We have a Winner!!!

Good Morning!
It is a wonderful morning for a number of reasons:
1) It is getting warmer finally!
2) It is Friday!
3) It is a pay day!
4) Our Raffle in John Muir made $150.00 yesterday! It is the most we have collected a day so far here, in John Muir. However, this was a usual day average in 1945 & 1945. Can John Muir catch up???
5) We've got a winner of the "Most Cerative Basket" nomination.
Our highest Marketing authority, Greg Garrick picked "A Basket for All Seasons" by Kathy Bradosky and Debbie Rogalsky to be uniquely creative and generous. Kathy and Debbie received $50 gift certificate each to Excuria Salon and Spa.

Congratulation ladies, and THANK YOU very much for your contribution!!

Progress Report

Good Morning!

Well, it is exciting to announce our preliminary results: with kind participation of our employees in 1945 & 1965 we have collected $797.00!! We'll see if John Muir employees will match, or perhaps collect more? Today was the first day of the Raffle and so far we got $90.00.

Our grand total, taking into account very generous company's contribution is: $5,797.00!

The Raffle in John Muir will continue till June 3rd. The drawing will be held on June 4th.

Current number of walkers: 14. Join us to walk and have fun at Martin's Fantasy Island on June 8th! We really need you there!

Diabetes: Prevention

While Type 1 Diabetes (to find the cure for which we are walking or iwalking on June 8th) is unpreventable as of now, type 2 diabetes can be prevented!

As modern research shows, "just 30 minutes a day of moderate physical activity, coupled with a 5-10% reduction in body weight, produced a 58% reduction in diabetes". Amazingly simple! At least in our John Muir building I think of one change to the lunch routine: walking to Tim Horton's and ordering a sandwich with less meat and more vegetables, a cup of sup, coffee and a timbit, instead of a doughnut. And than - walking back.

Following this link, you will find more information about diabetes prevention from American Diabetes Association.

Our progress report: we have 14 walkers, 24 more to go, or to walk, to be exact. ... or iWalk.
So if in the next 18 days left till the walk 1.3 people register to walk for our team, we will make our goal! Can you be this 1.3 person?

Last Full Day of the Baskets Raffle in 1945 & 1965 is Thursday

So everybody plans accordingly, Thursday will be the last full day of the Raffle in 1945 and 1965. The baskets will still be there on Friday, but only till 12 pm.
**We received another donation: Delta Sonic gave us 3 passes for 10 minute interior cleaning and 3 passes for oil change. The certificates will be added to the board.**

The Baskets will travel to John Muir building over the weekend and will be available for bidding beginning Tuesday, May 27th.

Have a great Holiday Weekend and consider joining us for the walk. We still need many more on our team!

IV - Why Do I Support JDRF? Stories of Kathy Bradosky and Debra Gruszecki

"I have been blessed with a 2nd chance at life, have a wonderful husband and two beautiful girls. When my family needed the support it was there from all over family, the company I worked for at the time, friends, neighbors and many many more. All I could think of is how lucky I was and going foward would try to do the same for others.

I also have family members that are affected by this disease, so with all of this being said helping is the least I can do. Giving just a little is so rewarding in so many ways!"
~Kathy Bradosky, Credit Analyst and a creator of "A Basket for all Seasons".

"I actually have a few friends with Diabetes but mainly I wanted to help out because I have great understanding and compassion for anyone, anywhere going through an illness or suffering of any sort. My younger sister, Laura, was diagnosed with an arterial venous malformation (she was born with it) and almost died. She still has seizures but is working (EEG tech at Children's Hospital), and married, and living a productive, happy life, even with this particular illness. I also had a cousin who was at the State home for retarded children in West Seneca because she was born so severely retarded. Until a person goes through something like this they really don't know how devastating it can be.
BUT -- sometimes we are sent suffering so that we appreciate the fragility and beauty of life. An illness or a crisis can be used to make us stronger, to make us wiser, to make us more lovely and more in awe of God's grace in our world. It makes us act and reach out to others. Often when I create as an artist or teach painting to a student, the mistakes made in the process actually improve the outcome of the piece! I like turning liabilities into assets. "
~ Debra Gruszecki, Advertising Proofreader and a JDRF Basket creator.

This is Unfair!

It happened so that we had to put the baskets away on Friday earlier than expected. As rightfully mentioned by our second-shifters - this is UNFAIR! It was the last day of the Baskets Raffle in 1945 & 1965, and our employees from the second shift didn't get a good chance to participate.
We agree, that this is clearly unfair, and decided to extend the Raffle stay in 1945 & 1965 for a whole another week!

So, take another walk around the baskets and, whichever strategy you decide to go with - all "eggs" in one basket or the opposite one - , we hope it works out for you! You can preview all the baskets by clicking on the Basket Raffle earlier posts.

+There will be two other envelopes added to the gift certificates board tomorrow - 2 tickets to Darien Lake & 4 tickets to Buffalo Bisons - due to kind donations of those organizations!

