The Princess' Guide: When Spring Break Hands You Lemons...

... Make Lemonade!!!

You know, there really isn't anything cuter than a bunch of kids selling lemonade. And what better time than Spring Break for them to set up a Lemonade Stand?

We're pretty much the only family in our neighborhood that didn't head out of town for the Break, and our girls are going nuts. They ask that much-anticipated "What can I do?" question at least every 10 minutes.

I'm thinking we need an afternoon Lemonade Stand.

This is one of the easiest fundraisers you'll ever do -- and it doesn't have to be confined to out in front of your house. Last fall, Team Tiara did a series of Lemonade Stands out at our soccer fields during the season. They weren't huge money-makers, but they did bring in about $150 a pop. That's $150 more than we would have had if we hadn't done them....

And a Lemonade Stand can really be as much or as little as you want it to be. You can branch out and serve baked goods or T-shirts. You can keep it just lemonade. We had a little pail of those dum-dums suckers for the kids to take. AND of course, we served PINK Lemonade!!!

Signage is VERY important! You want people to know you're raising funds for Komen and that additional donations are accepted. You want them to know what you're doing and that they can help!

And it's a great way to give your kiddos something productive to do!

The Clincher? You don't have to be a 3-Day walker to have a Lemonade Stand! Whoever you are, wherever you are, your kids can do a Lemonade Stand and donate the proceeds to the Susan G. Komen 3-Day for the Cure. What a great way to teach your kids about responsibility and making a difference in this world!!!

The Princess' Guide: Spring Break Fundraising

I don't get it.

When you talk to people about the 3-Day, it's not the walking that concerns them. It's not sleeping in a pink tent. Or the rumor that someone once peed in the shower stall next to my friend Karen. (YIKES!) It's the fundraising... And I just don't get that.

It really is difficult for me to grasp the fact that there are some of ya'll out there who work really, really hard at fundrasing -- and have no luck at all. I really do try to get that, but I don't....

You see, I'm blessed with an INCREDIBLE support system -- a bajillion people out there who loved my Momma and who love me and who give the best they can. So I try to think of what I would do if I didn't have that support system.

This is what I know. I'd work my tail off to raise the money to do this walk. I would. And I wouldn't let fear or anything stop me. And in that mode, I'm going to try to funnel some ideas your way - ideas for things that are proven to work. Ideas for things that might work. Just ideas.

So... It's Spring Break in Texas -- for the vast majority of us, at least. My kids are already driving me nuts, and I'm guessing yours are as well. But hey! This is your opportunity to do a little Spring Break Fundraising!

While the vast majority of our neighborhood (it seems) are at Fairfield East, AKA Disney World, there are still quite a few ankle biters running around and driving their Mommas nuts.

I'm thinking you could volunteer to take those kiddos off your friends' hands for a donation. This wouldn't be your ordinary "come over and play date" -- you've got to make it worthwhile. Charge $15 a kid and have them over for about five hours or so.

Do crafts. Play games. Have fun. Check out http://familyfun.go.com/ for ideas. I'd gladly pay $30 (for the two Bigglets) to have five hours of peace this week. And I'm thinking I'm not the only one.

So there you go.... Your fundraising idea for today! Let me know how it goes!

The Princess Guide: Child Labor Laws Do Not Apply

Great News! Child Labor Laws do not apply to 3-Day Fundraising!!

Seriously, involving your children in your fundraising has so many benefits. It doesn't have to be anything huge -- whether it's applying stamps to fundraising letters or working at a lemonade stand, your children will love playing a role.

And when you explain that what you're doing is for them, it'll be even better.

Our girls can talk 3-Day like no one's business. When they see a pink ribbon, to them it's not just about breast cancer -- it's about the 3-Day. They've been known to tell people I'm finding a cure for breast cancer. (Like I could do it alone.) They love to be involved -- whatever the tasks.

A large number of Team Tiara's walkers live right here in our neighborhood. When you get that kind of concentration, you start to see a more involved experience for your kids -- and their friends. Our school has gotten into the act. We have "Pink" days where the teachers pay to wear jeans and pink T-shirts. The kids wear pink T-shirts. Many of the students have written letters of encouragement or made cards for our team members. It really is cool to see the involvement that we have as a community.

