Last year we held the first SWF Night Out event where we took some breast cancer patients and their husbands out in a limo to see the Christmas lights. We dressed them up in gowns and tuxedos and took them to an elegant dinner. It was definitely one of the most rewarding nights of my life. It was a big success and I decided to make it an annual event. This week’s story is about the plans we are making for this year.
I want to start by thanking Michael Dalessi and Black Knight Limousine for the use of the limousine. Michael does a lot for several different charities in our community. He is one of the most generous and selfless men I have ever met.
The first step was to decide on a date. Since December is always busy, I needed to have it in the middle of the week and as early as I could. I made arrangements to hold the Night Out events on December 12th in Idaho Falls and December 13th in Pocatello. he next step was to set up the meal and the venue. Billman’s catered it last year but was already booked up. I decided to check with Tom at Dixie’s Diner. He is another generous and caring man who also does a lot for the community. He agreed to furnish the food and was excited to be part of the event. I checked with Victor at Kool Beans, and he is happy to provide the venue again this year. Everything is going according to plan so far.
On the Tuesday before Thanksgiving, I went over to Teton Cancer Institute to help Lisa with the Thanksgiving dinners. She told me they had talked to the nurses for suggestions of patients for the Night Out event. “It was such a big success last year, we might have to do some trimming,” she said. “They have a lot more than nine patients they would like to recommend,” she continued. I was happy to hear about the success, but it made me sad to think we would have to limit the people to ask. All of a sudden, I came up with a great idea. (I know, I was surprised too!) “Why don’t I check and see if we can do two nights here in Idaho Falls,” I said. “I hate to have you go to that trouble,” Lisa said. I told her to let me check and I would get back to her.
On my way home, I was excited thinking about the success of the first event. I thought how great it would be to be able to let twice as many couples this year experience the same magical night as the couples last year. I am happy to report, we will be taking 18 couples this year on December 11th and 12th on the second annual SWF Night Out. I’m so excited.
I want to thank all the great people who are supporting this event. They are the real heroes. And I also want to recognize and thank my Angel Shannon for giving me the great idea. I will always LOVE AND MISS YOU sweetheart.
Next week: Another great opportunity
P.S. Usually my great ideas are spent on creative fouling.