CJ the DJ’s Bluegrass (Mostly) Boogaloo

 A full day of music at Ashland Coffee and Tea. 

July 20th, 2013

Tickets are $20 per person.

Featured acts include

Cary St. Ramblers

Wilkinson Family Band

Taters

East of Afton

and

Mark Newton & Company

Get more information on the website 

And don’t miss the Wine Down at the Wine Loft on July 10, 2013 to raise funds for CJSTUF!

Thanks to Medarva at Stony Point Surgery Center for sponsoring this amazing tribute to Richmond moms.

Prizes include over $3,000 of great local swag including a celebration for Michelle and her friends at Brio Tuscan Grill at Stony Point Fashion Park on May 8th, 2013 at 6:00-7:30pm.

• We’ve made a donation to CJStuf.Org for every nomination! They grant $500 gifts to families suffering with illness in memory of Charlotte Reynolds who passed away at the tender age of four. Read more about Charlotte from her mom, Rachel Reynolds.
• Shannon Milligan of Keller Williams Realty matched our donations to CJ’s Thumbs Up Foundation = $500 total donation. One family will receive help because of your involvement.

 ______________

Prizes are subject to change with many thanks to our generous sponsors, and Michelle will receive: 

Don’t miss Wine Down this week at the Wine Loft to benefit Children’s Heart Foundation.

Check out our contests for tickets to LEGO Kidsfest, Yo Gabba Gabb, Richmond Kids Expo & Babies Too, and the Ringling Brothers Circus!

ALWAYS check dates, times and locations of events as they may change after posting here.

Don’t forget to check your Richmondmom.com Savvy Saver card for great savings at many local events and activities for kids and adults. Don’t have a card? No worries – download a copy here!

Ongoing

Through March 10

No Two Alike: Snow Crystal Microphotography. Explore the work of physicist Kenneth G. Libbrecht which captures intricate details of snow crystals. Peruse snow facts find out the answer to the question “Is it true that no two snowflakes alike?” Included with exhibit admission.

Through April 30

Born to be Wild at IMAX Dome. Born to be Wild is an inspiring story of love, dedication and the remarkable bond between humans and animals. This film documents orphaned orangutans and elephants and the extraordinary people who rescue and raise them — saving endangered species one life at a time.$9 general admission, $5 for members. Showing through April 30.

February 9 – May 12, 2013

Raise the Roof at the Science Museum of Virginia. If walls could talk, what would they say? Explore buildings and structures in a new light as you discover the stories behind the structures through a variety of interactive experiences. Included with exhibit admission.

Through Monday June 3

They Call it Stormy Weather: How Artists See the Weather and the Seasons. Explore artists’ depictions of weather from thunderstorms on powerful, wild seas to sunny skies above spring fields. The photographic reproductions are on loan from the Virginia Museum of Fine Arts. Included with exhibit admission.

February 19-24, 2013

Mary Poppins at the Landmark Theatre.

Events This Week

Monday, February 4

Silver Diner at CMoR Central.

Tuesday February 5

Enter now! Last day to enter our contest to win tickets to LEGO KidsFest.

Club Mom at Chesterfield Towne Center. Entertainment by the Taters. Join us for educational games and activities at Club Mom each month sponsored by Bon Secours Childrens Services and Richmond Family Magazine. Club Mom occurs the first Tuesday of each month in our food court from 9 to 11 am and features great entertainment, fun giveaways for the adults and free breakfast for children 12 years or younger.

Garden Explorations for Families- Birds in Winter. Lewis Ginter Botanical Gardens.  Children (all ages) with accompanying adult. Enjoy story time and a fun-filled adventure while exploring different areas of the Garden. We observe our surroundings using a variety of hands-on activities and take-home treasures.

Little Kids; Big Questions: Potty Training.  9:30am-10:30 am delivered by Commonwealth Parenting.

Trail Tales at CMoR at Short Pump. Join us for tales of different plants, animals, and other discoveries that can be made along the trail!

National Pancake Day at IHOP. IHOP hosts National Pancake Day again this year on Tuesday, February 5th, 2013. Guests receive a free short stack of pancakes, and are encouraged to leave a donation for charity.

