Thank you in People's Press

Just posting to let you know that I had a thank you with a pic of the green monster printed in the Sept. Issue of the People's Press. They werent able to print the list of donators I gave them...it is an overall thank you with info about what we gave.

Hopefully everyone enjoyed our 2 weeks of summer! Stay in touch if you are interested in the Wiffle ball tournement this spring.

peace,
Lisa

shout out for "team billy" & friends get together!

.......just thinking.....I miss working/hanging out with you guys....you are special people!!!

anyone up to getting the crew together?? Let me know if you have any ideas.

peace,
Lisa

Our gift has been delivered...

Wednesday morning 8/19/09, I delivered 30 Bernie Siegel books, the educator package (including the "Blue Ribbon Program") and certified check. My visit to the office of the youth services division was very informative and inspirational. I had a chance to see and hear some of what they do in our community. And, believe me they are in charge of some very important areas that impact out community directly. I left feeling very proud of all of you and what we were able to contribute to. They are extremely appreciative of our gifts and will be announcing the additions of these resources to teachers and social program directors.

We have, and will continue to make a difference in Billy Higginson name.

I am working on the article for the Peoples Press to express thanks to those who made our "Billy Bash" possible so make sure you pick up a copy of the September issue.

peace,
Lisa

New Billy Bash pics...

Thank you Wendy for the pics!
Sorry these took so long to post ....had computer problems for a few days...glad thats over!!

The “Billy Bash 2009” Report

The total that came in from ticket sales, donations, bar & raffles was $2546.00

Our expenses ( rounded to the dollar): $1066.00
This amount does not include items donated or paid for by friends
Beer and wine - 363.00
Thurstons -102.00
Printing - 52.00
Blue Ribbons 69.00
Pp projector rental - 75.00
Soda/water - 44.00
Tableclothes /supplies - 131.00
Ice - 89.00
Hardware for stage/green monster - 124.00
Postage for thank you mailing 17.00

$2546.00 - $1066.00 = $1480.00

Our profits for the City of Meriden Youth Services
Division $1480.00

Our gift to the City of Meriden Youth Services Divisionto be used as they feel fit for crisis intervention, education and awareness in our community:
30 Bernie Siegel books (10 each of the previously posted books) http://www.berniesiegelmd.com/bookshelf.htm
to be used in counseling and at events - $422.98
Heart Productions http://www.makeadifference.com/TYG/BR01.php
Educators Package with 100 blue ribbons - $109.88
$887.14 (certified check) +$60.00 (personal checks made out to CMYSD) = $947.14

$947.14 + $422.98 + $109.88 = $1480.00
total gift in Billy Higginson’s name.
WE ALL MADE A DIFFERENCE FOR BILLY!


I am waiting on the delivery of the Educators Package expected the middle of this week. I will post when I bring our gift to the office of the Youth Services Division.
The September Peoples Press will have an article with a list of donators that we need to thank. If anyone noticed an omission on the memorial program list, please bring it to my attention....one of the hardest parts of this kind of event planning thing is trying not to forget to thank everyone properly! There is printed list of this report available ... anyone who would like one can e-mail me at wnhhw@sbcglobal.net
peace,
Lisa

and the party moved to Jc's for Karaoke with Dana..

...the lovely bartender Andrea who worked her butt off pouring the drinks

.. big dave is SUCH a star, and so are all the others that sang for Billy!



...thank you JC for putting up with us all!

the crew meetings at Chris' in Wallingford..

Team Billy pics....our time spent together taking care of the details was an example of the spirit of our Billy Project

pictures from Sandy...thank you!

Billy's friends ROCK!

We did it guys and gals!!! Billy HAD to of been smiling! There needs to be other words besides thank you to express my feelings to all of you who did soooo much to make this a very special, fun day. I hope you all had a chance to not just share tears and memories, but really Celebrate Billy's life the way he would of wanted us to.

