cancuncare/saggy bottom new orleans reunion october 2011

[Donna & John]

Originally Posted by MandD

$285....... is that you flight cost? We are going to fly out of Philly and it's about $100 more than that :/ Where are you flying out of? Nice to see the NE being represented..... from NJ here

Hello M and D, Yes $285. is the round trip flight from Hartford CT, we booked it thru Priceline.com....or try Expedia.com as there prices were under $300 as well....Good Luck

[Donna & John]

Originally Posted by Bart/Annette

Sounds great What day are you coming in to NO? Enjoy Happy Hour.

Hello Guys,
We will be getting in on Friday the 21st...it's gonna nice to put faces with names from the post...can't wait.....

[Donna & John]

Originally Posted by diamondheaded

i think it is like bob said and i finally figured it out......

one can go to cancun or cabo any time they like

..............this..........on the other hand, is a one time once in a life time.......life changing experience...........not just a little weekend trip to new orleans

i mean how many times does one get a chance to be the parade, hand over a check for tens of thousands of dallars to an incredible charity, and do a pub crawl through the french quarter with 100 plus other people all dressed as fairy tale and story book carachters?

how about ---- pretty much -------- never ?!?

good luck on your booking for cancun - t and i are booking next week for cabo march 31-april 8 ----------following the lead of friends from baltimore - stuart and sondra

pops and lisa are booking next week for cabo too

btw

glad you guys have your priorities in line

rob

YOUR ABSOLUTELY RIGHT THAT WE MADE THIS THE PRIORITY!!!!!

Cabo??????

[diamondheaded]

for any cancuncare members who want to have their hands on this friendly donation competition/challenge this would be a great month to start and to be a part of it

you do not have to attend the party in new orleans to be a part of this challenge - feel free to particpate

here are the teams

americans
texans
canadians

here is how you get involved

simply write your check made payable directly to the make a wish foundation and mail to:

The Make-A-Wish Foundation of the Texas Gulf Coast and Louisiana
3340 Severn Avenue SUite 350
Metairie, LA 70002

be sure and put your team name on the check (canadians, americans, texans)

to count in the month of july (first month of challenge) check must be postmarked no later than july 31

thanks to cancuncare members who are helping us all give cancuncare a great name

rob

[diamondheaded]

bob had a great question

"will we change out of costume after the parade for the pub crawl?"

absolutely...........NOT

so much fun doing pub crawls in costume - after the parade ends at mollys on market - somewhere between 100 and 200 (number continues to grow everyday) of us will begin the pub crawl at that spot on decatur ----- in costume

speaking of costumes - its time to put all those ideas into action as you will more than likely be on tv. you will more than likely be in front of a large group of people. there are going to be tons of piuctures taken..... and certainly some unique and very special surprise guests

...........so dont wait around on your costume selection and ideas

mine came in yesterday




ps: even though all of the rooms in our allotment have long been spoken for.....there are still rooms available at the montelone and other hotels in the area.......your just not going to be able to get the rate we had before we booked our allotment full............and now that the saints v. colts is 100 percent sure thing.......a sell out is a guarantee!!!

[Bart/Annette]

Originally Posted by diamondheaded

bob had a great question

"will we change out of costume after the parade for the pub crawl?"

absolutely...........NOT

so much fun doing pub crawls in costume - after the parade ends at mollys on market - somewhere between 100 and 200 (number continues to grow everyday) of us will begin the pub crawl at that spot on decatur ----- in costume

speaking of costumes - its time to put all those ideas into action as you will more than likely be on tv. you will more than likely be in front of a large group of people. there are going to be tons of piuctures taken..... and certainly some unique and very special surprise guests

...........so dont wait around on your costume selection and ideas

mine came in yesterday

ps: even though all of the rooms in our allotment have long been spoken for.....there are still rooms available at the montelone and other hotels in the area.......your just not going to be able to get the rate we had before we booked our allotment full............and now that the saints v. colts is 100 percent sure thing.......a sell out is a guarantee!!!

I asked two of my kids if they had any great ideas for my costume, and they both said I should try Shrek Shrek may be appropriate, but not exactly what I had in mind.

