St. Lucia White Party

St. Lucia White Party!!

If you are, by chance,  blessed with a child born of special needs, we know that throughout the pain of the unknown, the pain of tough medical moments, the pain of going down an unplanned and different road, there are tulips that bloom along the way.  Along the journey they may bloom bigger and brighter than others, but there are people that will water and nourish the tulips, and help them bloom.  On Saturday night, Jason, Lucia and I danced and skipped along our unknown and different path, holding hands with over 160 of some of these special people, amongst many beautiful and bright tulips.  

Yes, we have only just begun this journey, a little less than 6 months, but after a night like Saturday...we know we are truly blessed, and not alone, indeed.

It was a few months ago that some of our friends asked if we were free on October 15th.  When we said yes, we were given only a few details of what would unfold.  Little by little, we found out about a benefit that was in the works in honor of Lucia.  The St. Lucia White Party honoring Lucia Dawkins, benefiting PKS Kids.  "People want to help, but they don't know what to do" was what my sister-in-law, and matron of honor at our wedding, Kim Hicks told me, and she came up with the idea.   Kim, and four of my good friends, Laura Huff, Elyse Slayton, Megan Gilles and Greta Swanson O'Dwyer, were all a part and it could not have been better.  I would catch wind of a 'meeting night' and that night I couldn't help smiling, tearing up and loving my family, just thinking about the girls doing what they were doing.  The venue chosen was a independent art gallery, that just happened to be owned by Lucia's GI doctor, unbeknownst to the girls.  Countless hours went into the planning, paper invitations sent out, email updates, silent auction and raffle items, who would be when where, guest lists, party lists, music play lists, food lists, a website dedicated to the event and above all details filled with love.  The night was perfect.  

Jason had tentatively planned a 'boys weekend' that weekend but when I told him about the party for Lucia he immediately said they would pick another weekend.  So...he told his friends about the 'change of weekends' and they individually responded with a 'we'll be there, this IS the weekend for our weekend'.  Brian Killea, Ryan Smith, Joe Escheman, and Gavin Curley flew across the country to be by Jason's side.  Brian even said to Jason half way through the night, "if one more person asks me if i flew in just for this party I'm gonna lose it.  YES, i flew in JUST for THIS PARTY-OF COURSE I WOULDN'T MISS IT". We love you Brian.

My parents were also here from Ohio to show their love and support.  Jason's mom and Mario shortened their out of town trip to be back in time.  Jason's dad, Kent,  hosted a golf day on Saturday for all the visiting boys.  Thank you parents for all you did and do. 

"All White Attire" the invitation read, and all that attended were in all white, indeed.  It was so beautiful to just look around the gallery.  White walls with art, beautiful, delicious and gourmet food on white tablecloths (a lot of which was prepared by Kim and my dad), a very long table full of amazing silent auction items, and 'all white attire' dressed guests,  filled the room to show their love and support for our, not yet 6 month old, Little Lu.   

From 7PM-past 11PM Jason, Lucia and I felt the love and saw the tulips grow bigger and bigger with every minute.  We shared a few words to our guests, and I could not have been prouder of my husband, as I listened and fell in love all over again. 

The St. Lucia White Party, a night of so much planning from five very special girls,  a night of love, light, celebration, and thankfulness.  Over $20,000 was raised for PKS Kids.  Some people have told us, 'special children choose their special parents'..well we do believe that God gave us Lucia for reason, but we do know that He had all our friends and family in mind when Lucia 'chose us' because she chose you all too.   Thank you for adding your water, nourishment and love to support Lucia and other PKS Kids Bloom to their most brightest and most beautiful.  

Thank you to all the business' and individuals (listed below) for their silent auction and raffle contributions.  A special thank you to the O'Donnell boys and Brian Diessner, who were not able to attend,  but for their silent auction donation of the grand San Francisco weekend.  And to their parents, we were sorry you could not attend Bonnie,  our love and prayers go out to you and Dick.  More thank yous and more pictures to come...

With so much love amongst a field of tulips, 

Jason, Juliet and our most shining light, Lucia

Me w/ the Hostesses - Greta, Megan, Elyse, Laura, and Kimmy

LUCIA! adorned in lucia t-shirts as a last minute sales pitch-with an amazing 11PM smile!  

Jason, Brian, Ryan, Joe and Gavin, enjoying a silent auction wine purchase late night...before they fly out the next morning. 