Wednesday, February 6

Wine Down at the Wine Loft - The February Richmondmom.com Monthly Wine Down event is scheduled at The Wine Loft on Wednesday, February 6, 2013 to benefit the Children’s Heart Foundation Virginia Chapter. This month’s wine down event is sponsored by the three lovely ladies and owners of Gundlach Plumbing & Heating: Lorrie Gore, Betty Gregory, and Linda Stevens.

A Fresh Start – (Free) Designed to accept, support and empower single mothers in their daily lives. We welcome all single mothers and grandmothers raising grandchildren from our community to participate in this uniquely designed positive life advancing program.  Weekly meetings consist of dinner for mothers, grandmothers, and children, informational guest speaker and small group discussion time.  Contact Lorna Pope for more information and to sign up (804) 982-9278 or the church office at (804) 226-8007.

Special Night for Special Needs.  From 5:30-7:30 pm at the Children’s Museum – Central only.  The Children’s Museum of Richmond will open its doors for an evening especially for children 10 years old and younger who have special needs and their families. Enjoy museum exploration, adapted materials, special activities, and reduced number of visitors on this special night. Children will have access and learning opportunities, but most importantly they’ll have fun!  Admission is FREE thanks to Grafton Integrated Health Network.

Giving Up Control Without Giving It Away (Parents of children 5-12 years).  6:30pm-8:30pm.  Delivered by Commonwealth Parenting.

Thursday, February 7

Enter Now! Last day to win tickets to YO GABBA GABBA! LIVE!

Watercolor Workshops with Bright, Bold and Beautiful and Anthropologie  in celebration of Valentine’s Day.

CHIP’s Chocoholic is their largest fundraiser of the year, a unique experience with Chocolate fountains, wine tastings and more!

Chocoholic! Family Lifeline’s CHOCOHOLIC! is Central Virginia’s largest chocolate sampling event.Buy tickets today for an evening of sweets and treats from local chocolatiers, bake shops and other vendors! All proceeds benefit Family Lifeline.

Nature Hikes. The Chesterfield County Department of Parks and Recreation is offering three guided nature hikes along Virginia scenic trails. All fees include transportation from Rockwood Nature Center.  On Thursday, Feb. 7, 9 a.m.-1 p.m., join the state park interpreter and county naturalist for a moderate 2.5-mile hike that roams the rolling terrain of Swift Creek Lake. To register, call 804-748-1623.

Barnes & Noble Short Pump at 10:30 a.m. Join each Thursday for our Children’s Storytime. On the third Thursday of each month, we’ll have a special visit from Seymour and the Children’s Museum.

It’s in the Bag! The Legal Information Network for Cancer (LINC) is having its 7th annual live and silent handbag auction, It’s in the Bag, Thursday, February 7, 2013. In addition to the auction of designer and hand crafted purses, the event is to feature live music, Starr Hill Brewery beer tasting, signature cocktail, hors d’oeuvres, balloon pop raffle, the “man table”, and more! Registration available now: VIP 6:30-9:00 and General Admission 7:00-9:00 at www.cancerlinc.org. All proceeds to benefit LINC.

Friday, February 8

10^th Annual MAC Events Home & Garden Show coming to the Greater Richmond Convention Center beginning on Feb. 8 through the 10^th.

Classic Tales with Mother Goose. Join Mother Goose as she brings stories to life with audience participation and plush animal friends. This program is recommended for children aged 2-6 and their parents.

Kids Night Out at CRAVE-tini. CRAVE-tini offers a fun social experience on select Friday and Saturday nights from 7-10pm. Our Friday & Saturday Night Outs give kids & tweens a safe place to hang out, socialize, and have tons of fun in a spa party setting.

VCU Southern Film Festival. Exploring the theme of “southern freedom,” the festival will screen five films Feb. 8-9.

The Diggity Dudes.  Henrico Theatre at 7pm for all ages. The Diggity Dudes play hip music for hip kids and their equally hip parents. Interactive skits, audience participation and a lighthearted comedic twist are what make a Diggity Dudes show more than a show – it’s truly an experience. Ultimately, the Dudes are committed to helping kids experience the power and joy of a life enriched by music.  Call for reservations.

Mars Exploration Day. Explore the surface of Mars with NASA and test your skills at landing safely on the Red Planet. Enjoy engineering-related hands-on activities that showcase the Mars Science Laboratory and what NASA is learning from the Curiosity rover. Included with exhibit admission.