[diamondheaded]

Originally Posted by Bart/Annette

I asked two of my kids if they had any great ideas for my costume, and they both said I should try Shrek Shrek may be appropriate, but not exactly what I had in mind.

love shrek

rob

[diamondheaded]

our most recent sponsor barefoot wines Barefoot Wine & Bubbly and the hotel monteleone Hotel Monteleone « New Orleans Luxury Hotel & French Quarter Hotel will now be offering a complimentary wine tasting at the meet and greet on friday evening for all in attendance

these two will also be offereing a champagne toast at the brunch on sunday morning for the donation contest winners

thanks so much guys

as we move forward expect more and more incredible additions........

the best

rob

[diamondheaded]

community coffee Community Coffee - Gourmet Coffee, Teas and Gifts just joined our ever growing list of incredible sponsors

guys we have just now started with sponsors and they are lining up at the door - gets better every day now going forward....much bigger and much better

guys its not too late to attend......did i mention the saints are in town that weekend????

rob

[diamondheaded]

fell a little bit short of getting that $20,000.00 goal by the end of july

but as a group we have now raised $18,704.21

and every red cent has gone directly to the make a wish foundation

here is how the donation challenge went in the month of july

americans $2,020.00
texans $375.00
canadians $ 0

wnat to help the canadians win - perhaps the americans or even the texans????

simply write your check made payable directly to the make a wish foundation and mail to:

The Make-A-Wish Foundation of the Texas Gulf Coast and Louisiana
3340 Severn Avenue SUite 350
Metairie, LA 70002

be sure and put your team name on the check (canadians, americans, texans)

may the best team win

just august and september left in the challenge and we will announce a winning team

rob

[diamondheaded]

as if you honestly needed yet another great reason to be in New Orleans for our/the best party ever......

REALLY ?!

you guys know how we do this - it will do nothing but get better and better from this point forward and....

just thought i would make mention that in addition to all that is in fact going on - a formal invitation to attend has now been sent to the New Orleans Saints organization requesting their presence at/to all events relating to OUR massive weekend reunion party "Wishes Wonders & Whodats" benefitting the Make-A-Wish Foundation of the Texas Gulf Coast & Louisiana October 21-23 2011.

did i mention that the saints are in town that weekend too playing the colts in a rematch of the 2010 super bowl game in the completely rennovated new superdome?!

now now now...

please understand that as of today there are certainly no expectations that they will be in attendance for any of our events that weeekend. However, I did want to update all on the status and progress of this formal invitation as i know there had been some discussion about it.

discussion done - the formal request has now been made

I should also point out that informal invitations will also be extended to the New Orleans Saints organization by others (sponsors, individuals within our group and such) in the coming days and weeks and while.....again there is no guarantee whatsoever relating to their attendance.......should they decide to attend - this might be a nice little enhancement to all of the other countless incredible weekend activities we have planned for all those giving people in attendance.............................. .again - should they decide to attend

for more information on attending this ONCE IN A LIFETIME PARTY please feel free to contact us via email at robandtonyacumins@yahoo.com or feel free to check out the event web site (please note that the sign up function on the web site is non functional and all of our groups discounted rooms at the hotel monteleone were SOLD OUT months ago) and get busy finding a room to booksomewhere in New Orleans so you can be a part!!!!

ALL new orleans hotel rooms are expected to sell out a month in advance of this weekend as it is the saints biggest game of the year - so please take this into strong consideration asap

YOU ARE NOT GOING TO WANT TO MISS THIS !!!!

let us know if you plan on attending - the parade permit is only good for the first 200 and after that the party is shut down

.......................fully expect it to be a full 200 people in the parade at this point!!!

rob

[Bart/Annette]

Just two months away! I have a feeling that the costumes for this year will be out of this world. Lots of choices, but not too early to get yours. Buy several, and return the ones you don't like.

[diamondheaded]

yet another great sponsor on board

the famous brennans have joined and more will be jumping on as we get closer

dickie brennans
Dickie Brennan and Co.

rob

[diamondheaded]

looks like nicolls limo service will be our next sponsor

1/2 price transfer from the airport - more detail via email in the coming days

Welcome to Nicoll's Limousine & Shuttle Service

[diamondheaded]

now don't forget guys...........................in the middle of all of the other infinite things planned for this reunion weekend...........

the winners of the texans v. canadians v. americans will get a very special invite to the complimentary "THANK YOU" sunday brunch at dicky brennan's palace cafe http://www.palacecafe.com/

so all you cancuncare people out there waiting to help your fellow country people you might want to get on board now and get busy helping you fellow cancuncare country people win this contest - the contest to determine which team is best ends on September 30th

the setting for nicole and tracy's sunday brunch at the majestic palace cafe on sunday morning in the grande fleur de lis room (see picture of the room below)

[diamondheaded]

great news from bob the canadians are in the game

rob

[diamondheaded]

once again as predicted all rooms at the hotel monteleone are now sold out

however,

there are still a few hotels in the area that have rooms remaining...........but very very few.......for like maybe a day or two - hello - its like a huge fun freakin weekend in new orleans and the 100 of us already booked are looking really good about right now

the best

rob

[diamondheaded]

guys make sure you get in touch with mike nicoll at nicoll's limosuine service Welcome to Nicoll's Limousine & Shuttle Service and work out your transfers - just 8 weeks left - remember its 1/2 price but only for our group and our group only for that weekend - make sure you get in touch with him soon though as new orleans will be as busy as bees that weekend with all that is going on - so contact him soon and work out the details of your transfer