I am working on writing an article for the People's Press to publicly thank all the awesome people that made this possible. For now..

... Howie Jr, thank you for donating your beautiful Silver City Hall...and not just the Hall...the backyard, the crazy parking lot and all your patience with me and my 1000 questions and issues!

The endless Hamburgers and Hot dogs where generously donated by Jim Thurston. There was no lack of side dishes thanks to all you guys...I think we all ate well, actually, I think I go down for eating the most chocolate chip cookies on the run...thank for those Lori...they were Billy's favorite!

Like most of you know, our fab music was made available to us with Dave D productions. Subliminal Soundscape started the day for us....you guys ROCK and are heavy! I cant wait till you are famous and I can say I saw them live in Meriden!! Dave Brunette and the dB3 band got us up dancing ;-) and ...sold enough Cd's to donate $21.00 into the pot! You know I love you guys...thank you for coming down all the way from your parts up north to help make our party rock...and boy did you! Boulder Shawn and Plan B.....well, you are a Meriden icon...Billy I am sure was looking down, shaking his butt and smiling....the party wouldn't of been the same without you! I will be calling you to play our at our Tournament!
Dana, sorry the weather caused a change of plans...but HOLY C____P what an after party with you at JC's!! Thank you for being with us!!

Diane, how many of these things have we done together now??? You are my right hand woman...I never have to worry about anything when you are involved....and what about our cook Poppy?....he doesn't just cook at the grill....he had that dance floor "smoking"!! Janis, I am sorry the projector did not do your illustrations justice...but you story was a beautiful addition to our program ~thank you!

Sunny Susan at the door allowed me to NEVER worry about the front! VERY much appreciated Susie..I know you loved Billy, and your rice dish was raved about!
Jimmy Ross and my daughter Lindsay....what a team...I should of known that would happen...thank you for keeping the libations flowing! Well,until to the end when we cleaned out the keg supply;-(

Linda Murphy, thank you for being my e-mail buddy, for all your help that day and of course the RED SOX tickets! Juney, I am so glad you won them...don't know if anyone else would of been quite that excited!

The rest of Team Billy... Kelly,Sandy,Lauri,Linda,Janice,Belinda,Freddy,Big Dave,Jimmy,Scott,Tom Melzmuf,June,and Annette(sorry you were sick)....you all stepped up, took over and made this day what it was....a true BILLY BASH to be remembered. I think half the fun was working together with all of you.....hope you had fun too....thank you sooooooooooo much for all your hard work. Linda, I think the team would agree you take the trophy for the girl that "WORKED IT" the MOST!......and Freddy....we WILL use that stage and Green Monster...for the record the whole Wiffle ball/green monster idea was curtisay of Big Dave! I hope someone has pictures!

I hate doing thank yous because I always feel I will forget someone...hopefully I will get the list complete in the article.

I am trying to brainstorm a time to do the Wiffle Ball tournament. I have my daughters fundraiser to do next...the earliest I can see it happening is middle October. If not then I am thinking May 2010...Billy's birthday month. Let me know your thoughts!

peace,
Lisa

The final cash total....

....we raised, after all the expenses $1480.00. After purchasing the materials I previously posted about, the remaining cash will be given to the City of Meriden Youth Services Division to use how they feel fit for appropiate programs and/materials...that should be right around $1000.00. I will have the exact amount for you tomorrow. This package of gifts is being donated in Billy Higgingson's name.
We made a huge difference for him!....this only has to be the beginning.

NOW WHO IS READY FOR WIFFLE BALL ???!

Blue Ribbon Program

We will be purchasing the $99.00 package for the Youth Services Division's (CMYSD)library. You can learn more about the materials and program at http://www.makeadifference.com/TYG/BR01.php

Bernie Siegel books...

