Lunch Date Leads to Fundraising Extravaganza

Front Row (L-R) Tonya Lambert, Diane Barksdale, Jamileh Kamran, Kathleen Sullivan, Lesley Oslica. Back Row: Vickie Glenn, Stephenie Pyle, Katherine Faulk, John Prentiss. Committee members not pictured: Cecelia Blasier, Melissa Coven, Sarah Henry, Tricia Rhodes, Ramona Ball

It was a rather normal lunch date: food, conversation, camaraderie. Then the conversation started to shift. Lesley Oslica and another parent with a child with Neurofibromatosis (NF) started talking about doing something big to make a difference for families with NF.

“We decided at that moment that it was time to do something about it rather than just complain about it,” said Lesley, echoing sentiments from her favorite Gandi quote, “Be the change you wish to see in the world.”

They wanted to see change in Arkansas.

They wanted their community to be more aware of this genetic disorder that affects 1 in 3,000 births and causes tumors to grow anywhere in the body.

The idea of a “fashion show” was tossed around. Lesley wasn’t so sure. She was used to lacing up her running shoes and doing marathons for the NF Endurance Team, but fundraising fashion shows? “I was against it, because I know nothing about fashion or how to put on a fashion show,” said Lesley.

The two parents left the meeting and made a few phone calls.  Lesley found the feedback surprisingly promising. A designer was willing to help organize and execute the details. For two years the fashion-themed event generated approximately $40,000.

“We are blessed in Arkansas to live in such a philanthropic area,” said Lesley. “The people, businesses, and media in our state are very giving.”

But, in typical Oslica style, Lesley wanted to do something a touch different for the third annual event– something to make it bigger and generate even more excitement.

On Thursday, Sept. 16, 2010 there will be the first edition of “Dancing with OUR Stars“ at Chenal Country Club to raise money for the NF Clinic at Arkansas Children’s Hospital and the Arkansas Chapter of the Children’s Tumor Foundation.

The mission of the Children’s Tumor Foundation is to provide resources for families living with NF, facilitate NF research, administrate an NF Clinic Network for participating clinics, and raise awareness of NF.

Think red carpet, cocktails, dinner and dancing. Two local media celebrities — Christina Muñoz and Jason Pederson —  along with four community leaders and NF Ambassadors — Dr. Rolla Shbarou, John Prentiss, Leslie Godwin and Scott Landers — will participate as ‘Our Stars’ in the evening.

The stars will partner with dance professionals from Arthur Murray’s Dance Studio. You can vote for your favorite star at www.ctffarkansas.org.

Putting on an event of this nature takes time, energy, planning and patience. “It’s like running a marathon – you work and work and then once it’s over, there is a great sense of accomplishment,” said Lesley, an NFE veteran and team captain for several events.

It’s symbolic to living with NF, she said, because there are a lot of hurdles to get over, but determination, courage and friendship can help you along the way.

And while the prep work can be grueling and demanding, Lesley wants nothing but jubilant memories for attendees.

“Our committee is also planning a special surprise for our guests; we are doing a group evolution of a dance routine,” said Lesley. Her secret? “None of us can dance!”

It’s part of the atmosphere she hopes the evening will imbue– lighthearted and cheerful fun. “We want everyone to enjoy themselves while we raise money for something we are all passionate about – changing the face of NF in Arkansas!

Tickets are $100. For more information, please contact Lesley Oslica at (Enable Javascript to see the email address) or 501.579.2710.

Weekend Pacesetter (Sept. 10-Sept. 12, 2010)

WATCH
If you need motivation for that long weekend run, watch this video of Denver Wakin. Team Wakin is gearing up for three events this year including  San Antonio, Dallas and Disney. You can check out more of their story here. In addition, they have teamed up with Chocolate Silver Designs to sell NF Necklaces to benefit the Children’s Tumor Foundation. Fun jewelry and life-saving research? Now that’s a win-win.

LOAN
Here is some positive news around the mortgage industry. Every time Robert Heideman closes a new home loan, he will make a personal donation to the Children’s Tumor Foundation as part of his Charitable Promises initiative. Read more here.

READ
Bob Skold shares his favorite running reads. Check out one of the books below to help improve your training.
- Courage to Start by John Bingham
- No Need for Speed by John Bingham
- Marathoning for Mortals by John Bingham and Jenny Hadfield
- Marathon — The Ultimate Training Guide by Hal Higdon
- Learning to Walk  – From Sofa to Marathon in Nine Months by Sheilagh Conklin (Conklin is a veteran participant of the NF Endurance Team in Portland).
- My Life on the Run  — The Wit, Wisdom, and Insights of a Road Racing Icon by Bart Yasso
- The Runner’s Guide to the Meaning of Life -  by Amby Burford
- The Quotable Runner – edited by Mark Will-Weber
- The Complete Book of Long-Distance Cycling: Build the Strength, Skills, and Confidence to Ride as Far as You Want by Edmund Burke
- Triathlete Magazine’s Complete Triathlon Book: The Training, Diet, Health, Equipment, and Safety Tips You Need to Do Your Best by Matt Fitzgerald

REMEMBER
Run in memory for those who lost their lives on 9-11 by running in a 5K on Saturday. To find a race near you, visit Running in the USA.

Check out these weekend Foundation Events:
- Saturday, Sept. 11, 2010 – Spanish speaking symposium; Washington D.C. 9:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.
NF Walk; Milwaukee, Wisc.; 10:00 a.m.
- Sunday, Sept. 12, 2010 – NF Walk; Denver, Colo.; 2:00 p.m.

Active Fundraising Page of the Week
Raphael Bazin
Why we like it: It’s in French! Raphael will come all the way from France to participate in the ING NYC Marathon with NFE in November. Our question is, will he carry the Eiffel Tower on his back like this runner from the 2009 race?

NFE Rock ‘n’ Rolls at Virginia Beach

The 2010 NF Endurance Team raised more than $18,000 for the Children’s Tumor Foundation on Labor Day weekend at the Rock ‘n’ Roll Virginia Beach Half Marathon. Top fund raisers include Danny Rashkind ($11,805) and Cullen’s Crew ($3,583).

You can still help by making a donation here or check out the fun in the slideshow below starting with one of our NF Heroes, Mia. Check out the new neon NF hats! Pictures can also be seen at Flickr.com/NFEndurance. If you have pictures from the weekend you would like us to include, please e-mail your favorite photos to (Enable Javascript to see the email address). You can also read more about the race details on our Twitter Race account: NFRaces.