Together our Community STAYS, PRAYS, WORKS....

There are a few things to say about small towns.  Anybody can give the good and the bad about them, but our family has been truly blessed growing up in the small town of Manito.  One of the "big" events that take place in Manito is the Popcorn Festival, which is held every Labor Day weekend.  This annual event includes a parade, games, talent shows, basketball games, a 5K run, and many more events.

The Ruth Cooper Research Fund decided that participating in the parade at the Popcorn Festival would be a great way to show our appreciation for what our community did for us. The theme this year was "Together our community Stays, Prays, and Works" which fit perfectly for our idea!  We could never have held the fundraiser in March if it were not for the businesses and the people in Manito and the surrounding towns supporting us and our cause. 

From the bottom of our hearts, THANK YOU for everything you have done for us!

The Ruth Cooper Research Fund

Getting the signs ready!

"We have to do what?"

"Ohhh, we get CANDY afterwards! YAY!"

Getting the kids in the wagon

It was a very hot day but we managed to all make it through!

The kids did awesome!

Splash of Support

Many affected by EDS find themselves without direction or information on this rare disorder.

We want that to change!

Together we can spread awareness and build a foundation of support for everyone with EDS in their lives!

Please follow this link to print the Splash of Support registration form/t-shirt order form.

Splash of Support Registration

[to the left click "File", then click "Print (pdf)"]

We look forward to visiting with you! 

Hope to see you there!

SPLASH OF SUPPORT Hotel Information

Hi everybody!  We are hoping people are starting to plan the trip to Manito for the Splash of Support event!  Currently we are working on getting more information and details up for you!  As for now, we do have information on a hotel in case some of you need to spend the night!  Unfortunately Manito does not have any hotels, so the closest place is in Pekin, which is about 15-20 minutes away.  We have blocked rooms at the Holiday Inn Express and here is the information:

1.309.353.3305

3615 Kelly Ave

Pekin, Il 61554

$92/Night

 

Thanks everybody!  We are all getting very excited for this event and can't wait to meet everybody! 

Hope everyone is having a great summer so far! 

Stay tuned for more details!

Splash of Support!!!

Save the Date!

July 16, 2011

6:30pm-10:00pm

Manito, Illinois

If you, a family member, or someone you know is affected by Ehlers Danlos Syndrome, please join us on July 16 in Manito, Illinois for a splash of support!
Bring your family to enjoy the Sun, Swim, Snacks, and Support for Ehlers Danlos Syndrome!
More details to come shortly!!!

Nobody made a greater mistake than he who did nothing because he could do only a little.

Where to even start on this post.  A month after the event has gone by and we are all still overwhelmed and so grateful for everybody that played a part and helped us.  The day of the benefit, March 12, was the one year anniversary of Ruth passing away and, although it was hard, we were very fortunate to be able to spend that day with everybody who came out to support us.  Our main goal for the benefit was to do something positive on a day where we would all be grieving.  Ruth always had a smile on her face, even during her last few days at the hospital, she was cracking jokes and smiling.  She was looking down on us all that day and I know she would be so appreciative for what everybody did to help support this cause and her family.

  This event brought out families who are dealing with Ehlers Danlos from around the state.  With an uncommon disease you often feel like you are the only one dealing with it and nobody understands.  You guys were able to bring these families together and help them realize they are not alone.  

In the above pictures you will notice that the check has a total of $33,000.  WOW!  This was an AMAZING number for us and we could not have asked for more!  None of us had dreamt we would reach a total like that.  A month later, we are ECSTATIC to say we are at  $45,455.52!!! We are beyond thankful and there are no words that can express how much gratitude we have.  Thank you again to everybody who contributed in any way! Please know that you are giving the Ehlers Danlos community hope and you have given our family hope. 

This was for you Ruth.  Thank you for making us who we are and for teaching us to be strong and to have a smile on our face while we are doing it.

The Family of Ruth Cooper

PS- Please keep checking our blog out!  We will soon have pictures from the night up!  We will also keep you posted as we learn more on the research of Vascular Ehlers Danlos Syndrome!

I spy...A BIG BLACK BEAR

Guided Bear Hunt in Northern Minnesota for One Person

More Details at Fundraiser

Live Auction Item

Donated by Anderson Farms

THANK YOU!!!



THANK YOUS

Thanks to everybody for your awesome donations!

It takes all of you for us to be able to do what we are doing and there are not enough words to express our gratitude!

THANK YOU!!

Jen Jockish- Scrapbooking Basket

Kodak Gallery- Photo Book

Stegers Ltd- $100 Gift Certificate

Walmart/Bob Sidell- 4 $25 Gift Certificates

Camille's Sidewalk Cafe- 2 $20 Gift Certificates

Oriental Trading Company- $25 Gift Certificate

WCIC Radio Station- Goodie Bag

Huntsinger Farms- Cooler Bag full of Horseradish Items

You and Me Baby-We're Stuck Like Glue

First, I am going to say how JEALOUS I will be with whoever wins this package!!

And if you love me, you will invite me with :)

Live Auction Item

2 Tickets to Sugarland-Pit/Floor Seats

Coupon to Eastland Suites

Meal at Cracker Barrel

Bloomington, IL

Everybody needs a little GLEE in their life!!!!

Thank you Rhandi Gaskill and Mandy Krause!!!!!

4 Tickets to see GLEE Live

Rosemont, IL

Live Auction 

Thank You Peoria Civic Center!!

Two Tickets to Ringling Brothers Circus!

Fun (literally) Night on the Town!

Thank you!!

Thank You Sculptures Day Spa!

