I scream, you scream, we all scream for ice cream!

Two Saturdays ago, Central Arkansas had their ice cream social. In their recognition surveys earlier this year, they voted to have a get-together rather than receive items. I'm glad they did, because it was nice to have everyone together. We enjoyed chocolate, vanilla, and strawberry ice cream while some opted for rainbow sherbert. We got all the toppings from whipped cream to pineapple, from nuts and chocolate chips to the cherries on top. Thank you to everyone who came out!



The choices were mesmerizing, but I settled on a rootbeer float! Below are some volunteers and their families.



Surya and Shilpa (a new, yet, fantastic Wish Granter)



(L-R) Natale and Pablo (both Wish Granters) brought their family, the great bubble-blowers that they are. Brenda (Wish Granter Extraordinairre) and Wendy were happy to entertain.



Our staff were even able to bring their families. See cute kids above.



Kat, Wendy, Melissa, Shantina and I were so thankful for everyone who showed up. It is great to put a name with a face and to be able to meet everyone's friends and family. We also learned some pointers for next year. Note: buy dry ice to keep the ice cream social from turning into an ice cream shake. ;) And we missed Carissa while she was away chasing escaped parrots and showering brides.

ABC's Person of the Week

I love to share cool wish stories with you all, so check this out! There are a few things that the writer was confused about with Make-A-Wish Foundation, but overall, it is such a lasting wish.

Kristin's Miracle House

Golf Volunteers Needed --UPDATED 5/1

**Updated on 5/1**

We are going to have one tee time, after all. Please see below. All times are approximate and subject to change. Exact times will be determined closer to date.

NOW -- volunteers needed to distribute Wish Fest flyers.

Sunday, June 1st -- Little Rock, AR:

• Courtyard by Marriott
• 9 a.m. - 1 p.m. -- 1 volunteer for Hospitality Room
• Next Level Events
• 5:45 p.m. -- 4 volunteers needed for auction spotters, attendants, registration and auction check-out

Monday, June 2nd

• Maumelle Country Club -- N Little Rock, AR
• approx. 11 a.m. -- 20+ volunteers needed as hosts, registration, set-up/clean-up, hole monitors and more
• Courtyard Marriott -- Little Rock, AR
• 1 p.m. - 5 p.m. -- 1 volunteers for Hospitality Room
• River Market Pavilion -- Downtown Little Rock, AR
• 5 p.m. -- 2 volunteers to take tickets, help with food, etc.
  

Some typical days at Make-A-Wish

I have no time to update, but so much is going on around here that I had to tell you!

Last week, Kat and Kim took over Kat's office to get ready for Gabe's wish granting. He and his family were headed to the Arkansas Queen to find out they were going to San Diego.


Next, we had our first Thank-A-Thon, where we called some of last year's donors just to say thanks. Honest! Juanitta, Heather, Pam, and new recruit (not pictured) Alyssa helped us out yesterday!


Also, Liz, our President/CEO is in town. I had to update to let you know before she updated her blog (see link to the right). Ha! I beat you, Liz! ;)


Plus, today is Administrative Assitant day, so we honored Shantina for all the hard (thankless) work she does around here! We got her flowers and other goodies (but she is camera shy). Send her an email if you'd like! :)



Needless to say, we are getting ready for golf, and things are flying around here. I'll check back in soon. I'm planning some big stuff in the next week!

So Much Goin' On!

We have so much going on during the Spring and Summer, that I forget what it was like to have a "summer break!"

First off, if you can help prepare us for the golf tournament in one or more of the following ways, give me a shout:

* solicit and/or donate auction items
* loan us your white christmas lights for Pocket Full of Wishes (the silent/live auction)
* volunteer to plan, prepare and organize the Wish Kid Luncheon
* volunteer at the golf tournament (Pocket Full of Wishes, Golf Tournament or Wish Fest)

Next, check out the updates on trainings and events. We have a few more details for our summer trainings listed.

And prepare to be recognized! The last week of April is National Volunteer Week. We are looking forward to showing you just how special we think you are and just how vital you are to our success.

In other news, we just attended database training last month. It was a harrowing three days, but we came out better for it. We actually got to see them filming a movie at the Memphis Peabody across from our hotel. It was all in good fun until the screeching kept us up until 3 a.m.!

Get togethers and the like

We had our monthly potluck yesterday, and I came up with the idea: things that can be dipped. We had chips (and cheese dip), chicken strips (and sauces), fried pickles (and ranch), crackers and cheese, and Toblerone FUNdue with fruit, marshmallows and cake.

Since I don't cook, figuring out what to buy can be a pain, but fun. It's a good time for us to get together and purposefully spend time together. This April, we are celebrating Volunteer Appreciation week. Some zones have a more central location, and they have opted to have a get-together of their own. I visited Jonesboro on Monday to join their celebration for a year's worth of hard work. And for those of you who are reading this in Little Rock, you get a sneak peak. Little Rock's get together will be an Ice Cream Social on April 26th! I'm really looking forward to celebrating with each of you!

This is an example of our medical outreach. We are celebrating Social Work Week this week by honoring our social workers who refer wish kids to us. Locally, there are approximately 30 men and women who make our jobs easier by referring and helping us out with wish families. The least we could do was bring them goodies throughout the week. Note the Make-A-Wish candy bars. That was my idea!

Trainings, TV time and Paperwork

I've trained close to 20 volunteers the last two weeks, and it's been great to put faces with names and meet new volunteers. Last weekend, I was even on the news. *gasp* Yes, I had my eight seconds of fame. Let me just say that now we know why I work behind the scenes. I am just not cut out for on-air interviews!

I'm working on dates for the next round of training, so be sure to check back.

We've also updated our Volunteer Center on our website. We have an updated downloadable application for anyone you recruit, plus for anyone who needs a copy of the Conflict of Interest --which I need signed every year.

Please take note of the Award Form, as well. We need more nominations from you all. I know you're doing wonderful work, I just need to know specifics!