Fox Bash 4 - Party for The Smile Train

Whew.... I am finally returning to a world of normalcy after the successful completion of our 4th fundraiser for The Smile Train. It's a lot of work but we are really making a difference for so many kiddos!

The Smile Train repairs cleft lip and palate for children in the US and abroad and is one of the most cost efficient charities out there. They are able to complete an entire surgery for only $250. If you take the time to look at some of the before and after pictures, it's truly amazing what this surgery does for people. 45 minutes and $250 can absolutely be the difference in leading a normal life or not. 

I've mentioned it before, but our oldest was born with cleft lip and palate. When she was diagnosed in utero, we began to research the condition and discovered how widespread - and how treatable! - it is. We've been personal donors to The Smile Train now for 10+ years and a few years ago we decided to combine our loves of Halloween and this charity to host an annual fundraiser. The first three years raised a combined total of about $30,000. This year's party raised about $13,400! That means that a few hours of a goofy house party will pay for complete procedures for 53+ kids. The event in general has now raised $43,000+, enough to cover 173 surgeries. That number is humbling and hard to believe but seriously, amazing. So blessed and thankful to be able pay it forward.

She's always been gorgeous!

Such a beautiful young lady, inside and out!

So, I thought I'd share a few pics from the event! We tent in our driveway (and put in a heating system, it was below freezing this year!) and hope that the neighbors are tolerant of the noise. Hey, it's for da kids!! :)

Part of the setup crew, taking a break!

Our costumes! We love dressing up! LOL!

One of the things that's SO much fun is that everyone dresses up! Seriously. There are always so many people that go ALL out and we always look so forward to seeing what everyone wears!

Our neighbors that dressed as us! LMAO!

The hubs in his trunks assaulting my BFF! LOL!

Nappy Roots on stage to close out the night!

We do a complete silent auction and have live music, a photo booth (the pictures are here!), snacks and drinks, etc. Each year we learn SO much about hosting an event like this and I'd be so happy to share my knowledge - and mistakes! - with anyone who is wanting to do something similar. Please feel free to email me any questions! I would be so so so happy to help!!

If you are inspired and want to make a completely tax deductible donation on our fundraising page, that would be amazing! If not, that's fine, too, but please be sure to find some way to give back. We are all so blessed in so many ways if we take a minute to look at our lives objectively. There's some way you can reach out that can seriously be the difference in a person's life! Find it!! :)

Sunday Social Linkup - Halloween Edition!

Time again to linkup for some fun Sunday Social questions! I've always LOVED Halloween and can't wait to see everyone's spooky answers today! :D

1. What was your favorite Halloween costume as a kid?

OMG, well, I was a "kid" 0-10 from 1976-1986. The thing to do at this time was wear store bought costumes, which were almost always made of this horrible plastic sheeting stuff and usually came with a cheapy mask. Totally stiff, totally started to crack and break as soon as you started wearing it, totally awesome and loved them every time. I was all kinds of girly things like Smurfette and Strawberry Shortcake!

2. If you could go back to your childhood and dress up as something, what would it be?

Looking at vintage costumes, I wish I had a pic of tiny little me in a full punk rock queen Jem costume! Does anybody remember her??? LOL

3. What was your favorite Halloween costume as an adult?

Oh, hubs and I love to dress up! I've got one of my favorites on my blog home page - Frankenstein and bride from a few years ago! I also love our pics from a non-Halloween dress up for a KISS concert! 

4. What is your favorite Halloween candy?

Eh, I'm not much on candy at this point. For a long time, though, I looked forward to fall because it was the only time I could find Caramel Apple Pops and I bought bags and bags of them!! 

5. What is your favorite Halloween memory?

For years and years my dad hosted a big free Halloween haunted house and hot dog roast at his grocery store in Arkansas. The neighborhood was kind of rough and it provided a safe and fun Halloween activity for hundreds and hundreds of kids who would otherwise have been out getting in trouble. It was such a huge production and one of the many things that instilled a deep need in me to give back! Now my husband and I host an annual Halloween party for charity, kind of continuing the tradition! 

6. What is your favorite scary movie?

I'm kind of a wimp and I pretty much hate to be scared (and my imagination is crazy enough on its own).... I've never watched most of the classics (Friday the 13ths, Halloweens, Blair Witch, Paranormals, etc etc etc). I did thoroughly enjoy the Scream movies (which affects the way I hear "what's your favorite scary movie?" in my head) and I got a few fun screams out of Joy Ride! 

Hope everyone has some super fun Halloween plans this week!! Can't wait to see all of your answers - and especially your favorite costumes as an adult!! :D