Let's Go Patriots!

Ok, if you don't already know, I am a big Patriots fan.  And therefore we are molding our children to be as well.  So the past few years, we've gone to Training Camp, which is the coolest thing for kids and adults.

First, it's free. Free parking.  Free activities like the Patriots Experience full of bouncy house galore and the occasional Patriot Cheerleader signings.  Free close viewing of the Patriots practicing.  And free signings after practice, if you are lucky enough.

I have been fortunate enough to go to a few games, in the nosebleeds.  Training camp, however, allowed us to get closer than we ever thought we would.  Like yesterday, Training Camp was hosted in the stadium.  We sat right behind the uprights.  We were feet away from the field.  As a fan, it was awesome.  Though I don't think the boys appreciated how unlikely this situation was, at least Kyle and I did.  Because unless we are willing to shell out a couple of hundred bucks each, we won't be sitting there again until next Training Camp.

I have always been impressed by the way the Kraft family and the Patriot organization handles community and fans.  Their philanthropy is impressive.  They have their "Kick Cancer" campaign to increase cancer awareness and early detection.  Their Patriots Charitable Foundation provides donations and grants to worthy applicants.  And they even do Player Appearances.  Last year, I had the pleasure of getting Patrick Pass to come to my school as part of Play 60 and Reading Week.  Everyone was so amazed with his enthusiasm and kindness throughout his visit.  Of course, I was sick in bed so after months of planning, I didn't even get to meet him.... c'est la vie.

So if you are a Patriots fan you should make your way to Patriot Place at Foxboro soon.  With the first preseason game on for tonight, looks like your next Training Camp viewing will be this Saturday from 1:30-4:00.  It does get crowded so if you can get there early, do.  Bring water bottles, snacks and sunscreen.  Maybe a football and a Sharpie if you are lucky.

Sunflowers for Wishes

Get ready to be amazed. For one week only, starting July 23rd thru July 31, 2011, Buttonwood Farm in Griswold, Connecticut will be hosting its annual Sunflowers for Wishes Hayrides.

This is an stunningly beautiful event that has been taking place since 2003, when a friend suggested they plant an acre of sunflowers.  Now, they are up to 14 acres of sunflowers that you can ride through and take breath taking pictures.  This isn't your average hayride though.  Buttonwood Farms donates the proceeds from the hayrides to Connecticut's Make A Wish.  To date they have raised over $305,050 to help children with life threatening diseases.

Tractor drawn hayrides take place from 10 am to dusk on weekends, 11 am to dusk on weekdays.  Also, you can purchase fresh cut bundles of sunflowers for a $5 donation, which will go straight to Make A Wish.

And after you take the ride, you can try some of their DELICIOUS ice cream. With flavors like Almond Coconut to Jungle George , visit their website for all the yummy details.

So mark your calendars, get out your cameras, and head down to Griswold, CT.  You will be in awe of the beauty and help children in need too.

The beauty of Donors Choose

If you work in the school system then chances are you know about Donors Choose. Perhaps you may have even submitted or donated to a project. This year was my first experience with it. And I recently received my first donation, for which I am very grateful. So I wanted to share the story behind this wonderful community asset and maybe inspire some more random acts of kindness.

DonorsChoose.org grew out of a Bronx high school where teachers experienced first-hand the scarcity of learning materials in our public schools. Charles Best, then a social studies teacher, sensed that many people would like to help distressed public schools, but were frustrated by a lack of influence over their donations. He created DonorsChoose.org in 2000 so that individuals could connect directly with classrooms in need. So DonorsChoose.org engages the public in public schools by giving people a simple, accountable and personal way to address educational inequity. And hope for a nation where children in every community have the tools and experiences needed for an excellent education.

So as the school year comes down to an end, thank the teachers, assistants, therapists, and PTO, check out donorschoose.org and think about how you can make a difference in so many people's lives with just a click of a mouse.

And if you want to donate to my project you can find it under providence, RI, bring my kids to life