Conductive Ed Fundraiser

For the past two summers, we have enrolled Ari in a program called Conductive Education.  You can read all about it here, but suffice it to say that it is Ari’s most beneficial therapy.  It is so intensive, yet so motivating for her that she makes up for a whole year of physical regression in just four weeks of summer program! 

We attended a casino night fundraiser at Boondocks in Scottsdale with the aim of raising enough money to allow Gaitway to open a year round Conductive Ed program here in Phoenix, like they have in Tucson.  A permanent facility locally would be life-changing for Ari and so many other kids in the valley with motor challenges.  We humbly ask that you please consider donating $400 (per married couple) or $200 (per individual) in tax credit before January 1, 2015 to Gaitway (Individual Achievements Association) for this program.  Your donation will be fully refunded to you, dollar for dollar, when you claim it on your 2014 taxes. 

Tax credit was new to me this year, so I’ll explain it in layman’s for those who aren’t familiar.   When you donate before the end of this year, you will receive a receipt from Gaitway, allowing you to claim this on your 2014 taxes.  It is called a tax credit to a charitable organization.  Every Arizona taxpayer, regardless of income, or whether you are paying taxes or getting a refund only, is allowed a tax credit of up to $400 per married couple or $200 per single individual for this category.  If you owe AZ state taxes, the money you donated will be deducted from the amount that you owe in state taxes.  In other words, the state of AZ gives you the option to put your tax dollars towards Ari instead of Jan Brewer.  If you are eligible for a refund (lucky you!), the amount that you donated will simply be tacked on to your refund and sent back to you.  Dollar for dollar!  Not a percentage.  Every single dollar.  If you want to run this by your accountant, please call him or her today.  Gaitway is on the AZ approved charitable organizations list as Individual Achievements Association.  If you are familiar with tax credit already, please don’t hesitate.  Your donation will be helping Ari and many other kids like her so much.

Making a donation couldn’t be easier.  You can go to their website and click on “Contribute Today” or go directly to their Paypal donation page.  We appreciate you taking the time to learn about tax credit and how your tax dollars can help who YOU want them to help!  You are amazing, and thank you so much for reading!!!

Ambassador Ari: Walkathon

I didn’t know if we would make it, since it happened to be on the very same morning as my graduation and all the way in Phoenix, but Ari gave everyone a happy surprise when she showed up at the Southwest Human Development Walk With Me walk-a-thon that she has been the ambassador for over these past few months.  It was really a nice way to see everyone’s hard work pay off and the efforts of all of these individuals and organizations come together for this great event.  More than 1,000 people supported this walk, raising over $200,000 for children with disabilities!  My kids were very happy with their muffins and cookies.  I got a back massage!  We saw some old friends.  And Ari even warmed up to Jude Lacava.  Gotta love days like these :).

 

Walk-a-Thon Kick-off Luncheon

Ari is one of the ambassadors for the Walk With Me walk-a-thon benefitting Southwest Human Development this year.  She has been an ambassador for various good causes since she was a baby, because we like to support and give back to the community that helps Ari out in whatever way that we can.  The kids and I attended the kick-off luncheon, which is an opportunity for potential pledgers and walkers and fundraisers to get jazzed about the good cause they are supporting, and meeting the sweetest ambassador ever (in my humble opinion) is the best way to do that!  Gabe and Bella were such good helpers the whole time!  They kept asking me if they were being “mature” and they even ate all their salad without complaint, clapped at all the right times, and introduced themselves to whomever came up to meet us.  I was so proud of them!  Ari was her usual sweet self when it was just us, but got really shy with all the attention focused on her.

  

FOX 10 News anchorman Jude LaCava, who did the promotional video (see below) with us, wanted nothing more than to get a smile out of little Ari to show how buddy-buddy they were, but little Ari just wouldn’t oblige him!  Oh well :).  It was a fun afternoon, and I’m glad that we are able to make some small difference for this great cause!

Ambassador Ari

This is Ari’s third time being an ambassador for a good cause (other than her own Hope For Ari campaign).  Right now, she is one of the ambassadors for Southwest Human Development’s “Walk With Me” walk-a-thon, which will raise funds to provide valuable programs for people with disabilities, like Ari.  Here is her most recent Fox 10 News PSA.

