Abby the Fundraiser!

[caption id="attachment_433" align="alignleft" width="225" caption="Most of the crew that worked ALL DAY!"][/caption]

Several months ago Abby told us she wanted to do a yard-sale to raise money to find a cure for her mom and MS in general. Knowing full well of the laborious task ahead Melanie immediately thanked her and began to discuss, with Abby, all of the tasks and work it would take to pull it off. Abby never backed away or got discouraged when we'd tell her how much work it'd be.  After several month's and many trips to Morgan and other cities to collect donations from friends, family & co-workers, the weekend had arrived. With most of the items stacked in my garage;  Melly, Abby, Grandma & Grandpa Mikesell & several girls from our neighborhood spent Thursday and Friday sorting, pricing and hauling all of the items to the yard-sale location. Bright and early Saturday morning we were off and running. We headed over to the sale location and started pulling out the tables and setting things up. If you've ever seen or been involved in a yard-sale you know what happened next. Before we could even get half the stuff out of the garages cars were swooping in pulling off the side of the road and things were off and runnin'. That was my cue, so Tyson and I bolted! (not my cup of tea) While I spent the rest o the day at home catching up on some yard work, while the rain had stopped. I couldn't help but think to myself; Abby will probably get her wish one way or another. She'll either make enough money to find a cure or Melanie will cure her own disease by working herself to death!

  

Saturday evening was spent with Melly & Abby at the kitchen table counting the fruits of their labor. After it was all said and done Abby had sold enough 'stuff' to donate $250 to The National MS Society! I can't even explain how proud of Abby I am. It was amazing to see how much love and support is surrounding my two beautiful girls. Thank you to all that contributed. 

[caption id="attachment_434" align="alignright" width="225" caption="Abby's MS Fundraiser Yard-sale"][/caption]

 

A few days after the yard-sale I noticed a post by my cousin Darin that had that, all too familiar MS logo with it. Darin was going to be riding in the 'Bike MS 2010: Harmons Dam Bike Ride'. immediately my wheels started turning as Melanie and I had been trying to decide what method we'd use to donated Abby's money. I thought what a great thing. We could help Darin reach his donation goal and seamlessly donate Abby's money at the same time. I discussed this idea with Abby and she thought it was a great idea as well. Darin was very grateful for Abby's donation and asked for my phone number so he could call and personally thank Abby. He also posted the following on his Facebook wall:

"Thank you for helping me surpass my fundraising goal. I'd like to personally thank my cousin Joe
Craven and his daughter Abby Nielsen, our honorary teammate!

Abby put together a yard-sale fundraiser, and she raised $250! The most touching aspect of her effort is that Abby's mom, Melanie Craven, was diagnosed with MS 4 years ago. 

They're ...a family dedicated to finding a cure; we're an extension of that dedication!"

 

This whole experience has given me renewed energy and a desire to get more involved again. Thanks again to all that donated helped and supported this effort.

Thank you ABBY for being such a sweet, caring, sincere & beautiful young lady. I can't imagine a more perfect daughter!

I love you!!

[caption id="attachment_435" align="aligncenter" width="470" caption="The Crew trying on some of the merchandise"][/caption]