25 Days Away, 75% Away

Good News:

1) our team grew by 2 walkers - there are 10 of us now!

2) our company will make a contribution of $5,000 to JDRF to support the walk!!!

3) our Baskets Raffle seems to be very popular - thank you so much for participation!

But:

We are still 75% away from our anniversary year goal of gathering a team of 40 walkers.

With that said, we would like to ask you to register today, if you are thinking of participating as a walker or an iWalker. Please, follow the hyperlinks for the detailed instructions.

We'd be excited to see our team GROW!!

Basket Raffle is officially ON!

Our Baskets Raffle officially kicked off this morning at 1945. The Baskets will stay there for 1 week. Come and get your tickets with Jen Novack at 1945 reception desk and with Michele Reese at 1965!

1 Ticket=$1
10 Tickets = $5
25 Tickets = $10
60 Tickets = $20

John Muir dwellers will also get their chance to bet on the baskets – just a week later. Meanwhile, all of the baskets are available for a preview right here, on the blog – just scroll down.

When the baskets are in John Muir, Greg Garrick will decide which one is the best and the winning team behind the creation of the basket will be rewarded with a special prize.

After the Raffle is closed, a drawing supervised by Dolores Wagner will determine who the lucky winners are.

So, come and check out the baskets, and good luck!

The Baskets - Part 2

A Classic 80GB iPod (!!!) with the help of Lauri Hanesworth's Sister and Courtesy of Stereo Advantage



"Take A Gamble" Basket by Accounting and Payroll Departments

$100 worth of lottery tickets
Electronic hand-held poker game
2 decks of playing cards
Poker chips
1 package of dice
2 Bingo grabbers
Casino plates and napkins
Expensive Candy (!!!)

A Basket for All Seasons by Kathy Bradoski (Credit) and Debbie Rogalsky (Collections)

Iron Wreath Stand
Spring & Summer Wreath
St. Patty's Day Wreath Fall Wreath
4th of July Wreath
Christmas Wreath

Night in a Basket by Customer Service

Insignia DVD Player with UP Convert to 1080i (generously donated by Best Buy)
$20 Gift Certificate to Pizza Hut
$15 Gift Certificate to Blockbuster
8-pack of Orville Popcorn
4 Boxes of assorted candy
2 litter Pepsi
2 litter Mountain Dew
Fleece blanket to cozy up on a couch

"Everything for Grilling" Basket by Collections

2 Pair tongs, grill fork, spatula, grill brush, basting brush, lighter, beverage cooler, table cloth, napkins, Sun Tea jar, grill basket, grill mitt, picnic basket, $20 Gift Certificate to Wegmans, mustard, ketchup, marinade, BBQ sauce, Chivetta's and salt & pepper

Home Comfort Basket by Lauren Steinlein

A Bath and Body blanket and bath and body perfume

"Getaway for the Day" Board by Sales, Sales Support, Production and Marketing
An opportunity to bid on a variety gift certificates: $100 to Excuria Salon and Spa , $50 to Olive Garden, $25 to Red Lobster, $15 to Starbucks, $10 to Blockbuster and many others - come and see if something catches your attention!

"Brand Yourself" Basket by Marketing

Executive Golf Kit (includes a golf club), Tommy Hilfiger Cotton Collared Sweater, Nike Golf Shirt, Computer Mouse Pad, 256 MB USB Drive, Visor, Note Pad, Golf Towel, Two Light-Up Pens, Letter Opener, Steel Mug

The Baskets - Part 1

Our JDRF Captains team is young this year - two of us are organizing the campaign for the first time, so not everything goes exactly as planned. Our apologies for not posting the baskets preview on Friday.

So, without further due:

“Home & Relaxation Basket” by IT Department

• Shower gels (Rich Citrus Cream & Fresh Vanilla)
• Aromatherapy Energy Body Wash & Foam bath
• Aromatherapy Stress Relief Body Wash & Foam bath
• Strawberry Mint Body Lotion
• Vanilla Ice Cream Body Splash
• Candles - Fresh Cut Roses, Winter Mint & Clean Cotton
• Bath Set - vanilla scented bath oil with floating candle
• Spring flower carrying bag
• Certificates for spa and salon treatments at NY Studio

"Summer Picnic" Basket by the Listings Group
Drink tub, chip & dip bowls, kids food trays, beach towel, plates, 2 sets of cups, drink pitcher

Bowling Basket by Michele Reese and her husband
Ebonite Single Ball Bag, Buffalo Bills towel, Buff-a-ball & Grip-Rite hand bag

Bath & Body Home Fragrance Basket by Michele Reese, Sue Smyth & Lauri HanesworthMoonlight Path Candle, Sweet Pea Candle, Fresh Linen Wallflower with refills

"A Trip to Darien Lake" Basket by Human Resources Department (comes with !!! a vacation day !!!)