I am going up to see Bernie Siegel MD tonight. He is at his sons bookstore Wisdom of the Ages http://www.wisdomoftheages.biz/ in Simsbury doing his monthly support group. I am going to pick up 10 each of these books to be given to the CMYSD for their resource library. His son Keith, owner of the bookstore, is giving us 20%off the purchase price of the books.

Anyone with pictures to share.....

....please send them to me at wnhhw@sbcglobal.net. thanks
peace,
Lisa

Some pictures from the Bash

stay tuned!

The final count of what we profited from will be posted tonight. I can tell you it is over $1000.00 dollars. In spite of the rain, our gathering was an awesome success. The memorial was meaningful, the Billy Bash was a hit! I am still coming up for air but will be posting pictures, thank you's, the newspaper article and more starting tonight!
thank you to everyone who did so much.....none of this could of happened without you!
peace,
Lisa

Count down to the Billy Bash!

Last Call..for donations and pictures.

The meeting last night went well. We are ready to rock. Have the plan, the people and the purpose. I will be doing the last of the printing friday night. Any donations after that will not make it on to the printed program thank you list.

We are having a REAL Wiffle Ball field so get ready to have fun in the field!

And ........looks like we have Red Sox tickets to raffle! Thank you Linda!

FYI .....If we land up with a bad weather day, the party will be all in doors and we will have to be more strick with the count ...so get there early if the weather is an issue!

LOVE YA BILLY.....SEND US GOOD WEATHER PLEASE ;-0

Tues. Meeting is Important

Tuesday 7:30 is our last meeting at Chris' Rest in Wallingford. Final decisions about the memorial program, raffles and food need to be made. I need to print the programs by the end of the week. We still need a few more t-shirts painted, food commitments and never too many raffle prizes!

Please e-mail or call me if you need to touch base with me a different time.
wnhhw@sbcglobal.net is my correct e-mail

you can leave a message at 203-213-8355...I will need to call back from a different number....I am SOOOO over my minutes ;-(

I am looking forward to sharing a special day with everyone!
peace,
Lisa

classic laughs with Billy..

for all of Billy's friends that shared his love of Sienfield

New page on my website with suicide prevention resources

This link will take you to a page I built on my website in memory of Billy. This page has the beginnings of a list of suicide information, resources and fundraising.
http://onpurposeplace.com/suicideawareness.html

ok....another happy Billy moment

...this is for you Janice..and all Billy's friends who had fun with Billy while he watched his Giants!!

A happy Billy moment!

Last nights meeting...

...we got lots done last night. The memorial program was worked on. Descisions were made about t-shirts, I handed out flyers and donation letters, tickets got numbered, wiffle ball stuff started and I started collecting raffle prize donations.

Next week, we will be painting the shirts, working on the programs, selling tickets and collecting donations. I will have information about the Youth Services Program with me if anyone is curious.

I got approval from the Wiffle ball company to use their trademark and discount for our event. A yearly tournement could be a reality so keep that in mind when you come play on the 2nd!!

Please contact me if you are going be bringing food so I can get an idea what to tell those who ask what we need....as much as I love potatoe salad we dont need 200lbs :~)

Tickets will be at JC's tonight. They will be available at the door unless we hit our capacity ....

The flyer here on an earlier post can be copied and used for passing on the details...HUGE thanks to all the crew helping out so far. Because all of you this is coming together famously....we are having a good time working together....Billy would be proud



peace,
Lisa

The City of Meriden Youth Services Division...

...is on board as our benefactor. You can learn more about them at: http://www.cityofmeriden.org/CMS/default.asp?CMS_AreaID=57

There will be information available at the party. We will have a banner and materials to show the cause we are supporting.

I hope eveyone feels good about this program. I know I kinda left you all hanging while doing the research in this but now that everything is in place we can really roll up our sleeves and get ready to do great thing for Billy.

I know, if there is anyway he could be with us, he will... and he will be SMILING!

peace,
Lisa

The "Billy Bash" Flyer!