Silent Auction Item

Black Purse with hair products

Unlimited Tan Package

Certificate for partial highlighting with Erica

Get ready for summer with this package deal!!!

Thank you!

Baking Goodies from Miss Millie Machlitt!

One of Mom's favorite things to do (and we all enjoyed her doing this as well) was to bake.

The grandkids all LOVED when they got to help her with some of her masterpieces!

And I am hoping they learned a lot of her tricks! :)

Thank you Amelia Machlitt for the basket full of baking goodies!

Silent Auction Item

Big Shout Out To....

Mall of America- Variety of Tickets

Bill Gaithe- DVDs and CDs (He was one of Mom's favorites!)

Beck's Florist- $25 Geft Certificate

Chicago Cubs- Autographed Pictures

Curves of Pekin- $0 Service Fee and 1 month free membership

Parkview- Free month pass

Thanks to all the donations we have been getting in!

We could not be doing this without you all and we appreciate everything that is being donated!

THANK YOU!!!

Thank you friends at Good Shephard Lutheran Church (Clearbrook, MN)!!!!

Live Auction Item

Full/Queen Size Quilt-which just so happens to be the size of my bed...hmmm...

Thank you so much! The quilt is AMAZING!

Also, thanks to Jennie Svenson for the donation of putting the back on the quilt!

THANK YOU AMY RANKIN and KAY GRANLEY!!!

Get your Floozie Koozies while they're hot!

Available in a variety of FUN SUMMERY colors!!

Thanks girls!!

THANK YOU GOOD SHEPHARD LUTHERAN CHURCH YOUTH! (Clearbrook, MN)

2 Fleece Blankets

Fun blankets for the kids' room or in the living room for a night in on the couch!

THANK YOU!!!

THANK YOU GOOD SAVIOR'S LUTHERAN CHURCH YOUTH!! (Leonard, MN)

 

Two Matching Fleece Pillow and Blanket Sets

Perfect to snuggle up with on those cool summer nights...oh wait, what am I thinking, there is nothing cool about Illinois summers!  Best to keep them for the Winter!

THANK YOU!!! 

Everybody needs to RELAX every now and then!

THANK YOU CHERYL HOUSTON!

Relaxation Basket full of Fun Goodies to Ease Your Day!

(The Rankin girls may need to break into this the morning of the benefit

or the day after!)

Silent Auction Item

THANK YOU MIKE AND TRACEY CANADA!!!

 2003 Ducks Unlimited Duck

Hunting Print

Silent Auction Item

QUACKtastic pieces for your house!!!

THANK YOU RACHEL SONDAG AND JIM BELUSHI!!!

Signed copy of the first season to According to Jim (as in JIM BELUSHI!!!)

Signed by Jim Belushi-copy of K-9 The Patrol Pack

Signed copy from some of the cast of The Defenders

Signed script from some of the cast of The Defenders

And yes, ladies, this includes JIM BELUSHI and JERRY O' CONNELL

LIVE AUCTION ITEMS

THANK YOU MIDWEST CENTRAL PRIMARY SCHOOL STAFF MEMBERS!!

Apple iPad-16GB

RAFFLE ITEM!

TICKETS:

1- $10.00

3-$25.00

Available to buy at benefit!



THANK YOU MAUI JIM!!!

Get Ready for the Boat with these Live Auction Items!!

Up for grabs: 2 pairs of sunglasses, 2 t-shirts, 2 hats, and 2 visor sunglasses holders



Thanks Dale Rankin for the Custom Made Shed!!!

Perfect size for your tractor display or farm set up at home!

Thanks Dad!!! The shed looks great!!

LIVE AUCTION ITEM!!!

A GREAT QUILT FROM RAYLENE AND JANET!! THANK YOU!!!

Dear Raylene and Janet-
I am wondering why I never got offered to have a quilt like this made for myself?  I did just recently move to a new apartment-where was the housewarming gift?  Now I am going to have to attempt to try to outbid others so I can have this all to myself! :)
Love,
Kendall

PS- THANK YOU SOOOO MUCH RAYLENE RANKIN and JANET HALL FOR THE DONATION OF THE QUILT FOR THE BENEFIT!!! :)
The above letter was a joke...just so everybody knows, I am not upset about this! :)

Well Life on the Farm is Kinda Laid Back....

THANKS DADDY O (aka Dale Rankin)  for the barn!  And don't worry..it is still under construction! Dale started making these a few years ago and has become quite AWESOME at it!  Each daughter has one for their kids to play with (so he's had plenty of practice on them!).   Get your hands on this soon-to-be classic old red barn by showing up for the live auction at the benefit!

Anybody need a lil' help in the kitchen? I think this gal can lend a hand!

THANK YOU PAULA DEEN for the signed cookbook and picture! 

This will make a LOVELY addition to any kitchen!

Bring on the butter!

THANK YOU FOR THE SUPPORT!!

Jimmy Johns- (3) $5 Gift Certificates
Kouri's Pub- (2) $15 Gift Certificates and 4 Sonic Coupon Cards
Goodfellas- Gift Certificate
Hot Stuff Pizza- Free Large Pizza

We are so thankful for the items that everyone was been willing to donate!  This event would be nothing if it were not for the donations and we appreciate all of the support that we are getting!  THANK YOU!

THANK YOU MASON'S GYM!!!

 Let's PUMP...YOU....UP!!!

And you'll be able to if you win this 6 Month FREE Gym Membership!

(There's three chances to win one of these bad boys!)

Thank you Mason's Gym for the Free Gym Memberships and the sweatshirts!