Today is the LAST DAY to help me change lives! (with incentives)

A big THANK YOU to everyone who has helped me reach my Team Challenge goal of raising $3,000 for the Crohn’s & Colitis Foundation!

Today is the LAST DAY to donate before I’m charged the remaining balance. You can help change lives (and, to be honest, keep me from impending debt) by making a donation at http://tinyurl.com/mandi13. Every dollar helps!

I do have a couple of incentives for you…

1. Endless warm fuzzies – for helping change the lives of those who live with Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis every day. Click here to learn more about what IBD is and why I’m running this race.

2. Dinner for you and your family – for my TOP DONOR (currently at $150). Must live within driving distance of WI, or, if farther than 4 hours round trip, include a comfortable couch to crash on. Check out www.creamcitycuisine.com to see if you think that’s a good deal.

3. Packer Raffle – for every $10 you donate you will gain a chance to win a Packer football signed by the entire Super Bowl XLV Championship team. Not a Packer fan? Though I shudder to say this, you could sell it on EBay and kill two birds with one stone – make your money back AND make Packer fans weep in their beers.

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Current Couch Potato | Aspiring Runner:

Completing my first half marathon to benefit the Crohn's & Colitis Foundation of America will be a community endeavor. Won't you help me change lives?

Follow | Donate __________________________________________________________________

Saturday, May 21: Cookies! For Kids with Cancer

This Saturday I'm participating in the Cookies for Kids with Cancer Bake Sale & Silent Auction.

I like kids.

I hate cancer.

I love baking.

So bam, there you have it.

You can find more info about the event here. I highly recommend you attend!

I'll be helping to raise money for a cause other than Team Challenge, but it's a good one so I encourage you to attend.

Purchasers of my baked goods will be delighted to also receive a little card of encouragement from yours truly, including information about my Team Challenge participation. See? Two birds...

In an effort to keep things healthy, what with my half marathon training and all, I will be making the following recipes.

Whole Foods Flourless Brownies*

Ingredients:
1 (15 oz) can no-salt black beans, drained and rinsed
3 large eggs
1/3 cup melted butter
1/4 cup cocoa powder
1/8 tsp. salt
2 tsp. vanilla extract
1/2 cup plus 2 tbsp. Splenda
1/2 cup dark chocolate chips
1/3 cup finely chopped walnuts

Method:
Preheat oven to 350 F
Butter an 8-inch baking pan. Place black beans, eggs, melted butter, cocoa powder, salt, vanilla, and Splenda in food processor and blend until smooth. Gently stir in chocolate chips and walnuts. Transfer mixture to pan, and bake for 30-35 minutes or until set it center. Cool before cutting into squares.

*Image from Whole Foods Market


Dashing Dish Single-Serve Money Bread*

Ingredients:
2 cans reduced fat Pillsbury cresent rolls
1/2 cup sugar free maple syrup
1 tbsp light butter
3 tbsp cinnamon
1/4 cup Splenda

Method:
Preheat oven to 350 F.
Spray 12 cup muffin tin with non-stick sspray. Open cans of crescent dough and cut each triangle into 3 equal-sized pieces. Roll each piece of dough into small ball, just a little smaller than a golf ball.

Combine splenda and cinnamon in bowl, and toss each ball in mix until coated. Place 4 balls in each prepared muffin cup.

Melt butter in microwave-safe bowl and add syrup and 1 tbsp cinnamon. Stir to combine. Pour over each muffin cup until dough is almost covered.

Bake 15-20 minutes or until carmelized crust forms on top of each monkey bread. Remove from oven and let cool 15 minutes. Use knife to loosen edges and remove.

*Image from Dashing Dish

If you'd like to attend, here are the deets:

Bake Sale & Silent Auction for Kids' Cancer
Saturday, May 21, 2011

1:00 PM - 4:00 PM

Best Place - in the Historic Pabst Brewery
901 W. Juneau Ave, Milwaukee, WI
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Current Couch Potato | Aspiring Runner:

Completing my first half marathon to benefit the Crohn's & Colitis Foundation of America will be a community endeavor. Won't you help me change lives?

