Annie's Benefit Dinner/Silent Auction was a HUGE success thanks to many many people. I need to thank these people first before I go on. First, God had a huge hand in guiding and directing me to the right people. I know He wanted her to have this dog but it seemed to big of a mountain to climb. He orchestrated the right people and dropped them into our way. After all, He is the one who knew this would happen. Annie's autism and difficulties did not take Him by surprise. With that being said, my parents are amazing people. They have been there every single second. When I cried, laughed, tantrumed, yelled- they were there. They picked up the pieces when I didn't think it would work. They helped me pull this event off. Annie has phenomenal grandparents who love her like their own. Next is my wingman, Karen Thacker. Countless hours, texts and conversations were spent on this event. Donations, calls, picking donations up, etc etc AND etc. I know it took time out from your family but you kept me grounded when I didn't think we could pull it off. To the Corbin Family, you had a huge part in the success. Without you, we would have not had the success in the donations, ticket sales, and money raised. For not knowing us beforehand, you went way above and beyond to help a little girl. You were dedicated to helping raise enough money for Annie's service dog. You were instrumental in making this happen and for that, thank you will never be enough. Katrina, you spent countless hours on Annie's behalf in getting awesome donations. You called and called and had so much success. I have to admit the pearl necklace was my favorite and hated to see it go. You got it done and without you, we wouldn't have raised as much as we did. You got in there, dug in, and didn't leave until the job was done. I knew I could count on you 100% and you came through for me. You were a God-send. Thank your husband and Henry for lending you to me. Calvary Baptist Church let us have the event there in their beautiful center. When other churches told us no, you told us yes. Thank you for blessing other people with your beautiful facility. Carol Ray & Marvin from Calvary Baptist Church organized the event, set up all tables, tablecloths, and centerpieces, tore down, and facilitated having the food ready for people to eat. Talk about a big job. The Center looked so gorgeous and elegant for my Annie. You two did an amazing job! It brought tears to my eyes when I first saw it. You exceeded my expectations. For Larry & Judy Broering - wow, talk about helping. I didn't worry about one thing with you in the kitchen. You were there all day from start to finish. I know it took soooo much to heat and cook and bake all that food and keep it coming so everyone was fed. You worked so hard and it really payed off. Thank you for answering my plea for help. You far exceeded the standard of a friend. Chelsea- You have been with Annie for months now and we cannot tell you how much we just love you being in Annie's life! Thank you for helping me all day on Saturday and for speaking at the benefit. You did a great job. To all of the people who brought food- you made this happen and you filled people's bellies. I could not have done all of that by myself. You my friends, touched my heart in a big way. To everyone who donated big baskets, expensive things, cherished items, and spent their own money for this auction, you have my utmost adoration and gratitude. My heart overflows with everyone's willingness to help me. I know each one of you cared about our little girl and wanted to support us. For the people that donated online, gave us money and checks, you have just as important place in my heart. We can't get the service dog without money. I know who donated and how much and believe me, it goes beyond gratitude at this point. I believe this dog will save Annie's life one day. For that, The Havel Family is most thankful and just honored to have your help. Every time I see this dog do something for Annie, you will come to my mind and I will remember each one of you and the sacrifice you had in making this happen.
Thank you to my sisters who each took a child the night before so we could tie up loose ends. Thank you Sharlyn for your part in getting and picking up donations.
Thank you Aunt Ginny for the cupcakes. They were the perfect addition to the whole night and such a great idea! You saved me there. Aunt B, Thank you so much for the work you put in on getting your donations! Your basket went like a hot potato.
I want to thank 4 Paws for Ability, Kelly Camm, Denise and her son DJ and service dog Nitro. 4 Paws For Ability has made our dream a reality by offering such a great program. You are helping people and children with disabilities get there life back and live it to the fullest.
To my husband Joshua- We set out to do something. This was your idea and I thank you for pushing until it became a reality. I know we had some rough patches with promised donations not coming in but we did it. We raised the money, despite our obstacles. I thank you for your support and being such a great daddy to all 3 of your girls. I couldn't ask for a better spouse to walk through this life. I love you.
My dearest little Annie:
We did it. We raised a couple hundred over $13,000. You are so very loved! You have been so blessed by so many people and their kindness. I hope 1 day you look back and read this and feel thankful to people who have helped you. There are some people who had NEVER met you or just met you that helped make our little dream into a big dream and then into a reality. Our community of family and friends has made it possible to get your autism service dog. I hope you feel loved and mommy and daddy will keep doing everything necessary to see you recover and keep you safe. We love you so much.
I would like to tell you about our next step. As of now, we are working on a week's worth of video of Annie so we can send it into 4 Paws. This helps them match the dog to Annie. In addition, they will take all of Annie's personality traits good and bad, and train the dog off of those behaviors. Also, we are asking the dog to be trained in tracking. This would come into play if Annie got away from us and wandered, the dog would immediately start tracking Annie so we could find her a.s.a.p. A must-have for Annie. The other skill we want to see the dog have is that of tethering. Annie would be tethered to the dog. Annie has a tendency to just bolt and be gone. She runs off without one ounce of fear. I know normal 3 years do this also. But normal 3 year old behavior coupled with autism and wandering is a death sentence. We cannot take that chance. The dog will be trained over the next 7-8 months. We will then join our canine in Xenio, Ohio for training classes for two weeks. We then graduate with our dog and he/she is ours! As I get more information, I will be blogging. This makes my heart so overwhelmed with joy and peace. Mostly peace of mind. Thank you all for joining us on our journey toward an Autism Service Dog through 4 Paws For Ability.
http://www.4pawsforability.org/dream.html#AnnieHavel
