Cocktails for a Cause

The "Cocktails for a Cause" Event (Part Deux) benefiting the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society (LLS) was a huge success last night! It was held at the Luxus 101 Wine Bar & Bistro in Encinitas, CA. A great group of Team in Training teammates, Movin' Shoes' Monday night runners & locals attended this boisterous event. It was fun to see folks in running gear, street clothes, beach clothes and work outfits. Only in California! It started around 6pm and extended into the later hours of the evening.

There's nothing quite like going for a run and then joining up with friends to have a pint of your favorite beer or glass of wine, sitting down on a barstool and catching up on stories. At one point, I looked around the room and was genuinely touched by the great crowd, the very generous donations to LLS, the roars of laughter and smiles that filled the event. My heartfelt thanks are extended to Cathy (guest-bartender extraordinaire) & Erik (raffler extraordinaire) for all of their hard work last night!

So often, it is easy to get intimidated by the thought of fundraising for a not-for-profit 501(3)c charity, like LLS, especially in tough economic times. However, it is during these times that these charities really need the help of grassroots efforts! Our North County San Diego TNT Run Team has raised over $230,000 (on track to hit our goal of $250,000!), and combined with the other SD Run Teams, we've raised over $500,000 this season for LLS! Events like "Cocktails for a Cause" are just another way that we can take simple "hang out" time with friends and turn it into something that will help others and support the LLS Mission.

Thank you to all that helped organize, provided gifts-in-kind, attended and drank-up, or generously donated at this event!

If you'd like to come out to cheer for the North County SD Team in Training runners at the upcoming San Diego Rock 'N' Roll Marathon, please email me. We'll have a "Cures Rock!" Cheer Team out there during the marathon made up of family, friends and friends of the LLS charity -- and trust me -- the bright orange t-shirts will be hard to miss as the runners pass by 'em (orange is the leukemia cancer awareness color).

If you'd like to donate to support the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society through my Cures Rock! Campaign to Kick Cancer to the Curb, click here!

Good luck to all runners at this upcoming marathon on Sunday, May 31st! For more information on the event and spectating, see Elite Racing's San Diego Rock 'N' Roll Marathon web site!

Pic #1: "Cocktails for Cause" event at Luxus 101

Pic #2: Team in Training: Marathon Teammates

Pic #3: A packed house and a great fundraiser

Pic #4: Julie & Cathy (the "guest bartender" -- awesome job!)

Pic #5: Erik (in purple) the "raffler" for the evening & friends

Pic #6: Fellow runners having a great time at the event