No one will be as proud of you as your kids are. They are your greatest champions.

But even more than that, think of the lessons you're teaching them. You're teaching them that it's not enough to just stand by and let something like breast cancer run amok. You're teaching them to take a stand and make a difference. To put one foot in front of the other, even on the days you don't really want to. You're teaching them to talk to people, to share their passion. You're teaching your children to bring about change -- that one person can truly make a difference.

And the world will be better for it. Especially when it's a world without breast cancer.

Oh My....

We went to see Brad Paisley last night at the Rodeo. Well, we only got to see him sing three songs. He came on so late we had to get the girls home.... Sometimes being a responsible parent isn't nearly as much fun....

BUT... The three goobers certainly had a good time.

And Brad P. was pretty cool -- for what we saw....

And my little Redneck Girls got to chow on Turkey Legs as big as they are...

I'd say it was a success!!!

Thanks, Wendy!!!

The Princess Guide: The Bucket List

How cool is that? Anthony put it together. He's our Lone Ranger this year -- so far the only guy on Team Tiara. It's a 62-1 ratio, so he's not too sad. And while we're on the topic of buckets, here's my fundraising tip for today....
(Please don't proceed unless you've done #1 and #2 from yesterday's post....)

So.... Let's talk about Canning. This is a great way to do some fundraising throughout your year without a big, huge time commitment. You can decorate cans -- whatever size you want -- and display them at neighborhood businesses.

Now here's the cool part.... Too often we get caught up in the Fundraising side of the 3-Day and forget that we have a BIG role to play on the awareness side. These little cans can help with that -- particularly if they are accompanied with a little literature about Breast Cancer. You can find all sorts of literature to order on the Komen website. Or just print out the list of breast cancer facts from the 3-Day Toolkit, laminate it, and put it with your can!

The best part of this? You get to get all creative with the scrapbook supplies and stickers!!!

The Princess Guide: Tell Us What We Want to Know....

So what's cool this week in D'Lyn-Land? Well... I think my blog readership has jumped from four to six. How cool is that??

Seriously, I know some of you are thinking I'd better start talking Fundraising. Like Now.

You have to understand... Way back when I started this crazy path, I quickly figured out that the more people who walked the walk, the more money we would raise. That on my own I couldn't raise nearly what a big team would raise.

And I was right.

So for the last couple of weeks, as the clock ticked down on that Registration Discount that the 3-Day was offering, I had tunnel vision. It was all about getting as many people to walk with us as I could. And it still is.

BUT... I know you're getting restless and a bit nervous, and I'd like to ask you to repeat after me.

It's. Still. Early.

I know that for some of you it's not nearly as early as it is for me. But let me tell you.... If you're walking in Dallas, November is still a long ways away. And you'd be amazed at how much money comes in in those last 30 days before the walk.

But I know that when you've got that $2300 hanging over you, it doesn't matter how much time you've got. Especially if this is your first rodeo.

For today, I'm going to give you two tasks. Just two. No whining about fundraising until you've done these two tasks. I mean it. I'm immune to whining.

1. Design your Participant Center. By "design," I mean make it yours. Add a picture that's YOURS -- not the stock photo. Add your story. Why you're walking. A scripture.

Remember, this is your way to "talk" to your sponsors -- some of whom you've never even met. They're the people that play bridge with your Aunt Bertha. They're the guys that meet your Uncle Fred for coffee every morning at the Dairy Queen. And that family of yours? They are so darn proud of what you're doing, they can't stop talking about it. They're spreading the word. So please give those people something to read when they land on your page.

2. Write your fundraising letter. Then send it. I send mine via snail mail and get a great result. I know a lot of people that do theirs via email. It doesn't matter how you do it -- just do it. If you don't ask these people to sponsor you, how do you expect them to know you need it? If you don't share the magnitude of this challenge, how can you expect them to donate more than $5??