Follow | Donate __________________________________________________________________

TONIGHT: Your Chance to Win These Amazing Prizes at @AJBombers!

Not only is this weekend my birthday, but it also marks a chance for you to join me in kicking the crap out of Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis.

First off, I am sad to report that the Lakefront Brewery Tour is CANCELED. Do not fret, for it will be rescheduled at a later date. Though it is a big bummer, I know (I'd link to the post describing the awesome event, but a) I don't want to pour salt in the wound, and b) Blogger erased it).

I would, however, like to remind you of my little AJ Bomber's Guest Bartending Benefit that's taking place TONIGHT from 6:00 - 9:00 PM. Yes, I will be spending precious birthday celebration time slinging some kind of orange-colored concoction at everyone's favorite Twitter bar.

Details here.

In addition to the general event details you will find by following that link, I'd like to whet your appetite for the amazing, fabulous prizes you could win if you come and purchase a raffle ticket or two...or seven.

Timber Rattler 4-Pack of Tickets
I went ahead and solicited raffle donations for things that I enjoy with the thought that, if you've heard about this event then you must know me or someone I know, therefore, all of us knowing each other means we're somewhat similar. Thereby, you must also like these prizes.

Sound logic? Debatable.

Regardless, I enjoy myself some minor league sports. I do enjoy major league as well, but what major league lacks is the spirit of showmanship combined with approachable irreverence.

For every Major League moment in a major league game (hello, Brewers base running anyone?), there is 10x that fun in a minor league game.


And that's why I like it.

So for the low price of $1 (or $5) you can get your very own raffle ticket (or 6), which may or may not lead you to actually winning 4 tickets to a Timber Rattlers game.

Like how I did that there?

Wine Tasting for 20 at Captain's Walk Winery
Captain's Walk Winery in Green Bay, WI has to be one of my favorite places on earth.

The wine has a lot to do with it.

But so does the veranda.

There's a rocking chair with your name on it.

Every year for my birthday for, oh, the past 3 years or so, I've invited friends to Green Bay to join me on Door County winery tours and/or enjoy fun "Green Bay" things (aka: visiting Lambeau Field).

Captain's Walk is always our first stop on the list.

And this raffle prize is good for you and 20 of your favorite people on Earth to enjoy a tasting ($60 value) and then receive 50% off wine by the glass and 10% off wine by the bottle on top of their everyday discounts.

Brings a tear to your eye, doesn't it?

2 Tickets for 2011-2012 Milwaukee Buck's Game

Did you know that Bango is one bad-A mickey-fickey?

Exhibit A:


Yeah, I'd like to see your mascot do that.

Newsflash: He can't. Because he isn't as awesome as Bango.

Bango = Superior in all ways.

That's why I'm giving you the chance to win the chance to see Bango live and in-person (as opposed to live and out-of-person).

You - yes, you - may just win 2 tickets to any game in the 2011-2012 Buck's season. The only drawback to winning this prize is that you have to wait awhile before it can actually become a reality. Let's consider that #Winning Charlie Sheen style.

I hope these prizes and the promise of me slingin' you drinks is enough to get you excited and ready to head down to AJ Bombers tonight.

I'll see you there.

And, again, sorry for the late notice on the canceled Lakefront Brewery Tour. It really puts your day in the crapper, I know.

__________________________________________________________________

Current Couch Potato | Aspiring Runner:

Completing my first half marathon to benefit the Crohn's & Colitis Foundation of America will be a community endeavor. Won't you help me change lives?

Follow | Donate __________________________________________________________________

Fundraising Letters - SENT

I finally got my behind to the post office to send my fundraising letters y'all! Don't mind me if they're dated April 13th or April 22nd - just goes to show how much care and time I spent writing all my little personal messages to you on each one.

That and I had to wait for my business cards to arrive from Moo. The most adorable and inspiring little mini cards you'll ever see!

Check your letter, there will be one in there for you.

And yes, I mean you. YOU will get a letter. All of you.

If I have your address then you're getting a letter. I wouldn't be doing my fundraising best otherwise.

