Monday, December 19, 2011
This is what it's all about!!!
We are THRILLED to report that Finnz Fundz has helped it's first family!!!!! Because the family has been inundated with out of pocket costs for medications for their son's care, it has been difficult for them to address other expenses. This includes the most basic expenses, such as getting the oil tank filled. Finnz Fundz is helping to keep the oil going and the heat on this winter by providing fundz for a tank of oil. This is what it's all about, people! Thanks again SO much to all our donors!
Friday, December 9, 2011
A Finn Story...
My mother told me this story today on the phone. She said she'd hesitated to tell me about it previously, as she thought I'd be upset. I WAS upset, but truly amazed by the story, and I think not ever hearing this story would have been MORE upsetting. I asked her to PLEASE share such stories in the future. And I gently reminded her that, on some level, I am ALWAYS hurt and upset at the loss of my amazing little guy. Finn's spirit is ever present to many of us, and this story just illustrates how amazing these things can be if we are open to them. This occured just before Thanksgiving 2011.
My mother babysits for a little girl named Grace, who is one of the cutest babies I've ever seen. I've heard she's got a wonderful personality and disposition to match. Grace was sitting on my mother's lap on the my mom's couch. Grace was paying keen attention to two pictures on my mom's tv stand. These pictures were of Finn. Grace was babbling quite excitedy at the pictures, saying "hi." She was blowing kisses at the pictures. (Finn used to blow kisses ALL the time, particularly those "sexy kisses" he became known for...) Grace then turned my mom, put a hand on each of mom's cheeks, called her "mama" and gave her a kiss and hug. Grace has never called my mom "mama" before. Finn called my mom "mama". It was like she was channeling Finn. You can't make this stuff up...just amazing.
Thursday, December 1, 2011
Ho Ho Ho!
Hey everyone! Finnz Fundz is participating in the first annual SantaCon Newport THIS SATURDAY! If you are local, please consider coming and joining in the fun. It's a stroll through Newport to spread merriment and help charities. We're collecting canned goods at the start of the the walk for those who are in need, and will be raising some funds for Finnz Fundz along the way. We'll be making stops at local establishments and having a great time!
A follow up--our friend Brian DID complete his marathon run (GO BRIAN!). Through his kind efforts and donations from his supporters, $500 was raised for Finnz Fundz. We are SO grateful for the support!
We did outreach about Finnz Fundz to all CF Care Centers and Ronald McDonald houses in New England. We are still waiting for families to contact us, but are excited about being able to help them once they do! We'll do more concentrated outreach early next year, and will try to be a presence at some of the Great Strides walks (Cystic Fibrosis Center's biggest fundraiser of the year) to spread the word about our resource.
A follow up--our friend Brian DID complete his marathon run (GO BRIAN!). Through his kind efforts and donations from his supporters, $500 was raised for Finnz Fundz. We are SO grateful for the support!
We did outreach about Finnz Fundz to all CF Care Centers and Ronald McDonald houses in New England. We are still waiting for families to contact us, but are excited about being able to help them once they do! We'll do more concentrated outreach early next year, and will try to be a presence at some of the Great Strides walks (Cystic Fibrosis Center's biggest fundraiser of the year) to spread the word about our resource.
Monday, October 10, 2011
Thank you, Brian!
A friend from high school is going to be running a marathon next week...he's using the race as an opportunity to raise money for Finnz Fundz as well, and we are humbled by, and thankful for, his gesture.
From Brian's blog: http://twoselves.wordpress.com/2011/10/10/finnz-fundz/
"For the past few months I’ve been training for a marathon. It’s in Newport, on Sunday, October 16th. Part of my intention in running was to raise money for Finnz Fundz, a non-profit organization formed by my friends Kerry and Patrick Burns. I kept putting it off because I was afraid that some of my nagging injuries would prevent me from ultimately running. Now that I’m sure I will come to the start line relatively healthy, I want to ask my friends and family to donate a small amount of money to the cause.
I will be matching all donations up to a net of $500.