- mike is a long time supporter of the make a wish foundation and is a committed sponsor and waiting to hear from you and be a part of this awesome event

our group consists of 6 - if there are any others arriving around 10:30 thursday evening the 20th and they would like to share a ride please let us know so we can all team up

we will book our transfer in the next few days

rob

rob

[backs13]

well guys, I hope many of you are down there to be a part of this great weekend, I know I for one am nervous as all hell, but i am honored and priveledged to be a part of such a great thing, I have just finished up some softball tournaments and Im hoping it pushes the americans in the lead a bit more...
For those on the ledge of coming, dont miss this weekend.. I am personally excited to be a part of what looks to be not only a memorable weekend for friends and family but everyone involved i.e. sponsor, attendees etc. If not for anything else , come watch me be nervous as all heck giving a speach that i know i will be proud of after.... Come make a wish with me in New Orleans..

[Donna & John]

Originally Posted by backs13

well guys, I hope many of you are down there to be a part of this great weekend, I know I for one am nervous as all hell, but i am honored and priveledged to be a part of such a great thing, I have just finished up some softball tournaments and Im hoping it pushes the americans in the lead a bit more...
For those on the ledge of coming, dont miss this weekend.. I am personally excited to be a part of what looks to be not only a memorable weekend for friends and family but everyone involved i.e. sponsor, attendees etc. If not for anything else , come watch me be nervous as all heck giving a speach that i know i will be proud of after.... Come make a wish with me in New Orleans..

Your next door neighbor, the Connecticut Connections, are right in back of you as we have raised some money not sure of the exact amount as we are waiting for the Rockcats (Minnesota Double AA Team) to donate and we are also having another gig this Saturday at the ballpark to have a grand total in September. We typically take over a food stand and get a % of what they sell.

[diamondheaded]

the only sad part about this is the limited number of hotel rooms now in new orleans

hotel monteleone - sold out now as are numerous other hotels in the area. i checked and there are still a few at nearby hotels but all said it was only a matter of days or weeks before they were all 100 percent booked.

bottom line its just a huge time of the year in new orleans as the weather gets nice, the saints are playing the colts in a repeat of the 2010 superbowl, our group is in town and the atmosphere is going to be electric

btw

working with the storyville stompers (our parade band) to march us from inside the hotel to the street - yes - the parade will actually start inside this magnificent hotel if all goes as planned and then out into the french quarter

cant wait - just 8 weeks to go



KEEP ON WISHING

rob

[diamondheaded]

and so it grows

its sort of jumped the fence at this point

smoothie king has now become a sponsor

Smoothie King

[diamondheaded]

thanks again to all whom have supported this great cause - WE topped $21,790.00 as a group on august 31



only a few days left to be a party to this gift we present

the last day for the drive is september 30 - then all of our focus turns into the biggest best reunion/party/parade ever

hoping to shatter $25,000.00 and would love to have you be a part (even if you cant make it)

just send direct to

Make-A-Wish Foundation
3340 Severn Avenue, Suite 350
Metairie, LA 70002

please make a note on there that it is for the reunion so that it gets counted to our efforts also let us know which team you are for by writing down texas, canada or america on the memo

only 21 days left in the competition between the american v texans v canadians

and here is how it stands

canadians - $1560.79
texans - $1,435.00
americans $2,545.00


still way too close to call - but i do know that the texans have a big bowling event planned here in dfw on next weekend to have fun and raise money and it is open to all the texans from cancuncare and saggy bottoms alike -

come be a part

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[diamondheaded]

the local abc affiliate wgno will be covering the event so do not skimp on your costumes your going to want to look your best on tv

.........more to keep coming - i assure you

also ALL ROOMS the Hotel Monteleone are sold out

but i still have the only 2 rooms one can get in the quarter on that weekend as pretty much all others are taken that weekend and these two rooms are at the special rate in the hotel monteleone

these will go ligtening fast so if you want them you better let me know soon - like yesterday

rob

[diamondheaded]

let me simply say that without the support of cancuncare and the friends whom we have met because of this website this would have never been possible and we are forever grateful to you

OUR donation drive comes to an end this friday, september 30 (all checks must be postmarked by 9/30 to count towards OUR groups efforts) and i am proud to say because of cancuncare and its members and friends........... i am estimatinng now that the final total will be somewhere between $25,000.00 and $30,000.00 in direct giving by US to the make a wish foundation (final numbers will not be known until october 22 (the day we actually write the check out and present it) and 100 percent goes direct to this charity

after this coming friday - pretty much all of our focus will be on the big reunin party in new orleans.