1 Vacation Day (!!!) valid in 2008, a cooler, sun screen, 2 admission tickets, $25 Sunoco Gas Card, 2 Beach Towels

The "Pampered Pooch" Basket by The Marketing Department
Squeaky hedgehog toy, treat jar, collapsible water bowl, rawhides, tug rope, plastic food dish, squeaky soccer ball, rubber bone, Frisbee, 2-pack of tennis balls, "Canine Spa" including shampoo, conditioner, and between-bath spritz, assorted treats from PetCo's buffet bar, $10 Gift Card for PetCo

To Walk or To iWalk? THAT is the question!

With our short Buffalo summer around the corner, you might be one of those lucky people unable to claim even one weekend for yourself, because your dearest extended family, friends and home improvement projects already done all the planning for you! Birthdays, anniversaries, graduations, weddings, family reunions, new fences and new babies lined up all the way to Labor Day!

We understand, that family comes first, and especially such a busy one! However, if you are still thinking of adding yet another item to your busy schedule, but not sure if you can make it or June 8th was already taken, there is still a way to participate!

You don't have to walk to WALK. In other words, you could become a virtual walker for our campaign - an iWalker. Here is how to iWALK: 1) register as a member of one of our teams (follow one of the links on the right); 2) raise money as an iWalker - your JDRF personal page makes it so easy; 3) on the day of the walk, we will "take you along", as an iWalker!

Thank you so much, our iTeam!

How to Register for the Walk?

Many of our colleagues asked what should they do to register for the Walk. In the era of Multi Media Consultants, we have decided to make registration completely over the Internet. It involves three easy, but very meaningful steps.

1) To register as a walker, you need to follow one of the links on the right hand side. On the top of each page there is a button for registration. Be sure to state that you are on The Talking Phone Book Team!

2) Registered? - Now it is time to raise money, and it is very easy to do! Once you are registered, you will be able to create a personal fundraising page from which you can send out e-mails to your friends and accept donations.

3) Walk and have fun with you family and friends at Fantasy Island!

A walker registration will give you a right to use all park venues except for riding the rides. You will be able to purchase a ‘Ticket to Ride’ for only $5.00 (regular price is $23.95 or $19.95 for children under 48”) or it is free if you raise $200. Also, if you raise $100, you will be receiving a JDRF branded shirt!

Let your Captains know, if you have any questions!

III - Why Do I Support JDRF? Lauri's and Helen's Stories

"Personally I love children, hate to see them suffer in anyway, and wish i could do more to assist in every child having the best there is. I have a family member with diabetes, she was actually diaganosed as an adult, but I know she struggles."
~ Helen Saar, 2008 JDRF Basket Coordinator, WDP Collections Team Leader
"I am trying to teach my daughter to be proactive, help out and volunteer throughout life. Whether it be volunteering time, money, give a family a wonderful holiday, feed hungry people or help find cures to disasterous diseases. We all need to be compassionate and lend a helping hand!"
~ Lauri Hanesworth, 2008 TPB JDRF Captain, White Page Production Coordinator

II - Why Do I Support JDRF? Leslee's Story

My oldest son has had Juvenile Diabetes for 27 years, since he was 14. I would be the happiest person in the world if their research could come up with a cure for this. He has had some very hard times dealing with this disease. It has been hard for us seeing our child have to deal with this and really deal with it alone. You can be there with them and for them but it is the individual that has to live with it. He is now regulated and is using a pump which seems to be better for him. There are still things that can go wrong with the pump and cause more problems.

I will always try to participate and help as much as I can. I buy many tickets for the raffles and it is usually our own money that we donate for the walk. We give as much as we can. Any time we have an opportunity to donate money to JDRF we do. We will continue to do this as long as it is necessary.

~ Leslee Hartwig, Sales Support Specialist

Why do I support JDRF? Elena's Story

Many of us support a charity organization just because as human beings we like helping other human beings. Often though, there is also a personal reason behind the gesture. This week we will share personal stories along with the news on the progress of our campaign. And I (Elena) will begin with myself.

Couple years ago my 87 year old grandma was diagnosed with Diabetes. As we all know "when it rains, it pours", and within the next 2 years my uncle and my other grandma got diagnosed with Diabetes as well. Luckily all three of them have a less complicated form of Diabetes - Type 2, but nevertheless, all of a sudden I found myself learning about Glucometers, lancets, testing strips. I buy the supplies for all three of them, since even at full price everything is less expensive than in my home country. It was also my responsibility to teach them how to make a test, as the instructions are in English.

Last year at JDRF kick-off in The Talking Phone Book I was shocked to learn one fact about Diabetes: no matter how "livable" the disease seems to be (it is not like AIDS or Cancer), it shortens a person's life by about 10 years! I decided I would like to help so we have a cure soon and nobody's life gets shortened.

I hope many of us will decide to walk on June 8th or support one of our teams. Lets bring the moment of finding the cure closer!