The flyers and tickets are on the way to the printers. I plan to have them with me tuesday night at chris'. Feel free to copy & print. You can use this flyer when asking businesses for donations. It has all the information and contact numbers neccessary.

From June

I love you Billy
"Best Bartender this side of the Mississippi!"
U will always be with me
Love ya
Forever
June

3rd proffesional band added to the line-up

Dave Dee and I went out to Babcok Mansion (off the hook place) to check out the Backwoods Zydecon Band who have volunteered their talents....they are WAY cool...there is no way you wont want to dance to these guys!! Dave loved them...and he is an great musician himself. The best way I can describe them is, physcodelic blues,rock & jazz with a huge cajun element. You can check them out at www.reverbnation.com/backwoodszydecoband

UPDATE: I spoke to Tim, the drummer form Backwoods Zydeco and unfortunatly the whole band wont be able to make it. However, a few of them are going to try to join us to do some jamming. Personally, I think there is NOTHING like it when great musicians get together and Jam...

For those of you who dont know Dave Dee, we are very lucky to have him helping us that day. Besides being a serious bass player with the Dave Brunette's AWESOME dB3 Band, he runs Karaoke and an Open MIke night at Chas' Place, plays in three bands, and has been in the sound production business for more than 20 years...There is no way I could be doing the music thing without him...he will be the one with the great happy, chuckle, bouncing around doing his thing and hooking us up with the tuneage. Be sure to thank him...and keep him mind if you ever need a great dude to do a great gig for a party!

Important "Billy Bash" updates!

FIRST THE GOOD NEWS.... by the response I am getting this party is going to be HUGE!! More than we expected. Great for the fun, bad for the food count and the parking.

NOW THE BAD NEWS.... I have been advised to sell tickets to the party. Now, PLEASE dont everyone get your panties in a bunch. They are only going to be $5.00. Tickets will be available for purchase at JC's and at Chris'Rest. in Wallingford on Tuesday evenings when I am there for the meeting......and, at the door on August 2nd until we reach the capacity of the venue.

There is NO CHARGE for the Memorial Program...we will be wristbanding for the party.

I really really was hoping to not have to charge, however too many people have approached me about the fact that it IS a type of benefit in Billy's name and it very likely could get too crazy if we dont charge. I hope everyone understands that we need to have some assimilence of control over just how big this could become...and dont forget..... We are giving all the proceeds to a great cause!

Speaking of the "cause". After consulting with several organizations, I have decided we will "Make the most Difference" by donating what we raise to the City of Meriden Youth Services division. I will be skinnying up the details and posting when we have offical go ahead. You can contact me for information about the specifics.

One last thing, I will have have flyers, tickets(hopefully) and will be getting a count of volunteers for T-shirts on Tues. We still need volunteers! If anyone has any raffle prize donations to drop off, please be sure you give us who the donation is from so we can recognize and thank them appropiately.

See you Tues!
peace,
Lisa

Party Meeting Tues July 14th

Anyone how would like to volunteer to help with the Memorial Benefit ...pop in to Chris' Resturant 7:30 next tues. We will be there the next few tue. evenings touching base about the details and collecting raffle prize donations. This next tues I will have flyers to distribute. We are looking for a good deal ($5 or less)t-shirts for the volunteers.

If anyone has fun pics of Billy I will be putting together a pp slide show. You can drop them off in a envelope to me (with your name on it, I will have it with me that day if you need it back)either at JC's or bring it on at Tues to Chris's.

We are looking for Red Sox or NY Giants tickets to raffle off if anyone knows someone who can spare some for a good cause.

I have been in touch with Rushford. They are looking into a program that would be most appropiate... hoping to know by the end of this week who will be our benefactor. I am also going to work with their public relations person....like I said before, this party is going to "Make a Difference!" in Billy's name.


GET OUT YOUR WH..IFFLE BALL BATS AND START PRACTICING FOR THE FUN!

Till next time..
peace,
Lisa

Plan B ~ Back for Billy!