so this is your last chance to be a part of this amazing effort and show some love to a great organization which grants wishes to children living with life threatening conditions

for those who do not know jim's story (our son) and terra's story (kat & tmacs daughter) and why we chose to have such a big party/celebration and fund raiser - i encourage you to read these and consider being a part of this effort (regardless of whether you are attending or not)

terra's story





Terra Marie McConnell was a beautiful baby girl born May 18, 1988. She was growing to be a smart and beautiful girl who held a state beauty title and who could read at a second grade level. In the fall of 1993 at 5 years old she was diagnosed with stage 4 Neuroblastoma. Terra had a very large tumor in her abdomen area that could not be removed with surgery and aggressively treated with Chemotherapy, Radiation and finally in July of 94 a Bone Marrow Transplant. Through all of her treatments Terra remained a very strong and positive girl with an adultlike sense of humor and love to be given as big as the sky. She quickly made lots of friends at the hospital and became close to several nurses and dealt with all that was handed her with much strength. Our prayers and hopes of remission was shattered when in late Jan of 95 we received the devastating news that the very aggressive cancer had returned and with no additional treatment available to her.

In February we contacted the local chapter of the Make A Wish Foundation to see if they could grant a wish to Disneyworld Florida. You see, it had to be very soon as Terra had several tumors develop on her spine as well as pelvic bone that made it very painful and difficult for her to walk. We frankly were not sure at this point if she could endure or even enjoy such a trip as her pain was sometimes unbearable. We could not believe how quickly they pulled together a trip for a week to Give Kids the World including flights and arrangements for Terra’ half brother to join us as well as cleared all the Parks for us to pull a wagon so Terra would be able to ride when she got tired.

By mid February we were on our way! All of us were very excited!

The minute we set foot in Florida we truly were treated as royalty! We were amazed at how every little detail was taken care of we had absolutely nothing to worry about! Spending money, a Camcorder to record our outings, Itinerary of Parks and places to go things to see, gifts left in our room, we were instant celebrities.! The biggest joy of all is how Terra reacted, she had happiness and energy that we had not seen for several weeks, she was having a wonderful time! When Make A Wish claims families lives are changed forever we can tell you with first hand experience that our memories of that special time will last a lifetime! Make A Wish will always have a special place in our hearts of our family as well as all the people who with their kindness thru donations made it happen for us.

On May 17, 1995, the day before she turned 7 our beautiful girl who wanted to go skating for her birthday lost her battle with cancer. Terra would now have been 23 years old and thru the heartache of it all those memories of our Florida Make A Wish trip and her bright smiling face will be with us forever.

Our deepest gratitude

Terry Kathy and Cheyenne McConnell



jim's story






James Duvall Cummins "Jim" was born April 28, 1992. Jim was one of the most giving children I have ever known. When he was about 4 years old he once saw the man ringing the Salvation Army bell outside of a Wal-Mart and insisted on going home collecting all of his coins and donating all (100 percent) of his money to the Salvation Army. He once gave away several of his birthday presents to other children at HIS birthday party. Whenever he was given candy he always made sure he saved some for his younger brother Chris. Jim was a true giver and he loved the Make-A-Wish Foundation.


In the Spring of 2000, After several months of headaches and nausea a cat scan was performed and it was determined that Jim had a brain tumor. He was immediately taken to the hospital and after his surgery he developed complications and passed away. This all transpired in less than a week. It was so sudden none of us ever even had a chance to grasp with what had happened to Jim. There is no explanation for what happened.


However, I do know Jim well enough to know that if he had the ability to ask for just one wish today, he would ask for this event which we have created. Jim's wish would have been for us to grant as many wishes as possible to other kids. In a unique and awesome way, all of those who are part of this effort are in the process of actually granting a wish. We are granting Jim his wish all the while we are actually all working together to grant other children their wishes too.
It is pretty amazing when you think about it!


During this year long effort to raise money and awareness for the Make-A-Wish Foundation, I have tried my best to do it the way Jim would have wanted it done. Jim was very determined and strong willed child and he never gave up on anything. Yet he reamained very considerate, mindful and grateful to others. I hope that I have honored Jim well. If anyone ever deserved to be granted a wish then it was Jim. I am glad we have finally granted Jim his wish.

thanks again to all

last chance to be a part - this coming friday

Make-A-Wish Foundation® of the Texas Gulf Coast and Louisiana, Inc.
3340 Severn Avenue, Suite 350
Metairie, LA 70002

"new orleans reunion" placed on the check will make sure it get credited to our group

[diamondheaded]

thanks to all of the cancuncare people and friends

we topped the $33,000.00 mark today in DIRECT giving to the Make A WIsh Foundation and looks as though we will end up easily topping $35,000.00 for this incredible charity

we rarely get to do things this amazing and those whom have been a part get to share in the dynamic effort

thanks again to all

this is my last post until i post pics/links after the weekend long party

the best

rob