Hanging on the wall forever.

A volunteer reception was held at the Tijuana Yacht Club for Cancer Care Manitoba on Nov. 18. Many events that had donated to the organization were being honoured with their name on a plaque.

In May of 2009, I lost a good friend and second mother, Jacqueline Epp, to ovarian cancer and at her memorial party we encouraged guests to leave a donation for Cancer Care. During Jacquie's 18-month battle with ovarian cancer, Cancer Care helped in numerous ways, like the Look Good Feel Better program.

Every year Cancer Care holds a reception like this, with the exception of 2009, celebrating those who have raised money for the organization. I spoke to Chelsea Hermus, the special events coordinator from CancerCare Manitoba, and she said that there were people present that night who had raised up to $500,000. (Not me but hopefully someday)

The event started at 6 p.m. and went later than 8 p.m., which was its projected finish time. The workers gave out lots of free drink tickets, the dinner was very good (Bud, Spud, and Steak style but actually good) and the cakes... *sigh* To make what would otherwise be a long story-short, the cake selection was fabulous. I scored a table right across from them for myself and the other two joining me, so the cake fumes were identifiable. I was able to make eye contact and glare at the people who would walk by and consider the chocolate cake. (Just a little sneak peek at my chocolate obsession)

Anyways, on a more human note, I've been thinking about possible ideas for my IPP next year and haven't really narrowed them down much further than a not-for-profit event. I think it would either be a CancerCare or Ovarian Cancer Canada event. I have been an avid fundraiser for OCC for a few years now, so I'm leaning more towards that option. When Jacquie first passed away, her son and I were thinking of fundraising ideas, one of which we may still pursue. A hockey tournament and the proceeds would go to OCC. But all ideas like that are still in the works and there are a lot of them. Any ideas are welcome on that topic.

I managed to crop the mock-up of the plaque that will hang in the hall of CancerCare Manitoba building off of McDermott Street so that Jacquie's name was readable. 

She will be represented on the plaque as BBQ in memory of Jacqueline Epp.

This reception was an amazing experience and I am honoured to have attended it for the purpose that I did.

More professional pictures to follow...