Jayne volunteers with CPSP

Technical writing jobs are still coming through from UK for Jayne but, let's face it, writing on-farm guides for salmonella control on UK pig farms can only give a girl so much satisfaction! Our green cards are still in process so working for a US employer remains off the cards... so more volunteer work it is, for now.

Since the winter ski season with VASS is well and truly over (70-80F today!), and their summer sailing program not yet begun, Jayne's attentions have turned elsewhere, namely to the Cancer Patient Support Program of Vermont (see CPSP link on the right).


So, why and how am I getting involved with CPSP?

It turns out that Nancy, our realtor, is on the board for CPSP and is also chair of 'Evening Song' which is their biggest annual fundraiser. In only 8 years of being they've raised over $1million to provide supportive and rehabilitative services to cancer patients and their families in the Burlington, Vermont area.

Knowing about the work I already do with VASS she asked if I'd like to get involved with this years Evening Song event - a huge and swanky Masquerade Ball! Of course I jumped at the chance. I'm not one to turn down the opportunity to help organise a top notch glitzy do, with the added bonus of doing it for such a great cause :)

Sadly it's too true these days that it's a case of when rather than if we all get touched by cancer. Adam and I already know too many people who've had to cope with cancer themselves or with seeing a loved one battle cancer. It's hard and it's unpleasant and it seemingly is unavoidable one way or another. This is why I think groups like CPSP are so invaluable and why I’m so keen to help them reach their goals, and to have fun doing it.

The theme for last year's ball. This year it's a Venetian Masquerade Ball.

Anyway, my first meeting with the group was last night and, I must say, it was ever so slightly Desperate Housewives... you know the red-haired one who's immaculately dressed, stunningly styled and perfectly manicured at all times... Well, you can tell I fit right in! I wish I'd cleaned up my flip-flops... At least I'd 'touched up' my pink toenails before I dashed out of the house, late as usual!

All joking aside, they are a lovely bunch of ladies and with such great intentions and ideas. CPSP is a completely professional and very well organised group, and this year’s ball is certainly shaping up to be one heck of an event so I’m pleased to be involved and making new contacts and friends.

My first job is to solicit underwriting for the ball from businesses in downtown Burlington. I’ve never had any sales training so I hope I do a good job! Maybe the British accent will help...