VSU Gospel Chorale Concert starting at 7pm. 130 member award-winning choral group that sings throughout the U.S.  Tickets available on line at stmarysrichmond.org or call(804)740-4044.

Camp In. Science Museum of Virginia -try your hand at designing and building structures, watch a giant-screen film in the IMAX®DOME and explore Museum exhibits after hours at this fun overnight. Pre-registration is required. $45 per child. For every four children, one adult chaperone is required and admitted for $20. Additional adults are $45. To make your reservation, contact us at 804.864.1400.

ARTisINRICHMOND. Part of the proceeds benefit non-profit organizations in the Richmond area.

Richmond Ballet – Swan Lake. Swan Lake defines the very art of ballet: the lush Tchaikovsky score, the moonlit images of impossible grace, the story of magic, mystery and transformation.

Saturday, February 9

CJ Thumbs Up Ball. The Thumbs Up Ball is a family-friendly dance featuring the Triple Scoop Band, Radio Disney, a silent auction, and live royalty for photo ops. A professional photographer will be present to take family portraits for donations to CJ’s Thumbs Up Foundation.

Kidz Connection and Camp Fair. A great way to check out 2013 Summer Camps, places for Richmond birthday parties and other events for kids. It’s at one of our favorite places–The Science Museum of Virginia–with some of our favorite people from Style Magazine. It’s from 12-3pm on Saturday, February 9th.

Family Festival Contest at Regency Square Mall. Family fun at Center Court: 12 – 2 p.m. Kids crafts; 12 – 2 p.m. Live entertainment provided by singer, Ge Factor. Enter to win a King Cake. Roaming balloon twists throughout the Mall. Enter the Family Festival Contest.

VCU Southern Film Festival. Exploring the theme of “southern freedom,” the festival will screen five films Feb. 8-9.

Wheel of Love. Free event at Lowe’s Build and Grow Program starts at 10am.  Valentine’s Day is right around the corner! Bring your child to Lowe’s and they can build this Wheel of Love!  Registration required..

Richmond Ballet – Swan Lake. Swan Lake defines the very art of ballet: the lush Tchaikovsky score, the moonlit images of impossible grace, the story of magic, mystery and transformation.

ARTisINRICHMOND. Part of the proceeds benefit non-profit organizations in the Richmond area.

10^th Annual MAC Events Home & Garden Show coming to the Greater Richmond Convention Center beginning on Feb. 8 through the 10^th.

Raise the Roof at the Science Museum of Virginia. If walls could talk, what would they say? Explore buildings and structures in a new light as you discover the stories behind the structures through a variety of interactive experiences. Included with exhibit admission.

Sweetheart Arts and Crafts Festival in Petersburg (Holiday Isle Resort and Marina). Between 40 – 50 Booths of Arts and Crafts 5,000 attendees expected. ** Estimated start time — Please confirm **.

Paint the Towne Red for CHD Awareness. Join Us on February 9^th, 8:30-10am to “Paint the Towne Red for CHD Awareness” at Chesterfield Towne Center. Mended Little Hearts of Central VA will host a 5k walk around the interior of the mall. Show your support for increased awareness by wearing as much RED as possible- head to toe to the walk.

The Love Tour at Maymont Mansion.

Upstairs/Downstairs. Maymont Honors Black History Month.  12:30pm.  Maymont Mansion.   Explore Maymont Mansion from the perspective of the employees who toiled behind the scenes to maintain a millionaire’s home in turn-of-the-twentieth-century Richmond.

Art Workshop at CMoR.  Students will look at the Cubist artists Pablo Picasso and George Braque and we will discuss what collage is and how we think we make collage or if anyone has done collage before. Collage is taking separate pieces of objects and combining them in to one.

Arena Racing USA at the Richmond Coliseum.

Richmond Boys Choir.  Performance at 1pm.  Children’s Museum – Central.  Enjoy a captivating performance as the Richmond Boys Choir showcases African history and culture through song in celebration of  Black History Month.  Event is free with museum admission.

Sunday, February 10

ARTisINRICHMOND. Part of the proceeds benefit non-profit organizations in the Richmond area.

Raise the Roof at the Science Museum of Virginia. If walls could talk, what would they say? Explore buildings and structures in a new light as you discover the stories behind the structures through a variety of interactive experiences. Included with exhibit admission.

