Expo '08

Today I volunteered at the Breast Cancer 3 Day Expo. The lady that was the Captain of my station was pretty know-it-all and I've-done-this-101-times-so-I-rock-and-you-don't. I and another girl from my station kept mocking her behind her back. That made for an entertaining day. When I act like this I kinda hope the whole karma thing is bunk.

We got to the expo at 8:15 to set up. Tables, signs, balloons and putting chairs in the classrooms where the workshops would be held.

After setting up my main job was to assist walkers and family with posters and letters.

We had a table set up where people can write letters to loved ones who were walking or crewing. There are mailboxes at camp where the mail is delivered. Last year I got a few letters that made me just cry. It was so nice to come back to my tent after one of the hardest days of my life to find so much love in those little envelopes.

The other table I was working at was for making posters. You could make one that would be posted along the walking route during the 3 Day. I made a team poster last year but never did see it??? This year I made a few for friends.

Some of my teammates from the Hawaiian Ohanas, were working today too. You might remember Scottie Bananas from last year.

And our "fearless leader" Maria with Bobbie. They were answering 3 Day questions.

This here is the ultimate in porta-potties. It truly is portable.

(Don't worry it's a piggy bank.... I want it. Bad.)

Volunteer

Because I'm not walking this year I've decided to sign up as a volunteer too. You can sign up to be on a volunteer list and whenever there is an opportunity for you to help out they send you an e-mail.
Last year I attended the 3 Day Expo as a walker and this year I will be attending as a volunteer.

This is the e-mail I received explaining what I will be doing.


Time Commitment: 8:30 am – 1:30 pm

Set-Up 8:30 am – 10:00 am
Expo 10:00 am – 1:00 pm
Clean-Up 1:00 pm – 1:30 pm


The Layout:
·Located on the Expo main floor, just inside the entrance
·Tables = 3
·Chairs = 24

Duties/Activities/Responsibilities:
·Clapping & Cheering: Ongoing in this area, crew members will welcome the walkers onto the Expo main floor.
·Make-A-Sign: Using poster board and markers provided, friends and family can show their support for the walkers by making signs (which will be posted on the route during the event).
·Write Letters to Loved Ones: Using stationery provided, friends and family can write a letter to their walkers. Letters should be dropped off at the Expo Post Office in the “Camp Services” area. 3-Day staff will then ensure that the letters are delivered to the walkers on-event at the 3-Day Camp Post Office.


Optional Activities/Ideas:
·Wear silly costumes!
·Bring signs, noise-makers, etc!
·Bring candy or stickers to give to participants as they pass by the cheering station!
·Make samples of the signs for display purposes.
·Other ideas?

I think I might wear my blue butterfly wings and bring some of those plastic hand clappers so I don't overwork my hands ; )

And We're Off!

Time to start up my 3 Day blog again.
This year the 3 Day will be taking place in the Twin Cities from Sept. 19th to the 21st.
I've sent out my first fundraising e-mail.
I technically don't have to raise money because this year I will be a crew member but really.... the whole point is to raise money for breast cancer research. Does it matter if I walk or not. We just need to raise money!!
We just NEED to find a cure for breast cancer. All cancer!

I still plan on going to some of the training walks and I will be volunteering at the 3 Day Expo so look for those posts soon! This year my last post will be a run down of my crew experience. You got to see the 3 Day from the eyes of a walker and now a crew member... maybe it will get you motivated to sign up next year!!

Here is the letter I sent out. Kinda explains it all.

Hey!
Another year another 3 Day!!

The Breast Cancer 3 Day...
It's a 60-mile walk over three days to raise money for breast cancer. The net proceeds will support the combined efforts of Susan G. Komen for the Cure and the National Philanthropic Trust (NPT) Breast Cancer Fund in their mission to fund access to care and find a cure for breast cancer. This year, according to Susan G. Komen for the Cure, more than 200,000 women in the United States will be diagnosed with breast cancer. About 40,000 will die from the disease. That's why I'm doing this - to do something bold about breast cancer.

That pesky breast cancer just won't go away! This year I'm going to try something different.
Crew!
Being a part of the crew team means that I will be supporting the more than 2,000 60 mile 3 Day walkers. I'm not sure yet what my job this year will be but I asked to be put on the lunch crew or the sweep vans (the people who pick up injured or wiped out walkers along the route). Cross your fingers for lunch!

The reason I am crewing this year and not walking is because I would like to spend more time this summer with Joe and Alex. A lot of my time last year was spent doing training walks and I missed out on a lot of Alex's summer days.
Crewing still requires a little fund raising and instead of being at the actual walk for 3 days I will be there for 4! The Thursday before we have a training day.
Follow the link below to visit my personal fundraising webpage. If you are worried about the 3 Day people contacting you, just click the appropriate box when donating. ; )
Oh and this is tax deductible so be sure to print out the confirmation e-mail for next years taxes!

I hope that you'll share this incredible adventure with me - by supporting my fundraising efforts. Thank you in advance for your generosity!


P.S. Ask your employer if they will double your donation through a matching gift program!