If I don't have your address don't fret. There are many other ways to give. You can come to one of my fundraising events, you can donate quickly and securely online, or you can even view and download your very own letter here...sans mini business card, I'm afraid.



Note: For security purposes I had to take off my address, but if you download a letter and would like to send me a donation, email me at mandilindner AT yahoo DOT com and I will give you my address...you know...so long as you're not a stalker or something.

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Current Couch Potato | Aspiring Runner: Completing my first half marathon to benefit the Crohn's & Colitis Foundation of America will be a community endeavor.

Won't you help me change lives?

Follow | Donate __________________________________________________________________

Big Reveal: May 13th Guest Bartendiing

Have you figured it out?

Where my May 13th guest bartending Birthday Benefit for Crohn's & Colitis is going to be?

Okay, let's recap the clues...

#1: Book, Hashtag - Vague, but totally obvious if you know what I'm talking about

#2: Sharpie - Not incredibly intuitive, but, again, if you know what I'm talking about it's as clear as day

#3: Bullseye - Which narrows it down to Target's in-store bar or some establishment located near a Target, right?

WRONG!

If you guessed Barnes & Noble, The Sharpie Factory, or Target, you're not only wrong, but I worry about your deductive reasoning skills.

No, the bar in question is...

*drumroll*

AJ Boooooombers! (said in Ben Bailey, aka: Cash Cab, voice).

That's right, on Friday, May 13th I will be guest bartending at AJB to raise money and awareness for the Crohn's & Colitis Foundation of America.

Go Team Challenge WI!

Join me and get your burger - and your drink - on for a great cause. Hey, you may even win some great raffle prizes.

That's right. Instead of presents this year for my birthday, I want your presence at AJ Bombers and your support for CCFA - Team Challenge WI.

For more information and RSVP, click here.

Who knows? Maybe I'll even get to launch some P-Nut bombs...

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Current Couch Potato | Aspiring Runner:

Completing my first half marathon to benefit the Crohn's & Colitis Foundation of America will be a community endeavor. Won't you help me change lives?


Follow | Donate
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May 13th Guest Bartending - Clue #3

Here's your last clue as to the Mystery Location of my Guest Bartending Fundraiser on Friday, May 13th.

To recap: Clue 1, Clue 2.

Also, a special thanks goes out to Steve and Professor Plum for helping me unveil these clues. Thanks guys; it's been a pleasure to work with you!

Clue #3:

Any guesses? Tune in next week for the official invitation!

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Current Couch Potato | Aspiring Runner:

Completing my first half marathon to benefit the Crohn's & Colitis Foundation of America will be a community endeavor. Won't you help me change lives?


Follow | Donate
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May 13th Guest Bartending - Clue #2

Yesterday I announced a birthday fundraiser I have scheduled for Friday, May 13th at a local, Milwaukee bar. But which bar is it?

You be the judge. Here's the second clue as to the location:

Any guesses?
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Current Couch Potato | Aspiring Runner:

Completing my first half marathon to benefit the Crohn's & Colitis Foundation of America will be a community endeavor. Won't you help me change lives?


Follow | Donate
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@TeamChallengeWI Fundraiser - Guest Bartending Friday, May 13th

Big Announcement guys and gals!

I just got confirmation that I'll be guest bartending on May 13th to help raise needed funds for CCFA!

May 13th also happens to be my birthday, so mark it on your calendars and join me for a drink and a great cause. We're going to defy tradition and make Friday the 13th a lucky day!

You're now probably wondering where this little shindig will be located. Well, for now it's super secret, but I can give you some clues.

Here's the first:

Vague enough for ya?

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Current Couch Potato | Aspiring Runner:

Completing my first half marathon to benefit the Crohn's & Colitis Foundation of America will be a community endeavor. Won't you help me change lives?


