Teddi Dance for Love & More

One of my favorite sayings is that if you want to see God laugh, plan!  I had all good intentions of updating you with a post last week, but unfortunately I was under the weather and am just now starting to feel better and get caught up with work.

 

I didn’t feel well enough to attend the Opening Ceremonies of the 31^st Annual Teddi Dance for Love at St. John Fisher College last Friday evening, which was so difficult for me, as this is the first time in the history of this special event that I have not been there on Friday night.  Thankfully, I did make it on Saturday evening for the Closing Ceremonies and I am so glad that I did!  The Teddi Dance for Love is one of my favorite times of the year.  There are two things in life that are always guaranteed – whenever the Teddi Dance for Love takes place, it is always so cold outside, but inside, the warmth and love from all of the dancers is overwhelming.  It has been said that the two greatest gifts that we as human beings can give to one another are our time and our love.  Over those 24 hours, each and every one of them give so much of both, and their efforts will directly result in the creation of some good days and special times for some very special children and families who are dealing with cancer.  As Teddi’s Dad, they go above and beyond in helping to keep my daughter’s spirit and memory alive.  There are truly no words to express my gratitude for that special gift they give to me.

 

THANK YOU! To Danielle Allington, Chair and Jenny Keeler, Vice-Chair, along with the entire Teddi Dance for Love Committee, the hundreds of participants, all of the volunteers, and the administration, faculty and staff at St. John Fisher College, and Honorary Chairman, Steve Hausmann, co-host of Coffee in the Morning on 92.5 WBEE for making the 31^st Annual Teddi Dance for Love a tremendous success, generating $50,931.56 to support the Teddi Project at Camp Good Days, which helps to provide the Annual Florida Fun Fest trip and other special activities and events for the children and families we serve. 

 

Similar to all those who planned, participated in and supported the Teddi Dance for Love, there are so many individuals, businesses, and organizations that make it possible for us to do all that we do here at Camp Good Days – and all that we are able to give back is a good feeling and the knowledge that they are helping some very special children and families.  Next month, we will be recognizing and honoring some of those that have made a real difference in the lives of the children and families at Camp Good Days.  On Friday, March 8, 2013, we will host A Night of Gratitude, at the Rochester Plaza Hotel in Downtown Rochester, during which we will recognize the 2012 Teddi Award Winners and Ring of Honor Inductees. 

 

The Ring of Honor was established as part of Camp Good Days’ 25^th Anniversary Celebration in 2004 and includes those who are selected for their outstanding dedication, commitment and support of the thousands of children and families served over the years. In addition to their award, inductee’s names will be included in the permanent Ring of Honor display, which is located at the Camp Good Days’ Recreational Facility, in Branchport, NY, for all to see.  The inductees for the Ring of Honor, being recognized at A Night of Gratitude are: Katie Bess; Maggie Brooks; Nancy Chestnut; Brian Cuvelier & Family; Monroe County District Attorney’s Office; Peter Formicola (posthumously); Aimee Gasparre; Rob & Tina Harter; Jerry Romanowski; Louise Slaughter; St. John Fisher College Football; Mark Soule; Walden Galleria Mall; Scott Vallow; Jayne Van Zile; Chris Van Zile-Stabins; and University of Rochester Football

 

The Teddi Award is one of the highest honors bestowed by Camp Good Days to those who have gone above and beyond within the past year, in helping to fulfill the mission of improving the quality of life for children, adults, and families whose lives have been touched by cancer and other life challenges.  The recipients of the Teddi Award are: Eliana Blatt; Travis Butchello; Campground Owners of New York; Canisius College Women’s Basketball; Annmarie Charo; Jerrod Church; Patrick & Suzanne Crough; Steve & Patty DiGennaro; Louie Donato; Joe Donato; Tony Donato; East Amherst Dental; Matt Elkins; Mark Gestring, MD; Otto Harnischfeger; Dave Henderson; Justin Jerzak; Lauren Keeler; Dave Petrie; Pittsford Dairy; Walter Sanders; Nikki Sepielli; Beth Shope; St. Luke’s Cookie Baking Ladies; and Vogue Salon & Day Spa.

 

We hope that all who are able will join us for this very special evening and help us in honoring and thanking all of our award recipients.  Tickets to attend A Night of Gratitude are $30.00 per person and may be purchased by contacting Laura Osborn, here at the Camp Good Days’ Headquarters, 585-624-5555 or 800-785-2135, or via email, losborn@campgooddays.org.  You can also purchase tickets online, at www.campgooddays.org. 

 

The rest of this week brings a number of meetings for the Tournament of Love, the Tour de Teddi, our weekly Staff Meeting, and a Project Exile Advisory Board Meeting.  So things are busy and continue to move along. 

 

Until next time…wishing you all a great week and a very Happy Valentine’s Day filled with lots of love!