Celebrating Engineering Ingenuity.  Noon-5pm at the Science Museum of Virginia.  Cheer on middle and high school students competing to successfully drop an egg 25 to 40 feet or build the strongest ice cream stick bridge. Meet college and career representatives. Sponsored by the Richmond Joint Engineer’s Council. Included with exhibit admission.

10^th Annual MAC Events Home & Garden Show coming to the Greater Richmond Convention Center beginning on Feb. 8 through the 10^th.

Richmond Ballet – Swan Lake. Swan Lake defines the very art of ballet: the lush Tchaikovsky score, the moonlit images of impossible grace, the story of magic, mystery and transformation.

The participating charities are listed below.

CJ’s Thumbs Up, from left to right: Lauren Coe, board member; Roger Reynolds, co-founder; Meredith Hayes, board member; Tom Checkosky, board member; Amy Garelick, board member; and Rachel Reynolds, co-founder.

CJ’s Thumbs Up – as the first place winner in our contest, CJSTUF was awarded a check for $1,500. Co-founders Roger and Rachel Reynolds, along with Board members, accepted the generous nTelos donation. “We’re excited that this money will go to help three families who have children battling childhood cancer,” commented Roger. After losing their precious little girl to childhood cancer, Rachel and Roger now dedicate themselves to helping find a cure for childhood cancer, and helping those battling the disease.

Jack & Abby Neonatal Foundation, from left to right: Stefanie Smith, executive director; Maude White, supporter; and Carrie Monger, supporter.

Jack & Abby Foundation – Stefanie White Smith and her mother accepted a $500 nTelos donation for their charity. Jack & Abby provides support and help for those families with babies in the NICU. “We will use this money to help families in many ways, and unfortunately that also includes help with funeral expenses. We are so excited to receive this much needed donation at this time when we are receiving more requests for help,” explained Stefanie.

Full Circle Grief Center, from left to right: Allyson Drake, executive director; and Jo-Ellen Constine, development officer.

Full Circle Grief Center – Allyson Drake accepted a $500 nTelos donation to help support children and families grieving the loss of loved ones. Allyson was elated as she explained, “This money will help us purchase almost all of the supplies needed for our schools in the education programs we provide to the children at schools. We are so excited and thankful to nTelos and Richmondmom.com for making it possible.”

Thanks nTelos Wireless!

Richmondmom.com is excited too! Partnering with nTelos on this giveaway was rewarding in so many ways. The generosity of nTelos will reach out into the community and provide support, help, caring, and encouragement for many families.

Congratulations to all of the charities represented and thanks for all who supported our social media campaign to spread the word about the importance and value of supporting local charities.

At Richmondmom.com, we know that ‘nTelos rocks’!

Thank you nTelos!

However, this was February 2010, only a month after their daughter, Charlotte, passed away from cancer. Yet they were still here hosting a gathering of families to celebrate a day of love. I always admired their fortitude or gratitude or caring or perhaps just that willingness to show up. When we arrived, I said hi and was introduced to Rachel as I had only met Roger in person. We didn’t talk much since they had many friends in attendance, and we had a preschooler and an infant to manage, but I was glad to see them and so many families surrounded by balloons and music and, of course, butterflies.

I’m pretty sure he didn’t steal that butterfly.

As these years gone on, our lives have crossed paths with the Reynolds here and there. I’ve reviewed Rachel’s book. Rachel has helped me out in personal ways that I can’t write about (who knew I had anything personal left?). I helped CJ’s Thumbs Up launch their brand new website (go check it out!).

However, I truly cherish the pictures from the first Thumbs Up Ball. I see my family as young and a little nervous to be bigger. I also see who will be. We were having such a tough year beyond just growing as family (sorry for the vague-blogging), but not so hard that we didn’t do for others. We helped and, eventually, let others help us.

Scott looks even rougher than me.

This year, I couldn’t wait to attend the Thumbs Up Ball, but sadly, we may not be in town because a good friend of mine has cancer. I may have to fly out to the West Coast to keep her company that weekend because that’s what we do. Not only my family. All of us. We don’t always realize it but in just showing up to our jobs and our families and our commitments and our lives, we are often there for others when they need to see a familiar face or realize they are not alone.

