LANCE’S JOURNEY UPDATES
AND
THANK YOU’S

Doug, Christina, and the COTA Team would like to thank the following amazing people and companies who have donated their time, skills, dollars and hearts to help us move towards our goal. The support of family, friends and strangers alike is so heartwarming. We have a long way to go, but with each fundraiser, we meet more and more people who are willing to help this family.  Because of all of you who have supported this journey, we will make it happen!

 

Future events are being planned and we will continue to update this list
as fundraisers are held

Midway Christian Church, Winder, GA – We must list Midway Christian Church at the top of our list. Midway Christian has opened their church, hearts and support to the Witt Family and COTA . We held our first meeting in the Fellowship Hall, the Gold Wings Motorcycle Rally event, members of Midway held a BBQ fundraiser and they have donated numerous boxes of cell phones and ink cartridges.
Chad Floyd – Created heart logo symbol
A Printer’s Ink – Greg and Shelley Norris donated printing costs for posters
Victor Radinskly, VGR Design– Donated his artistic skills and time to design Lance’s Poster
Nadine Lang – Donating money from her candy dish on her desk
Laura and Clabion Johns – Tykes, Tots and Teens Consignment Sale
Anixter Wire and Cable, Suwanee, GA, Nashville, TN and Charlotte, NC – Employees in three states participated in “Dress Down Week” and donated $1068.00 from the event to COTA for Lance
Katie Parker - Volunteered to help with our media.

Cell Phones and Printer Cartridges:
Jason Brock
Andy Flippen
Christie Medley
Lisa Bowen and Christine Collier
Holli (from Ivey Chase Subdivision)

Midway Christian Church - Continues to donate boxes of cellphones and ink cartridges
Touchstone Properties, Dacula, GA – Mike Zambri, Sales Manager - Touchstone employees donated approximately 100 cell phones and printer cartridges. Thank you Linda Quinonez, New Home Specialist, for being our contact at Ivey Chase Subdivision, Dacula, GA, and keeping the cell phone/printer cartridge box for us at the Model Home front porch so homeowners can fill it up.

 

 

UPDATES ON FUNDRAISERS

WINDER DIXIE CRUISER CAR SHOW - SEPTEMBER 26, 2009
Even though the skies opened up and rained (poured) on the car show, the people who came out and supported Lance in the rain were amazing. It was a success even with the very wet weather! We had a great time with good food and great people. Because of the weather, we didn’t get to stay as long as we wanted, so members from Midway Christian Church took all of the food, drinks, baked goods that were not used and sold it the next day after church to the members of Midway. It seemed appropriate to have our first fundraiser in Lance’s hometown of Winder supported by the members of his church, friends and family. 

Thank you to the following

Coy Sorrells and Nicki Collis – A big thanks to Coy and Nicki who were the heart and soul of putting this fundraiser together for Lance. It was because of these two people we were a part of the Winder Dixie Cruisers Car Show. Coy and Nikki put together tents, hauled in the grill, collected door prizes, food and trophies. Anything that needed to be done, Coy and Nikki made it happen; Members from Midway Christian Church who baked goodies and cakes, grilled our hot dogs and hamburgers, donated money for the port-a-potty and came out to support the Witt family; Debra Pharr (Dixie Cruisers) presented a check to COTA for Lance; Mike Thies (Cars and Coffee) donated a trophy,
People who brought/baked cookies, brownies and treats: Jane Fowler, Dianne Reynolds, Stacey Bebe, Judy Witt, Amanda Fowler, Carrie Fowler, Kim Neubauer, Wanda Ramey, Haley Faulkner, Noreen Craig. Thank you to Sue Dennison and Chad Floyd for helping set up tents and sell food, Susan Bennett gave us the pickle jar. There were more wonderful people that contributed to this fundraiser that we would like to recognize on Lance’s website. Please email wandaramey@bellsouth.net. Would love to hear from you.

FATSO’S FRIDAY’S CRUISE IN - OCTOBER 2009
Many amazing vintage cars and a motorcycle trike showed up at Fatso’s Sports Bar and Grille in Dacula, GA for people to admire. Registration fees and 50/50 raffle went to COTA for Lance. Lance and big brother Emory handed out trophies to the very deserving car owners who were also very willing to have their pictures taken with Lance and Emory. Fatso’s served up some wonderful food! 

Thank You To The Following

Mike Thies (Cars and Coffee) – Big thanks to Mike who is responsible for coordinating with Fatso’s Sports Bar and Grille and having a fundraiser every Friday night (when it was not raining) through October for Lance; Brandon Sadler (Manager of Fatso’s); Ron & Jonathan Rizz; Miguel; Mo, friends and family of Doug and Christina’s, and all the car owners who brought their handsome cars to display at Fatso’s.

