"The purpose of life

 is to have a life of purpose." 

These words resonate in the daily life of a dear friend of mine who is doing everything she can to help find a cure for cancer.

According to their website, the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society's Man and Woman of the Year (MWOY) campaign is a fundraising competition in communities across the U.S. in which participants vie for the title of Man or Woman of the Year. They raise funds for blood cancer research in honor of local children who are blood cancer survivors, the Boy & Girl of the Year-because everyone wins when cancer loses. The titles are awarded to the men and women in each community who raise the most funds during the ten-week campaign; the top local fundraisers in the country also win the national titles. You can aid in their efforts by donating to or joining their campaigns not someday, but today. 

Beginning with the 2014 campaign, the "All Star" program will provide an opportunity for select MWOY Alumni to represent their local campaign nationally by using their talents, contacts and creativity to raise funds to help advance the LLS mission.  2014 All Stars come from across the country with representation from every corner of the U.S.

Our friend Susan Hausler is running for the All star WOY for the Southeast region and one of only 4 women in the USA picked for this honor.  You can learn so much more about Susan and her quest at awww.allstarsusan.com or on facebook by clicking here.

Recently, there was another fantastic event during Susan's campaign which was phenomenal and I simply must tell you all about it.  In Tampa's Ybor City, the 1930's Grand Room and Stone Chef catering hosted a night to "Sip and Support".  The beautiful event space was decked out with a champagne pyramid greeting guests and VIP sections delicately roped off and a delicious variety of foods.  
There were dancers from Fred Astaire Dance Studio, photos being snapped all over the place - especially some great ones from Gerardo Luna Photographs, Entertainment included a DJ and body painted angels from Breezin, a fun photo booth, and a neat interactive tweet wall.  Swag bags were given out at the end of the night with lots of goodies. Another event is being held on May 7th in Atlanta too and the gala celebrating the Atlanta & Southeast area will be held in Atlanta on June 14th, 2014.  

Check out the great venue and fun we had....

Champagne tower greeted us when we walked in

Stone Chef catering does a phenomenal job, whether it's at the site of your choosing or their main location at the Grand Room in Ybor.

Facebooth photos were a hit

Beautiful VIP sections adorned the corners of both rooms

The Chef and his team were hard at work making platter after platter of delicious gourmet treats.

Lots of gift baskets and prizes were raffled off - I even won a hotel stay!

There were mobile DJ truck giveaways, even a luxury car rental for a week and lots more tempting items!

This venue was very pretty and would be wonderful for any type of event.

Everyone had a delightful time and all for a great cause!

Our friend Gerardo Luna took this pic of some of the fun in before the raffle action and entertainment, there are lots more of hie photos from the event and his great photography if you click here.

You can help and get involved too, how about purchasing a paid of these awesome all star earring from our friend Amy from Park Lane Jewelry and $10 of your purchase will directly to the LLS and Susan's campaign.  

Or consider whether your work does matching donations - this list is just the tip of the iceberg:

Someday is today, together we can help fund a cure for cancer.  With generous and devoted people like Susan and organizations such as the Leukemia & Lymphoma society - cancer doesn't stand a chance!!  

For more upcoming events and info go to www.allstarsusan.com