I hope your family is able to attend the ball on February 9 (register here). I also hope you are given a chance to help or be helped by someone in 2013. Those moments makes all the difference in who we are and who we will be.

A Family Dance and Silent Auction to benefit CJSTUF will be held at Shady Grove United Methodist Church (Short Pump) – located at 4825 Pouncey Tract Road, Glen Allen,VA 23059. The fun begins at 4:30 p.m. and continues until 7:00 p.m.

The event will feature:

• Live music by Triple Scoop
• Family friendly food and drinks
• Crafts for the kids
• A special visit from a prince and princess
• Silent auction and raffle items of all kinds
• A photographer will offer optional family portraits for a nominal donation to CJSTUF

Admission and Ticket Information

• Tickets are $10 per person (children under 3 are free)
• Tickets at the door (if available) will be $15 each
• Each admission ticket includes an entry to the raffle
• Additional raffle tickets will be available for purchase

Register now online at the website. Space is limited so hurry!

For more information on what’s going on, visit the CJSTUF blog.

December is considered a ‘month of giving’ – and nTelos Wireless is teaming up with Richmondmom.com to donate a great gift to one of three charities. The “nTelos Cares” event runs through December 31, 2012 at midnight. It’s a chance for Richmondmom readers to help choose a charity to receive a financial donation from nTelos.

nTelos Cares is donating from $1 to $2,500 to a charity, based on the number of tweets and shares for this article (more details below). It’s easy; all you have to do is spread the word about the nTelos Cares program via Facebook or Twitter.

Just “like” or “share” our Facebook post about the program (you can also “like” and “tweet” right from this page with our sharing buttons!). Or if you prefer Twitter, “retweet” our tweet using the hashtag #nTelosCaresRVA.  For every like, share, or re-tweet nTelos Wireless will donate $1 (up to $2,500 total) to the winning charity! Facebook and Twitter are the only social media channels that will be included in this promotion.

You Could Win a Smartphone

And our readers also get an opportunity to win a great gift too. nTelos Wireless is giving away a Samsung Galaxy S II Android Smartphone to one lucky person who re-tweets and shares the post! That’s all you have to do – share and tweet to win this incredible prize valued at $470.

Vote for One Organization to Win

The three (3) charitable organizations included in our contest are listed below. Click on the links to learn more about each one.

1. CJTSTUF (CJs Thumbs Up)
2. Jack & Abby Neonatal Foundation
3. Full Circle Grief Center

Contest Entry

Here’s how it works.

1. Click here to choose from our 3 charities and vote for the charity you’d like to see receive the monetary donation from nTelos.
2. Visit our Facebook page to ‘share’ this post with all of your friends, family, colleagues, organizations, and groups. The more people who ‘share,’ the more money nTelos donates.
3. Tweet this post to everyone you know – spread the word and increase the donation from nTelos! You MUST use the hashtag #nTelosCaresRVA  to be counted for the promotion.

That’s it. The more you tweet and share, the more money our charity receives and the greater your personal chances of winning a smartphone.

So, what are you waiting for? Visit our Facebook page and start sharing. And don’t forget to tweet/retweet this post using the hashtag included above.

Let’s show nTelos Wireless how our social media networks can light up the internet to raise money for important charities.

Thanks to “nTelos Cares” for making this contest possible.

Contest Rules and Requirements

1. The promotion, which takes place between the dates of December 17, 2012 and December 31, 2012, raises money for a local 501(c)3 charity via social media activity.
2. Any Twitter tweets and/or retweets must include the hashtag #nTelosCaresRVA to be counted for the promotion
3. No purchase is necessary to be registered to win the Samsung Galaxy S II Android Smartphone.
4. This is a social media/blogger promotion and contestants must utilize Facebook or Twitter as described above to be entered into the contest.
5. The winner of the Samsung Galaxy S II Android Smartphone will be required to sign a liability release. Monthly wireless service is not included in the giveway.
6. The winner will also reside in Virginia or West Virginia. Monthly wireless service is not included in the giveway.
7. Employees, officers, directors, representatives and agents of any nTelos Wireless company or affiliated companies are not eligible to win the Samsung Galaxy S II Android Smarthphone. nTelos Wireless, in collaboration with RichmondMom.com, will determine the giveaway recipient in their sole and absolute discretion.
8. The charity with the most votes will win the financial donation.
9. The charity chosen to receive the monetary donation must provide a copy of their IRS letter proving tax emption status.
10. At the end of the promotion, the charity with the most votes will be selected to receive the monetary donation. However, the donation amount will still be determined by the amount of individual activity on Facebook or Twitter relating to the promotion.
11. The winner of the Samsung Galaxy S II Android Smartphone, as well as the total amount being donated to the charity, will be announced on January 4, 2013 via the nTelos Wireless Facebook page, Twitter account, as well as RichmondMom.com’s blog, Facebook page and other social media channels.
12. nTelos Wireless reserves all rights to cancel the promotion if desired.