This is KEY to fundraising. You can't just sit in the middle of your cul-de-sac in your chair with your beverage of choice and tell your six neighbors that you're walking in this walk-thingy. You've go to get out there, let people know what you're doing and then ASK them to help.

And I'm telling you... You will get out of this exactly what you put into it. If you send that letter to six people, at best you'll get donations from six people. If you send that letter to 350 people, your odds are looking a whole lot brighter.

Yep. I said 350. It's crazy, I know. But you've got to send that letter to everyone you've ever met. Co-workers, former co-workers, college buddies, high school buddies, kindergarten buddies, fishing buddies, teammates, your kids' teammates' parents, your family, your cousin Elmo, the lady at your dry cleaners, your entire Christmas list, your Momma's entire Christmas list..... Do you want me to continue??

Okay. I won't. But I think you get the point.

Since I love all six of you so much, I'm going to do you a big favor. If you'll read on, you'll see a fundraising letter extraordinaire, courtesy of me. Feel free to edit it as needed to make it your own -- and yes, you''ll have to do that yourself. Your story isn't my story. You've got your own. Be proud of it.

And good luck. I'm rooting for you!!!

March 10, 2010

Dear Friends,

You’re probably wondering what on earth would make me search high and low for contact information for anyone and everyone I could think of – even people I haven’t heard from in years.

Well…. Six years ago, my Mom was diagnosed with breast cancer. She chose to live and fought it bravely. After a double mastectomy, she was cancer-free.

In October 2006, a friend and I walked in the Komen for the Cure’s DFW Breast Cancer 3-Day in honor of my Mom. It was an incredible experience. Mom was so flattered that we would walk 60 miles for her.

That’s right. Sixty Miles. In three days. Yeah, me. (You can quit laughing now.) I immediately signed up to walk again in 2007 as a way to support my Mom in her ongoing struggles with her health. You see, even though she had beat breast cancer, it was continuing to affect her life. Her kidneys were failing, and she needed a transplant. But because of the breast cancer she had battled, she wouldn’t be able to get one for at least 3-4 more years.

My Mom didn’t give up. She had determination and courage that were nothing short of amazing.

In the meantime, Biggs was transferred to Houston. We moved here June 16, 2007. Four days later, Mom was diagnosed with a tumor at the base of her skull. God, in his infinite wisdom, had brought us to Houston just in time for her arrival at MD Anderson. The next month was a blur of hospital stays and tests. She passed away July 21. She was only 61.

That October, walking the 3-Day was much different than in 2006. I felt like I had the weight of the world on my shoulders. But 13 precious friends joined me, held my hand and cried with me. I know Mom was walking with me as well – I walked each and every one of the 60 miles and didn’t get a single blister.

In a surprising twist, I was one of 17 walkers flown to L.A. the next weekend to shoot the print, radio and TV ads for the 2008 3-Day series. Believe me, “We want you to fly to L.A. to shoot a TV commercial,” were words I never expected to hear. But I’m so glad I did. The men and women we worked with in L.A. were such a gift. We continue to be featured in commercials, ads, promotional video and literature that are distributed nation-wide.

Our team, now known as Team Tiara, continues to walk this walk and fight this battle. To date, we have raised almost $300,000. But we're not done. We're going to walk this walk until that magical year when this becomes a celebration - the year we find a CURE for breast cancer. This year, we'll be walking in Dallas on November 5-7. As we continue to lose dear friends and family members, and ache with others just being diagnosed, I am more determined than ever to help find a cure before Abbie and Kaitlyn are old enough to know what a mammogram is. I’m reaching out to absolutely everyone I can think of.

Would you like to know how you can help?

You can walk with Team Tiara – This year our goal is to have 100 walkers on our team. With that many walkers, we can raise the $250,000 needed to reach the cumulative $500,000 mark - in this all-important FIFTH year of walking. Wouldn’t that be cool? As a walker, you will be introduced to many “firsts.” You’ll sleep in a pink tent, take showers in a converted semi trailer, dine on peanut butter and jelly sandwiches and become an expert on blister care. You will laugh at the kind of jokes only breast cancer survivors can come up with. You’ll cry over people’s stories and share your own. And in the process you’ll help raise millions of dollars for breast cancer research and education. You can check out our donation website at www.the3day.org/goto/teamtiara. To join our team, click on the button that says, "Join Team."

