Bigger News Than the Pope's Resignation

Welcome back, it's that time of year when I start popping up in your inbox with messages about fundraising and pork.  Yes, I am the email equivalent of the swallows returning to Capistrano only with less bird droppings.  I realize this may be confusing for new recipients of these emails, so let me explain:

Since 2006 I have been raising money to help fight Leukemia and Lymphoma.  I support the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society through the Team in Training program.  I take on a physical challenge to raise awareness and funds for LLS.  In return for supporting my quest, my son and I throw a kick-ass party called Pork-a-Palooza.  More about this year's Pork-a-Palooza in a bit.

First, let me tell you why I do this.  I know several people who died from leukemia and lymphoma.  In all cases they were taken from us too soon.  I have met many blood cancer survivors and I know that they would not be here today if not for advances in medicine and research.  I think that with continued research, we will find a cure for these devastating diseases.

Second, let me tell you what I'm doing.  I have committed to complete the Tour of the California Alps, more popularly known as The Death Ride.  This is a single-day bike ride that climbs 5 mountains over 129 miles.  To put it bluntly, it's crazy hard.  To do it you have to work at it and the lunacy of it helps me talk about the fundraising challenge.  Speaking of which, let me be specific - I hope to raise $3500 in donations by the end of May. To donate, please click on this link here to visit my donation page.

Finally, if you donate you get more than simply the satisfaction of supporting a good cause.  When Pork-a-Palooza started to get popular, we struck on the idea of combining it with fundraising.  So here's the payoff.  If you donate $50, you get preferred treatment at this year's fourth annual Pork-a-Palooza.  The theme for this year's Pork-a-Palooza is [drum roll]....THE HAMTASTIC FOUR.   Additionally, we will have an award for best dish and we'll be expanding the menu.  More on this in future updates.

Just like Pork-a-Palooza gets better each year, the offers get better too.  If you donate over $100, you get a jar of my home made caramel sauce.  I have been crafting a combination of two of my favorite flavors.  More on this in future updates.

So there you have it.  I am raising money to fight leukemia and lymphoma.  If you donate you get preferred treatment at Pork-a-Palooza - The Hamtastic Four.   If you donate more, you get some phenomenal caramel sauce too.  To donate - click here

Finally, mark your calendars Pork-a-Palooza - The Hamtastic Four will be held on June 23rd.  Invitations to follow.


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