NEGU - Never Ever Give Up!

This weekend, my husband and I were fortunate enough to be able to attend the NEGU (Never Ever Give Up) Gala, sponsored by the Jessie Rees Foundation.  Jessie Rees was a darling, beautiful twelve year old girl who lost her fight to a brain tumor a couple of years ago.  Erik and Stacey Rees, Jessie's parents have done phenomenal job of putting together this foundation so that children with cancer can be encouraged by Jessie's Joy Jars.

Joy Jars were something that Jessie created so that other kids would not feel alone, but they would feel loved by receiving a Joy Jar.  Over 85,000 Joy Jars have been distributed to hospitals throughout the world.  One of the main purposes of the Foundation is to provide encouragement to these children.

Over 400 people attended the Gala which was held at the Newport Marriott.  Attendees were encouraged to give $1000 for the year.  When this amount was broken down, it came out to less than $3 a day or one less Starbucks every day.

My favorite part of the evening, though, was when they held a live auction with a live auctioneer. There were numerous donations such as a trip to Bora Bora, beautiful jewelry, and dinner at Hanna's. The show stopper was when they auctioned an eleven week old chocolate lab puppy. The bidding reached $9,000!  But the best part was when the family who bid this amount announced they were GIVING the puppy to a family with a child who had cancer who was sitting on the opposite side of the ballroom.  I don't think there was a dry eye in the ballroom.

American Airlines was also just announced as a corporate sponsor for NEGU.  AA will fly these children who have cancer to whatever hospital they need to get to.  Amazing.  So, if your company is looking for something where your employees can volunteer in south Orange County, please contact the Jessie Rees Foundation.  They are currently looking for donations, as well as individuals who want to work in the "Joy Factory" and put together Joy Jars.

I love the power of one twelve year old little girl's life and how she continues to touch so many of us. Thank you, Jessie.  May we leave such a legacy with our own lives.