On the first day of this new year, our dear friends Kirsten and Greg Chiopelas lost their mother, Renee, to skin cancer. Determined for some good to come out of such a tragic situation, and in the fighting spirit of their mother, Greg and his sister are hosting an event, The Magic Quarter, to raise money for the V Foundation. We’ll let Greg tell you all about it in his own words…

The Magic Quarter is the name of a story I was writing for my mother that I still have yet to finish. It is a story about a mother with cancer and her young son wanting more than anything to make her better. With the help of a “magic quarter” he is able to get one wish and that wish was for his mom to be cured of cancer. I thought the name of the event was appropriate. I wasn’t able to save my mother, but maybe we can make a difference in someone else’s life.

Renee Chiopelas passed away on January 1st of 2010.  She was 56 years old.  She was a loving mother, wife, sister, daughter, and best friend.  She was more than that, though.  She was a beautiful person.  Always enjoying life and laughter.  She passed away far too soon, but her memory will never be forgotten.  Renee was diagnosed with Stage IV metastatic melanoma about 3 years earlier.  The early diagnosis did not look good and they originally told her that she only had 1-3 months to live.  She made the decision that she would fight and fight she did.  She fought for 3 long years beating the odds time and time again. She always did so with an optimistic attitude and smile on her face.  Even in the darkest hours, she was able to stay positive not only for herself, but because she knew she was the strength for her family and friends.

On May 8th, 2010, we will have the opportunity to not only remember her life and the woman she was, but to also try to help change the future. It will be an evening of fun, but also to support a great cause. May is National Melanoma/Skin Cancer Awareness month. All proceeds from this event will be donated to The V Foundation. The V Foundation awards 100% of all direct donations and net proceeds of events directly to cancer research and related programs. Established in 1993, it has raised over $90 million to fund cancer research. The proceeds from this particular event will go to melanoma research.

Unfortunately, my mother couldn’t be saved. I hope to never see another person battle this horrible disease. My hope is to help change the future. If we could make a difference in one person’s life, one family’s life, wouldn’t that be worth it? If we could eradicate cancer altogether, wouldn’t that be something? That is my wish. I know it would be my mother’s. Is it yours? Let’s make a wish to make a difference.Event Tickets: $50

Event Date: Saturday, May 8th 2010 - 7:30pm to 1:00am

Diplomat West
681 W North Ave
Elmhurst, IL 60126-2177

Event Ticket, $50, Includes:
2 Excellent Cover Bands Copycat and The HookUps
DJ Stixx
4 Hour Premium Open Bar
Appetizers
4 Blackjack Tables/1 Roulette Table for your chance to win tons of awesome prizes
Raffle

Purchase Your Tickets HERE

Originally published January 20, 2010.

Ever spent night after night or a whole weekend going from store to store or website to website trying to find the perfect winter coat? I’m a little picky & that’s exactly what I have been doing the last couple of weekends. After much searching, I think I’ve finally found the coat I want. It’s slightly more than I originally intended to spend, but it meets all my fashionable requirements. Who would have thought it would have been so hard to find it?

Now imagine you don’t have a winter coat & you have no income to get one. Thousands of children in Illinois will not only be going without a proper warm coat this winter, but with the economy & budget constraints on state agencies, they have little hope of getting funding from places such as the Department of Children & Family Services. I’ve worked there for over 8 years, I should know. And it’s not that we don’t supply clothes for our children, but there is only so much money available to split between over 12,000 kids. Once the allotted voucher is gone, it’s gone. Wouldn’t you hate to decide between buying socks & shoes or buying a winter coat?

I’d like to encourage you to help me help keep a child warm this winter. From now until December 15th, I will be collecting your used, gently worn coats to give to a child in need. Everything from newborn thru teenage sizes are needed. Please remember that teenagers come in all sizes. So big or small or even maternity coats are welcomed. Don’t have an extra coat lying around? Don’t have a child who has out grown that coat in the back of their closet? Don’t have enough to purchase a new coat from TJMaxx or a used coat from your local consignment shop? That’s okay. Cash donations of any size will also be collected & used to purchase as many coats as possible.

So dig deep into those closets & pockets & help me keep as many kids as possible warm this winter. 

Monetary donations will also be accepted. Please contact Missy at kidsneedcoats@yahoo.com for information on how to submit your donations.

(Missy Wind is a friend of PoorLittleRichGirls.com and we are happy to help support such a good cause!)

“Hey Sal! Where do I donate or recycle my old clothes? And do I need to clean them first? Help…”
- Anna, Chicago, IL

Anna,
Proud of you for considering a charitable contribution - and for no doubt doing a little closet cleaning!

I know that being on a budget might tempt you towards selling those old clothes at a clothing exchange, but I want to urge you towards donation. No doubt your heat has been clicking on over the past couple of cold days, and some people don’t have that luxury. Donating the majority of your items could serve to keep someone warm this winter. As for cleaning, use your best judgment. A small stain shouldn’t be a deterrent for donation, but do try to make sure your clothes are in wearable shape.

And listen Anna, if you’ve got a sequin BCBG tank top - don’t be afraid to trade that in. More valuable items that serve as a name brand, rather than a way to keep warm, will be of less use to the Salvation Army - more use to your pocketbook.

Place for donation? Try the Purple Heart, the Salvation Army, local churches, and local schools.

Places for exchange? Google it - they’re everywhere! I’ve had good success using Buffalo Exchange.

(This advice column is brought to you by the ever graceful, polished and in-the-know, Sally Jackson. Sally is happy to offer her tips and guidance on everything from relationships to fashion to saving money. If you have a question for Sally, go ahead and email her at Sally@PoorLittleRichGirls.com)