Shelby Madden

Exploring my limits with a bike and big (potentially dumb) ideas!

Thank God I'm Size Nothing

...or I'd have nothing to auction off! When I got home from work on Thursday, I was greeted with a large box from ZOOT. It felt like Christmas even though I knew I didn't get to keep any of the presents. My friend Haley is sponsored by them so she put me in touch with her team manager, Jake Jansen, for some possible auction items. Jake asked what I was looking for with a, "...would you like a wetsuit, a backpack, or some piece of ZOOT product?" My answer, "...all of the above or whatever you can manage without losing your job!" Based on his response, I'm answering that way from now on. Why limit oneself when there are sweet Jakes in the world with secret heart wishes to play Santa Clause?!

Holy cow, did Jake deliver. Inside the Thursday box I found one of these...

Zoot Women's Zenith 2
and I think what looks like two of these...

Women's Flash Wetsuits
(Only one in black and I think one in blue-I didn't want to mess them up yet!)

And then there are of course some cute T-shirts, an Ultra Sport Top and a super cute pair of shoes that I think were actually intended for me but unfortunately, Jake, they're too stinkin' big so on the auction block they go! I really appreciate the thought, though. I love ZOOT products and I hate that they're too big for me. It's not a problem with their sizing, there's just no money in making one of everything; I get it. It's a bit of a bummer not to be able to wear more of their fabulous stuff but it probably saves me a lot of cash in the long run!

Since "Big Box Thursday," I've been getting several other offers for auction and raffle items. Friends are offering creative gift baskets, coaching (from Rachel, swim coach extraordinaire, Brian of Triathlon Lifestyle Coaching, and Lisa Jennings of VeloBetty), embroidery work by Sew MI, hair renovations (my words!) from Pixie Salon, GU and Timex products and all kinds of other fun stuff! It's just cool to watch it all unfold. Just now I received an email from Geoff Peterson, an award winning photographer who also happens to be my best friend's dad. He is donating a beautifully framed copy of this photograph, "Taking Root," one of my favorites as he will tell you it's about life, challenges and success. I see that. It's gorgeous and I'm honored he chose to donate it.

Along with the fantastic auction items that are beginning to come in, many people have been able to donate money toward my goal. I have to admit I'm amazed at the generosity, floored really, and if I'm being honest, completely addicted to the "thermometer." Anyone who has done any fundraising knows what I'm talking about; it's genius, really. Everyone, including the contributors want to see that thing go up so we make it go up. I've been on both sides and feel eternally grateful for those individuals that have been helping my thermometer, "go up."

Lately, I've been busy planning an opening fundraiser at Cantina Mayahuel on February 20th. Interested readers, please send me an email at shelby4CAF@gmail.com and I'll definitely send you details. I promise to have some great raffle items at the "Tour de Tequila," but you'll have to mark your calendars for April 17th for a chance to win some of the above mentioned items in a silent auction. You'll get to meet my parents too (that mention should COMPLETELY stress them out, ha!) I'm hopeful I'll be seeing your mug at at least one of these events! Until then, thanks everyone for your continued support; I couldn't do any of this without you. Collectively, you're like one giant squirrel!


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