Bake Sale Fundraiser

As many already know, the Scottsdale Chef Bake Sale Fundraiser that was put on by my mom and her closest friends (thank you so much Cheryl, Helen, Coralia, Paula, Bonnie, and anyone that I may be forgetting!) was a success. For eight hours, people trickled in, coming and going. Some people bought beautiful pies and cakes to give as gifts, others a few delicious cookies or a quiche to eat right there, several left with a beautiful piece of jewelry, and still others just came to drop off a donation. It was a really nice day, and thanks to everyone involved, they managed to raise for us $4,500. What a wonderful outcome to have met our goal of $17,000 for Ari's first Stem Cell Therapy procedure! We feel so blessed to have so many people who care about us and especially Ari!

FOX 10 News Coverage

The bake sale was a huge success today! Thank you so much to my mom for putting it all together and making it happen, to all of her wonderful friends to volunteered their time and resources, and of course to everyone who showed up or donated to show their support. We raised $4,000!!!

Here is the latest video clip that aired on FOX 10 news tonight along with the article:

ABC Channel 15 News Story

Bake sale benefit for valley toddler stem cell therapy

BREAKING NEWS

Everyone tune at 10 PM tonight to AZ News channels: ABC 15, FOX 10, & Channel 5 for coverage on the HOPE for Ari story and the fundraiser tomorrow!!!

HOPE FOR ARI Scottsdale Chef Bake Sale

SAVE THE DATE! On Sunday, January 3, 2010 10 AM-6 PM, we will be hosting a BaKe SaLe & JeWeLrY aUcTiOn for Ari's Stem Cell Therapy! It will be at the McDowell Mountain Ranch Clubhouse in Scottsdale, AZ. 10607 E. Paradise Lane. Gourmet cookies, pastries and decadant desserts of all kinds made by a Chef Cheryl, a graduate of the French Cullinary Institute. YUM!!! Gorgeous jewelry & accessories that all women will love are also available for auction. CHANNEL 5 NEWS coverage. All are welcome, bring your friends & families!

Stem Cell Update

The Krispy Kreme Doughnut fundraiser in Holbrook, AZ was a HUGE success. As of this afternoon, nearly every single one of the 1,000 boxes of doughnuts had been sold. Proceeds are expected to total $5,000!!! People in Holbrook and the surrounding areas have been amazing to us and our cause! We cannot thank everyone enough for their participation and suppport. The total funds raised from our fundraising efforts since April are over $11,500!

After months of consideration, research, and prayer, we have decided that we will be taking Ariana to Mexico for Umbilical Cord Blook Stem Cell Therapy. We are in the preliminary stages of booking right now, as the doctors will need to review Ariana's medical records and we will need to complete the requisite paperwork, but I'm sure the time will fly by. We are VERY excited to have reached this point, and I can't wait for Ariana to have this opportunity for potential improvement!

For those interested, this is a video describing stem cells and their role in healing in greater detail:

September Fundraising Stats

As of the end of September, we have collectively raised $6,574.15 towards getting Ariana Stem Cell Therapy. Special thanks are owed to our wonderful volunteers and contributors in Holbrook, AZ, where fundraising efforts have been ongoing. To come in October and November, Holbrook, AZ will be attempting to sell 2,000 dozen Krispy Kreme donuts in an effort to raise funds to HOPE for Ari. If that goal is met, we stand to net $10,000 from this effort! Please notify Twyla Taylor to reserve your boxes (twylataylor@cableone.com). Thank you!

Baby Bumbers, Buntings, & Booty!

I'm selling more high-end baby stuff on Ebay; specifically Pottery Barn Kids bumpers, furry buntings, boy clothes (Ralph Lauren, Juicy Couture, Gap, Kenneth Cole), and baby girl fleece sleepers. A ton of what's listed is brand NEW! Check it out as all proceeds go to HOPE for Ari: http://www.auctiva.com/stores/viewstore2.aspx?id=1268758&styleid=12&siteid=0

August Fundraising Stats

As of the end of August, HOPE for Ari has raised $5,900 towards its goal of getting Stem Cell Therapy for Ariana (this does not include recent funds raised at Old West Days in Holbrook, which will be accounted for in September's tally). Thank you so much to everyone who's helped. I can't tell you how much we appreciate all you do!

Baby Clothes & Accessories For Sale!

I'm at it again... selling adorable baby boy and baby girl clothes, accessories, and Halloween costumes on Ebay, that is. Please check out my listings! Not to brag, but my kids tend to have pretty freakin' adorable apparel by anyone's standards (my mom gets all the credit for that). And because of the economy, recently Ebay items have been selling for way below their value, so anyone who bids is pretty much guaranteed a steal. Oh, and ALL proceeds go to HOPE for Ari!
http://shop.ebay.com/merchant/elisamtaylor_W0QQ_nkwZQQ_armrsZ1QQ_fromZQQ_ipgZ

July Fundraising Stats

As of the end of July, HOPE for Ari has raised $5,530 towards Ariana's stem cell therapy! We have also procured a few donations from business owners that we are planning on auctioning off online in the near future. In addition, there is a relay walk-a-thon in the works in Holbrook, AZ as well as our www.bowsforari.com hairbow fundraiser. We are moving right along! Thank you for all of your support!!!

