Category Archives: Community

Rahr, Hope Center for Autism, Fort Worth Fundraiser, Sonny & Friends Annual BBQ

1st Annual Sonny & Friends Rahr B’Que Cookoff

Disclaimer: I was not paid for this post however I did receive tickets to the event in return for the publication. As always, all opinions are my own. #SonnyandFriends #AutismSpeaks #FortWorthTX

Fort Worth may be a big city but it is more so a tight knit community with an enormous heart. On Friday, I attended the 1st Annual Sonny & Friends Rahr B’Que Cookoff. Held at Rahr & Sons Brewery where musicians, cooks and the community gathered to raise money to benefit the Hope Center for Autism.

Rahr, Hope Center for Autism, Fort Worth Fundraiser, Sonny & Friends Annual BBQ

The Hope Center for Autism supports families affected by autism. In 2007, Susan and Glenn Wood created the center to assist the lives of the children and families of those with autism to live more functional lives.

Facts:
It takes 24+ hours to teach a child with autism how to brush their teeth.
Autism affects 1:68 children.
Autism costs a family on average $60,000 a year.
There is no cure for Autism.

The event included a BBQ cookoff and dinner, delicious beer provided by Rahr & Sons Brewery, a live and silent auction and of course musical entertainment. Multiple Texas musicians were on hand including Sonny Burgess, Jesse Jennings and Aubrey Lynn England. We were also in good company to have other Texas talents come to support the event including Mark McKinney. Auctioned items included suite tickets to a Texas Rangers game, private hunting trips (including one with Jim Sundberg), jewelry and a signed guitar. 100% of the proceeds from the 1st Annual Sonny & Friends Rahr B’Que Cookoff went directly to the Hope Center for Autism.

Rahr, Hope Center for Autism, Fort Worth Fundraiser, Sonny & Friends Annual BBQ Rahr, Hope Center for Autism, Fort Worth Fundraiser, Sonny & Friends Annual BBQ Rahr, Hope Center for Autism, Fort Worth Fundraiser, Sonny & Friends Annual BBQ

Please keep an eye and an ear out for next years 2nd Annual Sonny and Friends Rahr B’Que Cookoff. A chance to cook with friends (using your favorite Rahr brew) and supporting a great cause along the way in our own community.

Rahr, Hope Center for Autism, Fort Worth Fundraiser, Sonny & Friends Annual BBQ

For more information and to learn how to donate please visit, Hope Center for Autism.

One Moment Can Change So Many Lives

This is a post that’s very difficult to write and I would very much appreciate your help.

Just over twenty-five years ago, one moment changed four people’s lives. In turn, it also changed eight others – our parents. “On the first day of kindergarten” (as we like to say) four little ladies met and are still incredibly close. Throughout our twenty-five year friendship, our families have all become conjoined. The door is always open to each other in any of our homes. One big ole family. I think it’s safe to say that we always felt like each others parents took us all under their wings in this tiny Vermont town. We are all pretty lucky.

Berkshire, Longway Fundraiser

As we all know, life isn’t always bells and whistles. There’s up’s and down’s that help us to really put life in perspective.

In 2011, one of our mom’s was diagnosed with colon cancer. Since then, she has undergone three chemotherapy treatments and is now on her fourth. Her first two treatments were successful and she did go into remission for some time. Most recently, the cancer has returned and spread.

During this same time, my same friend’s dad began having problems with his legs and is barely able to walk. It was questionable as to if he would be able to walk his daughter down the aisle at her wedding two months ago. He has had one stint put into one leg and is awaiting to have a bypass done in the other.

These two people have always opened their door to me (and numerous others) and have treated me as a member of their family. They are generous, hold endless fun and have a great sense of humor. Never asking for anything in return.

Berkshire, Longway Fundraiser

Now more than ever help is needed and you too have the opportunity in making a difference. Their daughter has set up a fundraiser to help raise funds to assist in their care and treatment.

It just takes that little glimmer of light to make the biggest difference in someone’s life.

Please consider making a donation in assisting with their care. Sometimes a small donation is the best way to say we care and provide that ounce of hope on a dark day.

In Addition:
For any donation $90+, I will provide an hour photo session free for you and your family (including a disk with the high-resolution, edited photographs). Just mention the donation in the request.

During this upcoming holiday season, please cherish the moments with you and your loved ones and help this incredible family have a few more moments of their own.

Berkshire, Longway Fundraiser

Thank you and please consider donating today!

Carve Away!

The Flying Saucer in Fort Worth has begun holding an annual pumpkin carving contest. This is a great event that benefits the local Tarrant Area Food Bank. For a $10 donation, each participant receives a pumpkin, pumpkin carving kit and a free beer from a local brewery (this year being Martin House brewery). Even better, this was a perfect family friendly event with face painting for the kids. (In all seriousness, you should see the talent these ladies had with face painting. It was unreal.)

Pumpkin 013

My masterpiece. I like to call it Vermont in the heart of Texas.

There were also prizes for the best pumpkins. 1st place $100, 2nd $50 and 3rd received $25.

Pumpkin 001

Ah! How cute!!

 

All in all it seemed to be a very successful event from looking at the updates on Facebook this evening! Look at all those fantastic pumpkins! (And the Texas one looks great!)