The unseasonably beautiful weather on February 18th, served as the perfect precursor to what would become a beautiful affair – in honor of a beautiful boy. As the sun dipped below the horizon over Lake Michigan, radiant beams of PaxLove spilled into SURG on the Water.
As we reflect upon the “golden” affair, we are overwhelmed by the generosity of the many individuals who contributed to the phenomenal success.
As fellow board members, we are grateful to one another. Each of us selflessly dedicates countless hours of time, energy and love to PAX all year round. The nine individuals who compose our all-volunteer board have demanding careers, own successful businesses, serve on additional board of directors, and are highly-involved participants in church and community affairs. Moreover, we collectively parent eighteen very busy, cherished children.
We are blessed to have welcome two new board members this year; Dale Shaver and Connie Shaikh. Somehow, the personal character of these two individuals outweighs their credentials when it comes to community service. Their desire to serve on the front-line of the PAX Foundation will benefit our organization and the childhood cancer community in countless ways.
We are evermore grateful for our generous sponsors. For the fourth year in a row, our corporate sponsorship covered the cost of the event. In turn, 100% of the profits raised at the Gold Gala will directly support our brave warriors. Our sponsors include: the Milwaukee Brewers, Mangold Creative, Damage Control, Duane Hunter – Urns Unlimited,, InCheck, Associated Bank, Woodland Alloy Casting, Lammi Sports, and The Firm Consultants. The majority of these businesses do far more than provide financial assistance throughout the year. They’ve welcomed us into their giant hearts and made PAX a member of their corporate families. For their unwavering support, we extend a surplus of sweet PaxLove.
We also extend heartfelt appreciation to our volunteers, affectionately referred to as our Army of Love. This includes our dynamic, flawless Gala volunteers, those who work to prepare, package and deliver healthy meals for our warrior families, and those who do countless ‘acts of love’ behind the scenes throughout the year. Without their help, we wouldn’t be able to provide the unique and personalized support our warrior families deserve.
We would be remiss if we did not recognize the inspiring warriors and the families we support. We are continually amazed and honored by the way in which they open their homes and hearts to us. They entrust us with some of the most intimate details of their family lives, during a time when they are the most vulnerable. We have been invited to share in some amazing victories and celebrations, and we have cried with them – and for them – during moments no parent or child should have to endure.
Last but not least, we remain forever indebted to the beautiful, blue-eyed little boy who continues to inspire the very best in each of us. Paxton Bowe, we are humbly honored to serve as your ambassadors (and your biggest fans) in spreading your magical life-spark across the land. I hope we do you proud.
We PaxLove you, one and all.
xoxo