Bows for Ari

My wonderful friend, Chrissy, just happens to be a pro at making adorable hair bows for girls. My girls wear one or more of these precious bows every day. As luck would have it, Chrissy is now selling these bows at http://www.bowsforari.com/ . As you can see, 50% of the proceeds from these bow sales go directly to Ariana's HOPE for Ari stem cell therapy fund. Stock up on bows for your own little girls or gather them for gifts!

Holbrook Bake Sale

For all of our readers in Holbrook, AZ and neighboring areas, there is a fundraiser bake sale for HOPE for Ari being held this Saturday at 8 AM (until sold out) in front of Safeway. Please contact Twyla Taylor (928)241-1075 for more information. Little girls from the Sunday School primary class are putting it on. 100% of proceeds go directly to help get Ari stem cell therapy. Please go and take with you your kiddies and your appetites!

BAKE SALE PROCEEDS: $900!!!
Wow! Thank you to all who participated & donated!

Grocery Certificate Update

There's been some changes with the grocery certificate program. We just sent this letter out to everyone who purchased a certificate from us along with a replacement certificate and an FAQ page. Thank you for your understanding :)

Dear HOPE for Ari donor:

Jake and I would like to express our sincerest thanks for your support in our efforts to raise funds in order to obtain Stem Cell Therapy for Ariana. We are fortunate to have such caring people as friends and are very appreciative for your generosity to our cause.

As some of you may already know, the fulfillment company for the grocery vouchers that you have purchased from HOPE for Ari, BBZ Resource Management has filed for a Chapter 11 bankruptcy. In the wake of this unfortunate circumstance, a large number of businesses and charities that were using these vouchers for marketing and fundraising have been faced with the difficult situation of how to rectify the situation with their customers and or donors.

HOPE for Ari has been able to secure replacement grocery vouches for our donors through a much more established and financially solvent company, My Free Travel/Kidz Idz Joint Venture, 645 N Michigan Ave Ste 800 Chicago, IL 60611-2890. This company has committed to honoring every certificate purchased. My Free Travel has been in business since 1987 and carries an “A” rating with the Better Business Bureau. The redemptions will be fulfilled as promised, and grocery certificate fundraising sales will continue as well.

Enclosed you will find a replacement grocery voucher in the same amount as your previous voucher. If for any reason you would like a refund for your donation, simply return the enclosed voucher to HOPE for Ari, 2783 E Lantana Dr, Chandler AZ 85286 and we will return your payment within 10 (ten) business days.

We are sorry for any inconvenience that this may have caused, and we thank you for your understanding and continued support.

Sincerely,

Elisa & Jacob
Taylor

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I register?

From the first page of our website, there is a link to register your certificate. You must have a password or valid serial number to register. Click that link and follow the instructions. When finished, you will be able to print a registration form that must be signed and sent in with the registration fee, if required by that program. You will then receive your monthly coupons immediately online so that you can print them immediately, but the coupons will not be usable until the following month after registration as long as your registration form has been received. If you do not print out your Registration Validation Form and/or your monthly coupons, you will only have 72 hours to come back and print them out or you will be disqualified.

What happens if I don't spend $100 on groceries during a calendar month?

The program requires that you submit all grocery receipts each calendar month and therefore you cannot combine 2 months of receipts to submit them as one. You must spend $100 on groceries per month. You must spend the minimum amount required per month in food and not alcoholic beverages.

Why can't I change the brand of groceries I chose when I register?

Simply because this is a consumer loyalty program. It's just like you choosing a grocery store because their customer loyalty cards give you great discounts. Choosing one specific brand for the redemption period will allow us to provide you with a Visa Gift Card.
What happens if the brand of groceries I want to use is NOT on your list?

Then simply choose "Other" and type the brand in the box below that question.

Can the $100 worth of receipts include other things I buy at the store besides groceries?

Yes. You may purchase other items at the grocery retailer but each receipt must contain at least 50% in food items. Receipts submitted with less than 50% in food items will be invalid.
If I get two certificates can I activate them both at the same time and get a multiple Visa Gift Card?

No. We can only issue ONE Visa gift card per household during the same redemption period.