Finnz Fundz is a charity that benefits families who have children with cystic fibrosis. Kerry and Patrick saw that there was a gap in organizations that could help families directly that were victims of financial hardships caused by long term hospitalizations and medical care for children with Cystic Fibrosis. It’s inspired by their personal experience of losing their young son, Finnegan, to this terrible disease. They kicked off the charity in May with a very successful launch party.
I have met Patrick once, and seen Kerry once in 20 years. They are however, 2 of the most inspirational and influential people in my life. Please join me in supporting their important cause, and feel free to drop me a note of encouragement as I try to plod through 26.2 miles!
Just click on donate! Remember, I’m matching so even 10 bucks means 20!"
From Brian's blog: http://twoselves.wordpress.com/2011/10/10/finnz-fundz/
"For the past few months I’ve been training for a marathon. It’s in Newport, on Sunday, October 16th. Part of my intention in running was to raise money for Finnz Fundz, a non-profit organization formed by my friends Kerry and Patrick Burns. I kept putting it off because I was afraid that some of my nagging injuries would prevent me from ultimately running. Now that I’m sure I will come to the start line relatively healthy, I want to ask my friends and family to donate a small amount of money to the cause.
I will be matching all donations up to a net of $500.
Finnz Fundz is a charity that benefits families who have children with cystic fibrosis. Kerry and Patrick saw that there was a gap in organizations that could help families directly that were victims of financial hardships caused by long term hospitalizations and medical care for children with Cystic Fibrosis. It’s inspired by their personal experience of losing their young son, Finnegan, to this terrible disease. They kicked off the charity in May with a very successful launch party.
I have met Patrick once, and seen Kerry once in 20 years. They are however, 2 of the most inspirational and influential people in my life. Please join me in supporting their important cause, and feel free to drop me a note of encouragement as I try to plod through 26.2 miles!
Just click on donate! Remember, I’m matching so even 10 bucks means 20!"
Monday, September 5, 2011
Summer updates!
I apologize for not updating the blog sooner. Finnz Fundz had a great summer!
Our launch party was a HUGE success! A big thank you to the nearly one hundred people who attended our party at Indigo Pizza. We are so thankful that Mary Day lent us her hospitality and fabulous space. Larry and the Reverbs rocked the house and provided awesome entertainment, and the kids got to be the stars while doing some karaoke. The raffle was a huge success--we couldn’t have done it without all the great prizes that were donated! We were amazed by the generosity!
With the money we’d raised online plus the money raised at our event, we’re at nearly $10,000!!! SO excited to start helping families! Outreach letters and information have been sent to the CF Care Centers in New England.
We also have some new exciting news--we are partnering with Alex and Ani (www.alexandani.com), a local RI jewelry company that is becoming well known around the world. Owner of Alex and Ani, Carolyn Rafaelian, has approved a bracelet design that will be presented through her Charity by Design division, and twenty percent of all sales of this special charm will be donated to Finnz Fundz!!! We are so excited and thrilled to be working with such a forward thinking company. The design will be going to production soon, and we will reveal it as soon as we can!
Our launch party was a HUGE success! A big thank you to the nearly one hundred people who attended our party at Indigo Pizza. We are so thankful that Mary Day lent us her hospitality and fabulous space. Larry and the Reverbs rocked the house and provided awesome entertainment, and the kids got to be the stars while doing some karaoke. The raffle was a huge success--we couldn’t have done it without all the great prizes that were donated! We were amazed by the generosity!
With the money we’d raised online plus the money raised at our event, we’re at nearly $10,000!!! SO excited to start helping families! Outreach letters and information have been sent to the CF Care Centers in New England.
We also have some new exciting news--we are partnering with Alex and Ani (www.alexandani.com), a local RI jewelry company that is becoming well known around the world. Owner of Alex and Ani, Carolyn Rafaelian, has approved a bracelet design that will be presented through her Charity by Design division, and twenty percent of all sales of this special charm will be donated to Finnz Fundz!!! We are so excited and thrilled to be working with such a forward thinking company. The design will be going to production soon, and we will reveal it as soon as we can!