You can crew with Team Tiara – It takes about 500 crew members to make sure everything runs smoothly. There are people to make sure you get across the street okay (when you’re that tired, sometimes you forget to look both ways!), there are volunteers that serve all the meals, and there are even a couple of guys that dress up like fairies to send you on your way in the morning. Crazy! To crew with our team, follow the same directions above.

You can donate to Team Tiara -- Without you, we wouldn’t be able to do what we do. The money you donate goes directly to research, education, awareness and services…. You can donate online at www.the3day.org/goto/formymom. You can donate by phone – just call 1-800-996-3329. My walker ID number is 1434066. If you prefer to donate by check, you can make it out to “Breast Cancer 3-Day” and send it to me at the address below. I will attach one of the donation slips and send it to the 3-Day bank! And of course, all donations are tax-deductible.

Now.... I’d be remiss if I touched base with you and didn’t remind to “check your chi-chi’s” and make sure the women in your life get regular mammograms! Breast cancer knows no age or gender boundaries. You are your best defense!

Many Blessings,


D’Lyn (Lloyd) Biggs

Cookbook & Calendar Order Form!!

Here is a copy of our Cookbook & Calendar Order Form!!! Just click on the picture, then print it out, fill it in, and send it on its way!!!

Princess Guide: It's ALL About the Clothes!!!

Whoo-Hoo!!!

It's time to order our 2010 Team Tiara T-shirts!!! I THINK you can pull this "picture" of our order form up, print it out, fill it in, and send it on its way! If that doesn't work, shoot me an email to dlyn (at) teamtiara.net and I'll send it all to you as an attachment!

Please note: You do not have to be a member of Team Tiara or live in Houston to get the T-shirts!!! We'd love to have everyone we know running around in one of our shirts! $5 in postage will get it to your door -- wherever that is.

Thanks!
- d.

When Boobs and Trains Collide...

Team Tiara was given a unique challenge this morning....

If we have 100 walkers on our team for 2010, my friend Kevin will paint a locomotive pink. That's right. A Big, Bad Train Engine. Bright Pink! AND he'll paint some catchy slogan on the side!!!

How cool is that? Do you have any idea what a HUGE thing this is?? Can you imagine the publicity it would get? Can you imagine the impression that Big, Pink Train will make as it cruises the country??

This is an opportunity we can't pass up. Just as we can't step aside as breast cancer picks off our loved ones, one at a time, we can't pass up this opportunity to get THIS kind of exposure for the CURE.

As of this very second, this very moment, Team Tiara has 59 walkers registered for 2010. That means we need 41 more walkers. Don't you want to join us???

If you register today, and enter the discount code "RESOLVE" you'll save $25 on your registration.

Please help us get this Train for the CURE up and moving!!!

Princess' Guide: What's Up With The $2300????

You know, on Team Tiara we have implemented a No Drama rule.

We'd implement a No Whining rule, too, but then I'd have to abide with it.

I really hate to ask the team to do something I wouldn't do. What kind of leader would that make me???

Seriously, though, there tends to be a bit of whinage from time to time about having to raise $2300.

I'm thinking I'm just going to jump on out there and share my thoughts on the matter.

I think the $2300 fundraising minimum ROCKS.

That's right. I think it is way too cool that you have to raise $2300 to walk in this walk.

You see, if anyone could do it, everyone could do it. If it didn't require as much of a commitment, everyone would want to do it. And there wouldn't be enough room for enough tents. And friends like my buddy Dione, who always waits to register at the last minute, and drives me nuts in the process, wouldn't get to walk.

Everyone would do it.

Everyone but me.

I think of this as the X-Games of fundraising. If I could be an Olympic snowboarder, I'd do that in a heartbeat.; but unfortunately when God made me, he left the athlete gene on the drawing board. Really. I mean it.

I will never be an X-Games athlete, but the 3-Day gives me something just as good. It gives me a challenge and a goal and so very much more.