Follow | Donate
__________________________________________________________________

Napa to Sonoma - July 17th

Get to know Mandi...............................Check
Subscribe to this blog...........................Check
Become one of 75..................................Check
Learn about CCFA................................Check
Check out Napa2Sonoma...................._____
Uh oh, Lucy, looks like you've got some 'splaining to do...
Never fear.
Here's your lowdown on the Team Challenge Napa Half Marathon I'm running - what it looks like, where I'll be going, and all that other good stuff you'd like to know.
When: July 17, 2011
Where: Start at Cuvaison Cameros Winery in Napa, End at City Hall in Sonoma PlazaMore! I Want More!
The race is really a weekend event, with an expo and welcome reception on Saturday, culminating with the race on Sunday.
Did I mention the race is capped with a Wine & Music Celebration in Sonoma Plaza? I must surely celebrate the hard work, determination, and support that will get me to the finish line...and most of all the money you help me raise for a great organization.
So that's the plan.
Now I'm gonna go...and show the plan...to someone else (name that movie).
In the meantime, feel free to watch highlights from 2010:


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Current Couch Potato | Aspiring Runner:

Completing my first half marathon to benefit the Crohn's & Colitis Foundation of America will be a community endeavor. Won't you help me change lives?


Follow | Donate
__________________________________________________________________

ANNOUNCING: 75 by 7/5

In addition to training for a half marathon - something that will never not bring at least a bit of freak-out into my stress system - I also have to raise $3,800 to benefit the Crohn's & Colitis Foundation of America.

This won't be easy.

I will need your help.

With that in mind I am launching my 75 by 7/5 campaign.

Here's how it works.

If I can get just 75 people to donate $50 by July 5th (75 by 7/5, get it?), I will have met my findraising goal.

The Team Challenge Napa Half Marathon will take July 17th, 2011. I need to meet my fundraising goal by July 6th (but the 5th sounds so much better with my theme, no?).

And I am FREAKING out!

But kind of in a good way.

I love challenges.

Especially team ones.

With that in mind, please join my team by donating $50 today.

Seriously. I can't do this without you. I don't want to do this without you.

In return I can promise you updates on my progress, and I will take you to Napa with me by wearing your support in the steely determination of my "race face." You will be thanked, and thanked often - by mail, here on my race blog, and as I spread the word of your generosity to everyone I meet in Napa. Want your name on my jersey? Let me know and we'll work something out.

If you can't afford $50, or, better yet, want your name on that race jersey, check out my 75 by 7/5 page to learn about other ways to get involved.

There's room for you, your friends, your family, your work, heck, I'm sure we could even find a way for your dog, to join me in supporting research for this incurable disease and improving the quality of life for individuals who suffer from it.

THANK YOU!

__________________________________________________________________

Current Couch Potato | Aspiring Runner:

Completing my first half marathon to benefit the Crohn's & Colitis Foundation of America will be a community endeavor. Won't you help me change lives?


Follow | Donate
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What did I get myself into?

Today I signed up with Team Challenge WI to run a half marathon to benefit the Crohn's & Colitis Foundation of America.

Why?
Two reasons.

1. Running a half marathon has always been on my Mighty Life List (I don't do Bucket Lists...that puts the focus on death and that's morose.)

2. This opportunity is to benefit a great foundation to support research and treatment of an incurable disease, greatly increasing quality of life for those who suffer from Crohn's disease or ulcerative colitis. Learn more here.

Here's where you come in.
I need help.

I've never run more than a 5K before, in fact, I'm not much of a runner. Only by the grace of God and with your encouraging support can I make this happen. Luckily, Team Challenge WI is committed to helping me with coaches, training sessions, and 50+ other crazy folks like myself who will encourage each other as we strive for our goal.

If you'd like to keep up-to-date on my progress, please follow this blog (see right sidebar) and feel free to post your own tips or encouragement here.

Also, what I need most is help raising funds for this "run"raiser. I need to raise $3,800 in order to participate, at least 80% of which will go toward the Crohn's & Colitis Foundation of America.

Your donation is tax deductible, and I only need 75 generous hearts to donate $50 each in order to meet my goal.

Will you consider helping me reach my goal in finding a cure for this disease?
__________________________________________________________________

Current Couch Potato | Aspiring Runner:

Completing my first half marathon to benefit the Crohn's & Colitis Foundation of America will be a community endeavor. Won't you help me change lives?


Follow | Donate
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