Sunday, May 8, 2011
Press release
May 5, 2011
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
For more information, contact Kerry Burns, finnzfundz@gmail.com. (401) 527-1773
Local Couple Who Lost Son to Cystic Fibrosis Launch Non-Profit Organization
Coventry, RI – Kerry and Patrick Burns know the difficulty of fighting Cystic Fibrosis and want to use their experience to help other families going through similar struggles. Finnz Fundz, the 501(c)(3) non profit organization the Burns’ founded in memory of their son, Finnegan, is holding an official launch party on Saturday, June 4th, from 4-8pm at Indigo Pizza (599 Tiogue Avenue in Coventry, RI). The event will feature “kid’s karaoke”, a raffle and local musicians.
Finnegan Burns was diagnosed with Cystic Fibrosis at birth. Finnegan thrived in all areas until hospitalized in intensive care in February 2008. For the duration of Finnegan’s 13 month hospitalization, his parents were by his side. Through the kindness of friends, family and strangers, they received much needed financial and emotional support. Kerry Burns, Executive Director of Finnz Fundz, states, “No family should have to decide whether or not they can be with their child at their most needy and vulnerable time due to financial worries.”
The goal of Finnz Fundz is to provide direct financial support to children and families fighting Cystic Fibrosis and facing the often common long term hospitalizations that occur in fighting the disease. Ms. Burns states, “While there are organizations that provide excellent funding for research into the disease and the development of new treatments, we were unable to find an organization that provided direct financial contributions to families; we hope to fill that gap.” Finnz Fundz will outreach families through an already established network of Cystic Fibrosis care centers, focusing initial efforts in the New England Region.
For more information or interviews, contact Kerry Burns at (401) 527-1773.
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
For more information, contact Kerry Burns, finnzfundz@gmail.com. (401) 527-1773
Local Couple Who Lost Son to Cystic Fibrosis Launch Non-Profit Organization
Coventry, RI – Kerry and Patrick Burns know the difficulty of fighting Cystic Fibrosis and want to use their experience to help other families going through similar struggles. Finnz Fundz, the 501(c)(3) non profit organization the Burns’ founded in memory of their son, Finnegan, is holding an official launch party on Saturday, June 4th, from 4-8pm at Indigo Pizza (599 Tiogue Avenue in Coventry, RI). The event will feature “kid’s karaoke”, a raffle and local musicians.
Finnegan Burns was diagnosed with Cystic Fibrosis at birth. Finnegan thrived in all areas until hospitalized in intensive care in February 2008. For the duration of Finnegan’s 13 month hospitalization, his parents were by his side. Through the kindness of friends, family and strangers, they received much needed financial and emotional support. Kerry Burns, Executive Director of Finnz Fundz, states, “No family should have to decide whether or not they can be with their child at their most needy and vulnerable time due to financial worries.”
The goal of Finnz Fundz is to provide direct financial support to children and families fighting Cystic Fibrosis and facing the often common long term hospitalizations that occur in fighting the disease. Ms. Burns states, “While there are organizations that provide excellent funding for research into the disease and the development of new treatments, we were unable to find an organization that provided direct financial contributions to families; we hope to fill that gap.” Finnz Fundz will outreach families through an already established network of Cystic Fibrosis care centers, focusing initial efforts in the New England Region.
For more information or interviews, contact Kerry Burns at (401) 527-1773.
Saturday, May 7, 2011
The launch party is taking shape!
We have officially booked Larry and the Reverbs as one of our entertainers...working on a second group!
The donations for the raffle are coming in fast and furious! Thanks Anne Marie Archambault Teixeira for the massive amounts of liquor (oh yeah, kids! liquor baskets!!!); Alice Morey for Red Sox tickets (YES!); Amy Bonin Wyman for offering her talents with a handmade felted clutch; Jennifer Hartman Cohn for the kids karate birthday party (valued at $200!); Valdeva Ives Crema for free website design; Jane A Mclellan for a gift certificate to the fabulous Salon Jaz AND Martha Hart Reed, Mariah Capurso and Tara Albrecht Roddick for offering to make some amazing jewelry....we are always accepting more donations, so keep them coming! :)
I have written and released an official press release about the foundation and the event--really hoping for some media coverage!
