Our first fundraising kick off event, “Blowouts & Bubbles for Babies”, was held on April 15th, 2018. We wanted our first fundraising event not only to raise funds for our foundation, but also to be a fun, relaxing, and social event so many people could participate.
We had over 20 women, 7 children and even 5 men came to show their support. People from all over the city and suburbs gathered, mingled, sipped champagne, nibbled on sweet treats, and got some bodacious blowouts.
Even our littlest supporters enjoyed some cute braids and buns. It was great to see so many different people come together to support our mission. The event was such a success we are going to make in an annual event, held every April in support of HIE awareness month.
In the midst of planning our first fundraising event, so many talented friends and businesses stepped forward to donate their time and services. What started off as a simple “lets raise funds to help save babies born with brain trauma” turned into so much more, and Leah’s Polar Hugs was born. We would like to send a HUGE and special thank you to so many talented individuals who helped make this happen:
Salon 833
Salon 833 holds a special place in our hearts. Lisa Caputo, Salon 833 stylist and owner, has known our family since 2009. Learning of Leah’s difficult birth and our family’s desire to make a difference through our foundation, Lisa offered to host our event without hesitation. She graciously donated her venue space and resources to help make our event a success.
All of the staff that worked the event donated prime personal time on one of their days off in service to our cause. Because of the help of Salon 833 and its staff, we SOLD OUT of tickets, raising close to $3,000!
In addition to the sold tickets, all tips that were generously given to the salon staff from ticket purchasers were also donated to Leah’s Polar Hugs, raising an additional $250.
http://www.salon833.com/#about
Lisa Hinsberger Photography
Though only knowing us a short while from booking family Christmas pictures, Lisa Hinsberger learned of our foundation and immediately jumped at the opportunity to help us out. Lisa donated her entire day to help snap photos of our event and everyone’s awesome hairstyles. Lisa is an incredibly talented photographer specializing in newborns, family, and children.
https://www.lisahinsbergerphotography.com/about
Signature Sweets
Marcus Freeman of Signature Sweets provided some amazing custom treats for our guests that were decorated to fit perfectly with our event. Marcus donated some extra goodies to help support our cause and make sure our guests had an unforgettable experience from all parts of the event.
Anne & Robert H. Lurie Children’s Hospital of Chicago
Each year, Leah’s Polar Hugs selects a hospital in need of funding for NICU cooling equipment.
We chose Anne & Robert H. Lurie Children’s Hospital Chicago as our first donor because they have been an integral part of Leah’s healing. It was at Lurie’s where Leah received her cooling therapy just hours after her birth. Not only did they save her life, they have been an incremental part of her recovery process, with Leah being seen at their physical therapy, occupational therapy, speech therapy, neurology, and ophthalmology and epilepsy departments. We are eternally grateful for their staff, knowledge and expertise.
This event was such a success we are going to make in an annual event, held every April in support of HIE awareness month.
Love,
The Arciero Family
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