Alayna's Angels

Crazy Chi-Omega's from Illinois State University.

We couldn't fit everyone in one photo, so here is the left side of the room too! Didn't want to leave anyone out.

Another group shot of some of Alayna's Angels!

Last weekend my Chi Omega sorority sisters held a fundraiser for Alayna in downtown Chicago. Oh, what a blast! Many of them still live in the city or the suburbs and with families and professions it was difficult for them to come back in November for the Quad City Fundraiser/Trivia Night. So, they decided they wanted to have their own fundraiser. They called themselves "Alayna's Angels" and they truly are just that. Dana and I feel so blessed to have such a supportive network of friends. I think I counted at least 26 Chi Omega's in attendance, plus their spouses, significant others, and friends. Some of them I hadn't seen since graduation day at ISU back in May 1995! And some of them were younger than me and I had never met them before. But they were all there to support Alayna and they expressed this repetitively through their kind words and gracious hearts.

The evening was filled with socializing, a silent auction, a raffle, and a 50/50 drawing. Many of us had our cameras and it was like we were back in college for a night. And for awhile many of us pretended that we didn't have any kids at all! We all enjoyed ourselves so much. I personally enjoyed just seeing everyone and catching up with what they are doing. And oh my goodness, between many of us we have tons of kids! We have lots of "little Chi-O's" coming up!

A special THANK YOU goes out to the main organizers of the benefit: Beata, Diana, Missi, and Kara. You all out-did yourselves and went above and beyond expectations. It means so much for you to have taken time out of your busy lives to plan such a special event to honor Alayna. And a huge THANK YOU to everyone who attended and made it a success. You are all very special people.