GOLD WINGS MOTORCYCLE FUND RAISING EVENT - OCTOBER 4, 2009
The GWRRA members from the Southern Wings, Chapter S, motorcycle association hosted a rally for Lance in the Fellowship Hall at Midway Christian Church and handed off the “Traveling Plaque” to the Rome, GA GWRRA members. Motorcycle groups from Rome, GA and Douglasville, GA came to give their support. You could tell these groups do a lot of fundraisers. Everything was perfect. We learned a lot from them on motorcycle safety and fun. Everyone had a great time eating a great lunch of hot dogs and hamburgers, playing games, winning prizes and participating in a cake walk (only homemade cakes would do). To top off the afternoon, Lance and Emory got a motorcycle ride.

Thank You To The Following

Traci and Ken Thrasher – Our big thanks to Traci and Ken, members of the Southern Wings, who organized the fundraiser at Midway Christian Church; Midway Christian Church for allowing us to use their Fellowship Hall; grillers; food servers; game table organizers; the members of Rome and Douglasville, GA motorcycle clubs; and friends and family who came out to support Lance.

CHOCOLATE PERKS CRUISE IN CAR SHOW EVENT - OCTOBER 24, 2009
The Chocolate Perks Cruise In Car Show was from 3 – 6 pm in Duluth. Chocolate Perks is located at 3160 Main Street in Duluth. The street was closed to public traffic for the event. A portion of proceeds went to the American Heart Association in memory of Jeff Wooten and Children’s Organ Transplant Association (COTA) for Lance.
Chocolate Perks Cruise In provided fun for the whole family, featuring live music and eye-catching cars. Awards for the top five People’s Choice vehicles was given out at 6 pm.
Because of cold and rainy weather, many car owners kept their stunning cars at home. But the day was fun listening to the band, eating hamburgers, and meeting wonderful people. Christina met a mother of a girl that is headed down the same medical path as Lance and has the same surgeon, Dr. Kanter. 

Thank you To The Following

Marsha Bomar – Marsha, owner of Chocolate Perks, coordinated the event to include both The American Heart Association for Jeff Wooten and COTA for Lance. A lot of our heartfelt thanks to you Marsha; Jan Stevens, Owner and Event Management Specialist, Duluth, GA; Audrey Turner, Public Works Director of Duluth; Jason Brock, Deputy Director of Public Works for the City of Duluth; and the car owners who came out on a cold day with their beautiful cars!

 

 

MIDWAY CHRISTIAN CHURCH BBQ - OCTOBER 31, 2009

The members of Midway Christian Church, Winder, GA, held a very successful BBQ fundraiser. You were asked to call in your order by October 25th and come to the church to pick it up on October 31st.  The members of Midway sold over 370 tickets!  

Thank you To The Following

Wayne Austin, Keith Austin, Steven Rogers, Larry Miller, Joe Palmer, Warren Palmer, John Burchfield, Donnie Miller, The Perkins Family, Stephanie Sorrells, Helen Rogers, Jackie Sorrells, Judy Miller, Faye Wiley, Elizabeth Austin, Margie Sorrells, Tim Sorrells, Carolyn Perkins, Toni Rogers, Tommie Perkins, Cathy Perkins.

 

CHRISTIAN ROCK CONCERT - NOVEMBER 1, 2009
A Christian Rock Concert fundraiser was held at the Red Clay Theatre in Lawrenceville, GA. The concert started at 4 pm.and tickets were sold for $5.  The featured bands were Soul Shine (Dalton, GA), One Way (Royston, GA),  Full Circle (Winder, GA) and I Die Daily, with special guest singer, Destiny Cravy. There were drama teams and other great performances. All of the groups were spectacular and all had very powerful messages. Many people came up to Christina and Doug and said they would like to join in with COTA  for Lance and asked for their telephone number. Christina, Doug, Emory and Lance received a big heartfelt welcoming from everyone there.  

Thank you To The Following

Jason Brock - Jason spearheaded this fundraiser for Lance and pulled it all together. Jason coordinated the bands and sent out flyers to numerous churches and student ministries. Jason also played in his band that evening (the comments were: "they were VERY good and they have ALOT of energy"!). Thank you Jason for sharing your God given talents with Lance, his family and the many people who came out to hear great christian music. Thank you also to the bands, Destiny Cravy and performers.

 

AND THE BEAT GOES ON EVENT - NOVEMBER 7, 2009

The first annual gala fundraiser for Lance, "The Beat Goes On Bash", was a beautiful evening in celebration of second chances and renewed hope.  The event's goal was to raise enough funds to assist the Witt Family with the huge burden of now paying for Lance's life saving miracle.  Star 94's, Randy "Spoon" Stein, Executive Producer and On Air Personality of the Cindy and Ray Show in the Morning, was the event's emcee and special guest.

The decandent event of music, good food and giving, held at the Crooked Creek Neighborhood Clubhouse in Alpharetta, GA, was a huge success in both funds raised and awareness gained.  Such success can be attributed to the many community sponsors and the approximate 120 old and new friends, neighbors, and family who filled the event with love, laughter, and support.

