support Running for Ryan!

You can buy an apron!
"Like" us on Facebook
Share our blog and links on Facebook, Twitter, 
or whatever new thing is out there.
Give Ryan a high-five when you see him.
Sponsor my run. (more to come)

But perhaps most importantly,
Share the large amount of love that this little effort was built on.
Be nice. Be cool.
...and buy an apron...

Tuesday, November 1, 2011

APRONS FOR SALE!


So apparently, Boston ain't cheap.

In order to get me there, I need to do some self-fundraising.

Ergo: Aprons.

I have always wanted to make aprons because they are my obsession.
I like them cute, and I like them simple.

It is my hope that you do, too.

This is what I will need from you:
1. Name and Address
2. Size - Adult / Child / Toddler
3. Pattern
4. Style - Full / Half / Boy

Send that information to my email 
(kellyn.gowen@gmail.com)
or my personal Facebook
You will then make a payment to my PayPal
(which is my email address - kellyn.gowen@gmail.com)

All of the extra proceeds will go to Running for Ryan! 

Hand-made embellishments:
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(Included on each apron)

Half (My personal favorite)
Adult - $15
Child/Toddler - $10

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(Pockets included)

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Full
Adult - $20
Child/Toddler - $15

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(Pocket optional)

Boy
$10

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(You name the color)

Patterns

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(From left to right: Teal, Green, Orange, 70s Flower, Bold Flower, B&W, Pretty Flower)
You can also get it in the Asian umbrella fabric featured under the half aprons.

Meet Ernestine,
she is old, but she is mighty:

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So that is the word! 

These aprons will make great stock stuffers for Christmas coming up! 
Guess what all of my family members are getting?!
HO HO HO

(or should I say Go Go Go)
Get those orders in!