Thank you, B.J.

I was going to send this as an email to all of the people who helped put together the fundraiser but then I realized this would be the perfect forum.

Hello everyone,

I sent a “Thank You” card to Gibsons with a handwritten note and I thought I’d share it with all of you (luckily - I’ll spare you my handwriting). Also I want to thank each and every person for their hard work, the event was obviously a tremendous success and I am proud I was a part of it. I especially want to thank Laurie N. and Stevie; you two were the driving force of this fundraiser and I just can’t thank you enough. It’s undeniable that Laurie’s goal, which we all share with her, of some good coming out of this tragedy has been achieved. It brings me pride, happiness and many other emotions that a research grant will be named after BJ. I know he'd love it. I know it and not just because the grant will be named after him, although that is nice too, but for the fact that we are in action, making a difference and helping people. Now there's the pepperoni on the pizza!

Furthermore, I want to thank you because this event helped me personally. I still find my emotions are just below the surface and quick to appear, I don’t know if this is going to be for some time to come or if it is permanent- que sera, sera. My point is because of all of you I was able to experience BJ’s first birthday without him with joy, peace and love.

This note started as an email to my family, now that it's on BJ's blog I have a bit more I'd like to communicate. From the bottom of my heart, I thank every individual who came to the fundraiser, donated goods/ services or in any way supports the people I love. The strength, generosity and kindness so many individuals have shared has been absolutely awe inspiring. From our oldest friends to Katie and Debbie, who tragically lost their sister to this disease and immediately choose to attend the fundraiser once they read about it on The Sarcoma Foundation of America site, THANK YOU.

To whom it may concern:

My family and I have been going to Gibsons (Chicago and Rosemont) for as long as I can remember. The consistency in spectacular food and service truly keep us coming back for more but I know your organization doesn't stop there. On September 6th, my brothers and sisters and I held a fundraiser for The Sarcoma Foundation of America and through generous donors such as Gibsons, we were able to raise over $45,000. Thank you very much for your contribution to a cause that is so near and dear to my heart (my brother passed away from this disease last year; he would have been 38 years old on September 6th ).

I’d also like to take this opportunity to specifically acknowledge Liz Dade and Jeanie O’Grady. These women exude the perfect combination of professionalism and warmth I have come to associate with Gibsons. My father and I regularly have lunch together, this is our special time, and for the past few years we have gone exclusively to Gibsons. Why would we go anywhere else? We only want the best.

Again, thank you for your donation and for being a restaurant I look forward to patronizing for many years to come.

Sincerely,

Elizabeth Hirsch

P.S. This was not part of the card but for all of you, Jeanie is the waitress Lewie and I always request and Liz Dade has been a hostess there for years who is the epitome of class. Also, I know the final amount raised will be above $45,000 but I wanted to send a "thank you" quickly after the event so I used that estimate.

Lastly thank you, BJ, for everything you did and all of the gifts you continue to give. Although the boy next door, who was in the same grade as I and truly just a friend, may not have appreciated you picking him up by the scruff of the neck when you found us on the third floor of our house.... I knew, as I watched his feet dangle helplessly, you were simply being my awesome (dare I say protective) big brother.

I love you all so, so much!

Xoxo

Lizzy