Silent auction festivities...

Again..more thank yous and pictures to come..thank you Andy Slayton for photgraphing the night..

ST. LUCIA PARTY FOR PKS KIDS

in honor of LUCIA DAWKINS

THANK YOU to the individuals and businesses for the generous donations to the St. Lucia Party auction and raffle.  All proceeds will be donated to PKS Kids and are greatly appreciated.  Thank you Paper Lady for the invitations

THANK YOU in advance for your participation!

3 nights at Ceiba Del Mar in Puerto Morelos, Riviera Maya + $500 voucher towards airfare

1 night at The Broadmoor in Colorado Springs

1 night at the JW Marriot in Cherry Creek Denver

1 night at the Purple Mountain Bed & Breakfast in Crested Butte

1 week stay in Hilton Head, South Carolina

A San Francisco weekend – 2 night stay at The Fairmont on Nobb Hill, boat trip, $200 dinner + $600 voucher towards airfare 

Sonnenalp Resort of Vail – 1 round of golf for 4

4 Club Level Tickets to see the Colorado Avalanche on November 28, 2011

4 Lower Bowl Colorado Avalanche tickets – any game

Authentic Colorado Avalanche Jersey signed by Matt Duchene

Angela Beldy Photography – 1.5 hour Family Photo Session

Crazy Merchant – Little Girl’s Birthday Jewelry Party

Mannheim Steamroller tickets at the Buell Theater-Joe Marsh

Lord of the Dance tickets at the Buell Theater- Joe Marsh

Earl’s Restaurant – Chef’s Table Tasting Party for 8

Table Six – $100 Gift Certificate

Tables – $100 Gift Certificate

Elway’s – $100 Gift Certificate

Cherry Creek Grill – $50 Gift Certificate

Pary’s on 28^th Restaurant – $50 Gift Certificate

Oblio’s Pizzeria – (2) 1 Large Pizza and a bottle of wine

Tony’s Market – $40 Gift Cards + 8 steak temperature skewers

Saucy Chef – Personal Chef “Breakfast in Bed” basket for 2 delivered to your home

2 bottles of 2004 Etude Cabernet from a private collection

2005 Silver Oak Cabernet and 2003 Domaine Mazilly Pere & Fils Burgandy from a private collection + leather wine carrying case

Framed Colorado Nature Photograph by Stan Hill

Framed Red Rocks Photograph by Jay Scherer

Artwork from Sarah Cotten

Spinelli’s Market – Dinner for 4

Ciji’s Pet Store – $50 Gift Certificate

West Elm – $75 Gift Card + Throw Blanket

Garbarini – BCBG snakeskin clutch

Lululemon – Yoga Starter Kit

Stella & Dot Jewelry & Accessories from Kirsten Vali

Spa Vital Facial at Pura Vida

Lattise and Botox Package

Hair Cut and Highlight from Jaque Lord, Juliet’s hair stylist

Private Yoga Class with Blair Vaughn

PURA VIDA:

- (2) 1-month Memberships

- (5) 1 hour private Pilates class

- 1 private 30 minute Kinesis class for 4

- 1 private 30 minute Pilates & 30 minute Kinesis class

- (2) 1 hour personal training session

10 pack to Sacred I yoga studio

Lia Sophia from Liz Hicks

RAFFLE ITEMS (must be present to win)

4 Denver Outlaw Lacrosse tickets – 2012 opening game

Tokyo Joe’s - $30 Gift Cards

Park Hill Cleaners - $20 Gift Certificate

Mici Handcrafted Italian Restaurant in Cherry Creek – $75 in Gift Certificates

Pasquini’s Pizzeria - $50 in Gift Certificates

Artisan Center in Cherry Creek - $20 Gift Certificates

Park Hill Cleaners - $20 Gift Certificate

Grape Expectations Wine Store - $25 Gift Certificate

Aji Mexican Restaurant Boulder - $25 Gift Certificate + 2 drinks

Mici Handcrafted Italian Restaurant in Cherry Creek – $75 in Gift Certificates

Blu Clothing Boutique in Cherry Creek – $30 Gift Certificate

Moss Pink Flora & Botanicals – Goodie Bag

Outdoor Divas Cherry Creek – Running Goodie Bag

1 Lucia “Light” PKS Kids T