How can I take advantage of the two certificates I received?

You may only use one Grocery Rebate per household per twelve month period.

Can I buy more grocery certificates directly from you?

No, you cannot BUY a grocery certificate. They are not meant to be sold to consumers. They can only be used as gifts or giveaways from a business or organization. To get more grocery certificates try asking the business or organization you got your first one from to offer a new promotion using them again.

Do the receipts have to be mailed in by a certain date? Before the end of the month, or before the end of the next month?

When mailing monthly coupons and receipts, the “Due Date” for which the envelope containing the submission must be postmarked, is the last day of the month or earlier. You will be provided with a 15-day grace period from the last day of the month to make certain your submission is mailed and postmarked. All submissions postmarked after the 15th day of the following month shall be invalid. This 15-day grace period is being provided as a courtesy to help you submit your receipts in a timely fashion.

What if I have more than $100 per month? Lets say I spend twice the minimum, will I double my rebate?

No. We can only issue ONE grocery rebate for per household during the same redemption period.

Where do I mail my coupons and receipts?

Please mail your receipts and coupons for the same month to:
Rebate Redemption
2531 Division Street - Suite 105
Joliet, IL 60435

I registered online where do I pay the registration fee?

You must fill out your Registration Form online then you will be asked to print it along with your monthly coupons. You must mail in your Registration Form and refundable registration fee (if applicable) within 5 days of registering online. If you are sending in your certificate and cannot redeem online, there will be a $4.50 in US Funds ($8 in Canadian Funds) shipping and handling fee, non refundable, in addition to any other registration fee.

What if I make a mistake in my monthly coupons?

You will be able to make one mistake with a chance to fix it before you are disqualified from this offer.

When do I have to register my certificate?

Once you enter your password at www.ClaimYourVisaCards.com you will have 30 days to complete your registration form. All registration forms that are not completed within 30 days will be disqualified. Your certificate must be used by the expiration date stated. If sent after the expiration date, your certificate will become invalid. You will have seven days to submit your registration on www.claimyourvisacards.com from the time you received your certificate. If done after, your certificate will be disqualified.

I registered online, do I need to send in my certificate?

Yes, you must send in a copy of your signed Registration Form along with your registration fee, if required under the program, along with a copy of a valid state issued ID or Drivers License within five days of completing your online registration. Your ID must match the name and address listed on your Registration Form. Your mail must be postmarked to reflect this. Registration Validation Forms postmarked after this five-day period or without the registration fee will be disqualified. Any disqualified customers who submit a registration fee, will have their fee returned. If no fee was included, the registration will not be honored or acknowledged.

How do I contact customer service?

Our customer service is handled online through our contact page or at Rebates@myfreetravel.com. If you need to send us mail, please address it to: Rebate Redemption Customer Service, 2531 Division Street, Joliet, IL 60435 or you may call us at 815-741-3900 between 10a – 5p CST, Monday through Friday.

Help Ari by Being a Fan of Kokopelli Suites on Facebook

A very dear friend of ours who is the owner of Kokopelli Suites hotel in Sedona, AZ has volunteered to donate $1 for every Facebook fan Kokopelli Suites gains over the next two weeks. It COSTS NOTHING to become a fan! Here is the link:
http://www.facebook.com/s.php?init=q&q=kokopelli+suites&ref=ts&sid=84d473b8376ad956a38e7222be8fc554#/pages/Sedona-AZ/Kokopelli-Suites/87401954075?ref=s
Remember, every fan equals $1 for Ariana's therapy, but only for the next two weeks! Please tell all your facebook contacts about it! Ari stands to gain so much for just the tinest effort on your part!

While you're at it, join HOPE for Ari's group on Facebook to keep up with new fundraising updates: http://www.facebook.com/album.php?aid=2510706&id=10036643&saved#/group.php?gid=58285243401
Kokopelli Suites is a gorgeous place to stay in Sedona, AZ! They are wanting to grow their facebook presence, and help Ari in the process which is awesome! Fan them and help Ari at the same time!

Selling Baby Items

I'm selling a few baby items (2 swings & 2 bouncers). All proceeds go to HOPE for Ari. Here are the listings on Craigslist. Feel free to contact me directly too at ElisamTaylor@hotmail.com.
http://phoenix.craigslist.org/evl/bab/1247683882.html - SOLD
http://phoenix.craigslist.org/evl/bab/1247692074.html
http://phoenix.craigslist.org/evl/bab/1247705413.html
http://phoenix.craigslist.org/evl/bab/1247725137.html