It's not enough for me to do Race for the Cure -- to just show up and walk my 5K or whatever.

Nope. I'm going for the Gusto. Give me a challenge. 60 miles in three days. A bucketful of money to raise. I'm off to the races.

I LOVE this challenge. I LOVE seeing friends reach that goal -- when they never thought they could do it. I LOVE crossing that finish line knowing that I've done absolutely everything in my power to Stomp the Hell Outta Breast Cancer.

I think Race for the Cure ROCKS. But the sad fact of the matter is, people generally live up -- or down -- to our expectations. If you're not going to require people to raise money in order to participate, many won't. If you tell them they have to raise $2300, many will do that and then take a break.

The true champions in my book are the people who raise that money for the Race -- even though they don't "have" to. The people who go above and beyond that $2300 even though they don't "have" to.

I'm hoping you'll join us on the walk this year, and become one of those true champions. And you know what?? You can save $25 off your registration through March 9. Don't make me come over there and taunt you with a Reeese's Peanut Butter Egg until you register. Just get on board now!!! www.the3day.org/goto/teamtiara. Click on Join Team and take it from there. Add "RESOLVE" as the discount code, and you'll save 25 Smackeroos.

That $25 would make a great first donation, so you don't have to look at a Goose Egg on your fundraising page. Or, you could take me to lunch at Newk's. It's your call!

We're Teaming up with SLAH to find a CURE!!!

Team Tiara is teaming up with Cheline, Southern Living Consultant Extaordinaire, to raise money for the CURE!!!

100% of Cheline's profits will be donated to Team Tiara!!!

If you want to come to the "Girl Time without Kids" party, here is the info:

You are cordially invited to an Open House FUNDRAISER!

Hosted by: Karen Suomela and Stephanie Cook

100% of profits from sales go towards our fight!

HOW YOU CAN HELP?

Order Online and/or COME TO OUR OPEN HOUSE~prizes given-see below

EVEN GUYS CAN ORDER from our catalog with

OUR NEW MAGAZINES-

Golf Magazine AND Sports Illustrated

(see page 81 on our flip catalog -website listed below)

or items for the women in their lives of courseJ

Where? Karen Suomela’s house- 22034 Summer Shower Ct., Cypress TX 77433
Phone 281-373-3946 cell 832-752-7581

When? Friday, March 26th 4:00-10PM

Why? To support Team Tiara Breast Cancer Team fundraising efforts

How? Collect orders, bring friends, wear pink, check out the Southern Living at HOME’s new Spring catalog and have fun!

Our goal is to hit 2K in sales for a $500 donation-we hope to beat that goal -we need your help!


Drawings for coming to the open house! Earn tickets for:

Bringing friends to Karen’s house not on invite-2 tickets per friend

Collecting orders (sorry, top three in sales not eligible)-2 tickets per $50 of sales

Filling out customer care cards at party-2 tickets

Booking your own home show-5 tickets

*Prizes for drawings (3)are a secret*

but I promise you will NOT be disappointed

Together we can help find a cure


Check out these details for instructions on how YOU can shop online!

Here are the steps to order online:

1. go to www.southernlivingathome.com/cheline

2. Click on “our products” on the left hand side of the home page

3. This will direct you to the online flip catalog

4. Browse the catalog by clicking on the large blue circle that says “browse our latest catalog” and find what you would like to order-write the name and number down of the product

5. click on “how to purchase”

6. Under the “how to order online”enter Team as first name and search-Team Tiara will then show up in orange-click on it

7. enter the search word of the item you are wanting ex. Ramekins and the two types will show up, choose the ones you want, enter the item number and proceed to checkout.

Credit cards can be taken online and orders can be shipped directly to those who order! Make sure to hit the direct shipping button at checkout.

Should anyone have questions or want to just email me what they want and their credit card info, she can do that as well. Simply email me at chelineboston@ comcast.net.

Thank you for spreading the word on this fundraiser. We need all of you to gather orders to make this a success! J Let’s hit 2K in sales for our $500 donation goal! Whoo Hoo!