The highly engaging and interactive evening began with an invitation to attendees to join the "Get Lit Contest" by adorning their attire with small magnetic LED lights (Rays of Hope). The only way to acquire these "Rays of Hope" was to make a bid on any item in the Silent Auction, buy a raffle ticket, or purchase a martini from the "SnozzberryTini Bar" for a $3 requested donation.  The Bar, named as a fun nod to "Willy Wonka's Chocolate Factory" and the child in us all, was made possible by a generous donation by local restaurant, Atlantic Seafood Station.  Spoon awarded gift certifications to the "Most Lit" and the "Most Creatively Lit" throughout the course of the evening in a fun display of friendly competition for a great cause.

While many attendees danced the night away to the Bluesy Grooves provided by the Loose Shoes Band, others mingled about, talking with the Witts and making many new friends and connections.  There was even a relaxing outdoor lounge to sip your cocktail, fireside.

Dinner and dessert, provided by the decandent stylings of A Divine Event, featured local cheeses, delicious pastas, and an irresistible chef attended dessert station where ice cream "smoked" as it was mixed to order on dry ice in "Lance's Ice Cream Parlor".

Attendees received a special treat when Barry Martin, the Webmaster for COTA, spoke to the crowd expressing the importance of COTA's purpose and their ability to help families in organizing fundraising events to raise much needed funds for children's medical expenses after a transplant.  Barry and his wife, Bonnie, graciously drove to the event all the way from Indiana (COTA's headquarters).

The "WOW" moment arrived when Ibrahima (Ibi), from Drum Cafe, surprised the crowd,when he emerged from the dark playing his bongo's in tandem with the band.  A master drummer from Guinea West Africa, who has been playing since he was five years old, interlaced amongst the dancers, drumming beautiful and powerful beats in representation and celebration of Lance's own beat going on and on.

Of course, the night wouldn't have been complete without the heartfelt speech given by Christina (you can read her speech in her Blog on this website).  The strength of the Witt family was an inspiration to all.  

Thank you To The Following

Shelley Norris and Stacy Burnsed - This fundraiser would not have been made possible without the outstanding talents and drive of these two amazing women.  They tirelessly worked hand in hand talking with vendors, sponsors, collecting silent auction items, and hundreds of  details that needed their attention.  Stacy created the beautiful invitations and flyers and worked her magic with the videos that were shown which created a seamless, flowing event.  Shelley and Stacy, we cannot thank both of you enough for your love and support for Lance and his family. The two of you created a night to remember.

Barry Martin, COTA Webmaster; Cheryl and Jim Brackett; Debbie Lapp and April Nelson; Hope Hilton- Photographer. You can view her pictures of the event at http://www.flickr.com/photos/welovelance/sets/72157622662493625/; Laura Bennett; Dick and Dottie Norris; Lara Brewer; Kim Neubauer; Jane Fowler; Wanda and Gene Ramey, and all the wonderful people who contributed amazing and beautiful silent auction gifts.

Community Sponsors:

A Printers Ink; Wilson Parker Homes; Hoopla Pros; Atlantic Seafood; Camp Bow Wow; Dr. David A. Cash, Chiropractor; Randy, "Spoon" Stein, Executive Producer of the Cindy & Ray In The Morning Show; Chris Rock; Tarahumatra; Loose Shoes Band; A Divine Event; Cleaning Authority; ACI; Drum Cafe; Stacy Burnsed, Strategic Event Planning Event Marketing

THIRTY-ONE - NOVEMBER and DECEMBER 2009

Leslie Peevy, Director for Thirty-One, donated her November and December commissions to COTAforLanceW.  Thank you Leslie for your heart, time and dedication to Lance during this very busy time of the year.  Your contribution to Lance's Journey was very generous.

CHRISTIAN ROCK CONCERT - DECEMBER 5, 2009

Jacon Brock held a second christian rock concert during the Duluth Christmas Festival. Thank you Jason and everyone who turned out to listen to this great band. We appreciate so much Jason's continued devotion and willingness to help out the Witt family.

LITTLE PRODIGIES HOLIDAY FUNDRAISER - DECMEBER 11, 2009

Little Prodigies Child Care did an art show and held a silent and live auction. The attendees voted online in the Athens Banner Herald newspaper for the winning artist and then sold the pictures matted and framed.  The event was catered by Brett's Casual American Restaurant and it was alot of fun with live music by Pam Blanchard and games for the children. The radio station "Magic 102" promoted the event also.

Thank you To The Following

Thank you Jennifer Zwirn, Owner of Little Prodigies in Athens, GA, for the very successful holiday event for Lance.  Your dedication and ideas to give these children a fun night and also give much needed funding to Lance was overwhelming.

JEWELRY PARTY - MARCH 20, 2010

Stacy Reynolds, Lance' s cousin, hosted a fabulous jewelry party at her home.  The very talented jewelry designer, Katherine Smith, displayed her creation of earrings, necklaces and bracelets. Each piece was custom made with unique stones.  The turn out was great and and the food was wonderful. 

 Thank you To The Following

Thank you Stacy for opening your heart and home for Lance.  It was so good to see so many family members and meet new friends. Thank you Katherine for sharing your procedes with COTA for Lance.