Thanks to everyone for spreading the word and supporting our event--it looks like we are more than halfway to venue capacity for the 4th!
If you want to reserve tickets, please click on the donate button on the blog, "donate" $10 X the number of tickets you want, and please put in the notes section that the money is for tickets. You'll go on a list and be all set at the door.
A huge thanks to Mary Day and Indigo Pizza (599 Tiogue Ave, Coventry, RI) for not only donating the space for the event, but for closing to the public during that time. We SO appreciate it!
The donations for the raffle are coming in fast and furious! Thanks Anne Marie Archambault Teixeira for the massive amounts of liquor (oh yeah, kids! liquor baskets!!!); Alice Morey for Red Sox tickets (YES!); Amy Bonin Wyman for offering her talents with a handmade felted clutch; Jennifer Hartman Cohn for the kids karate birthday party (valued at $200!); Valdeva Ives Crema for free website design; Jane A Mclellan for a gift certificate to the fabulous Salon Jaz AND Martha Hart Reed, Mariah Capurso and Tara Albrecht Roddick for offering to make some amazing jewelry....we are always accepting more donations, so keep them coming! :)
I have written and released an official press release about the foundation and the event--really hoping for some media coverage!
Thanks to everyone for spreading the word and supporting our event--it looks like we are more than halfway to venue capacity for the 4th!
If you want to reserve tickets, please click on the donate button on the blog, "donate" $10 X the number of tickets you want, and please put in the notes section that the money is for tickets. You'll go on a list and be all set at the door.
A huge thanks to Mary Day and Indigo Pizza (599 Tiogue Ave, Coventry, RI) for not only donating the space for the event, but for closing to the public during that time. We SO appreciate it!
Monday, May 2, 2011
Let's party! Our official launch...
We are planning to (finally!) officially launch Finnz Fundz, our 501(c)(3) non profit that was founded in honor of our son, Finnegan. Our mission is to help children and families fighting Cystic Fibrosis and coping with the long term hospitalizations that occur in fighting this insidious disease. Our goal is to provide direct financial assistance to families, as well as a sympathetic and understanding ear.
Event is on June 4th from 4-8pm at Indigo Pizza (599 Tiogue Ave, Coventry RI). We are planning kids karaoke from 4-5pm, some great live music, and an awesome raffle (some Alex and Ani will be included!). Oh, and PIZZA! :)
Tickets are $10 per person. Reserve your ticket now as space is limited!
If you are unable to attend, we hope you will consider helping us by making a direct monetary donation (via paypal or checks can be made payble to Finnz Fundz and mailed to 162 Custer Street, Warwick, RI 02889), or by donating goods or services to our raffle. Please share this event, our website and information about us with your Facebook friends.
All donations are tax deductible.
A big thanks to all those who have continued to support us on this journey!
Event is on June 4th from 4-8pm at Indigo Pizza (599 Tiogue Ave, Coventry RI). We are planning kids karaoke from 4-5pm, some great live music, and an awesome raffle (some Alex and Ani will be included!). Oh, and PIZZA! :)
Tickets are $10 per person. Reserve your ticket now as space is limited!
If you are unable to attend, we hope you will consider helping us by making a direct monetary donation (via paypal or checks can be made payble to Finnz Fundz and mailed to 162 Custer Street, Warwick, RI 02889), or by donating goods or services to our raffle. Please share this event, our website and information about us with your Facebook friends.
All donations are tax deductible.
A big thanks to all those who have continued to support us on this journey!
Sunday, January 23, 2011
We're official!!!
We are thrilled to let everyone know that Finnz Fundz is now an official 501(c)(3) tax exempt organization!!! WOOHOO! We are hard at work on our business and fundraising plans. We have several larger donors who were awaiting the word about our tax status--including a jewelry company that is going to design a piece for our organization! Exciting things to come!!!
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