volunteering

Guess it’s been a while since I posted – recording sessions, holiday weekend, gardening, more recording, etc. Doesn’t leave much time for blogging . . .

Spent a good chunk of last weekend volunteering – first, my pals Linda, Chris, and I took last Friday off to help out up at the Frederick Stock School for their Family Fun Day.

Over the last couple of years I've helped to support the Stock School, a Chicago Public School early childhood center on the far northwest side that serves children (ages three to six) with and without disabilities. What an incredible place.

Both Linda (Stock's great-granddaughter) and I have been principals-for-a-day, helped out with their annual Leon's Gift benefit, and volunteered for their Family day. I was able to twist Chris's arm enough to convince him to join us. It was a perfect day, and we had a blast.

The day started out with a parade, and the three of us were invited to be the guest grand marshals.

After the parade, a group of about twenty girls had a cheerleading routine to share. This was definitely one of the highlights of the day!

Next, all of the kids – regardless of disability – participated in a relay race. As each child crossed the finish line, they were given a medal, and Chris, Linda, and I had the privilege of presenting them. There was such determination to cross the line and get a medal!

I wasn't able to get many pictures of the race because there wasn't a spare moment to grab my camera. However, I was able to get this shot of the final runner as everyone cheered her in.

The rest of the day included all kinds of activities for the kids and their families, followed by a cookout and live Calypso-themed entertainment. What a great place. What a great day.

Then on Sunday, I hauled out of bed early and stumbled down to Soldier Field for the closing ceremonies of this year's Avon Walk for Breast Cancer.

Spent the morning loading giant tubs with bottled water and ice, filling up coolers with Gatorade (and a couple of the Soldier Field workers let us sneak onto the field for a moment), and unloading gear trucks.

Took a bit of a break to watch some of the walkers come in, most of them having trekked over forty miles in two days.

This year's was the biggest Chicago walk ever. There were more than 3,600 participants and over $8.3 million (so far) has been raised. Well done!