You don’t want to miss this fun night out with friends, old and new.  Thanks to Downtownshortpump.com’s Trevor Dickerson for partnering with us each month for these fun events.

This isn’t just for moms–It’s an event for Richmond moms, dads, singles, and anyone who wants to attend for a great time & support a great cause.

And if that’s not enough reason to come, then check these additional great reasons to join us:

-There will be incredibly delicious appetizers provided with discounted wines, and we’ll give you an extra raffle ticket for each entry.

• -The Wine Loft Richmond is the shizzle. It’s a cozy atmosphere that allows for networking so bring a friend. Or come alone, we’ll introduce you around.
• -We give stuff away. That’s right. . .for every entry fee of $10 we give you a raffle ticket; additional tickets may be purchased for $1 (so bring lots of dollars!). We give away photography gift certificates, Richmond Rocks books,  and generally cool prizes you will surely put to use. Midas of Richmond’s Mark Smith often attends and generously donates some Midas giveaways for sure.
• All funds raised will benefit CJ’s Thumbs Up Foundation. An anonymous donor has pledged to match up to $500 for every dollar we raise so please give generously – we can easily raise $1,000 this time! Contact us if you want to mail a donation.
• We’ve raised as much as $900+ each month in just a couple hours at each event at the Wine Loft. What a great way to relax and help out a valuable Richmond non-profit. Over the last three years, we’ve raised thousands of dollars for great Richmond non-profits just by having fun.

RSVP on our Wine Down Facebook Page to let us know you’ll be there, and share it with your friends. CJ Thanks you!

For businesses who would like to donate a raffle prize, we love you, contact us: kate@richmondmom.com. These events may also be sponsored by businesses who have a charitable heart!

Beth (right) celebrates with friends and admirers.

Over 2,000 votes were cast for the amazing Richmond women nominated in our 2012 Supermom Contest, and  Beth Trebour was the mom who swept this contest and had a grand celebration at the Wine Loft Richmond on May 9th, 2012.

Beth and twenty of her friends gathered with myself, the folks and docs from Stony Point Surgery Center &  CJStuf.org to celebrate Beth’s accomplishments and

Beth, center, kept saying "I don't deserve this!" but her friends beg to differ.

admirers.

The swag was amazing–over $3,000 in prizes from our incredible sponsors.

Rachel Reynolds of CJStuf.org shared where our sponsorship dollars went in this contest: helping families with very ill family members.

Julie Bragg of Stony Point Surgery Center, Beth and Rachel Reynolds of CJStuf.org

Beth herself is no stranger to good deeds. An organization in which she is a leader, called Running With Those Who Can’t, is just one of the amazing ways she is a Richmond hero.

Julie Bragg of Stony Point Surgery Center reads Beth's heartfelt nomination, which won her the title of 2012 Richmond, VA Supermom!

Here are Beth’s nomination and prizes:

Cool stuff that all went home with Beth!

My friend Beth Trebour IS Richmond’s SUPERMom! She is the mom to Jenna (16) and Rachel (13).  Jenna was born with a metabolic disorder called cerebral folic deficiency syndrome. Because of her disabilities, Jenna requires a lot of her family’s time and energy. Beth is a WORKING mom, employed as a Service Health Coordinator. Beth also trains and competes in triathlons, often pushing Jenna in a stroller and with Rachel right along side. In 2011 Beth helped start a new organization called Running With Those That Can’t. She has been one of the key organizers am not sure WHEN Beth sleeps! She took Rachel to the 12am premiere of “The Hunger Games.” No matter what challenge Beth is facing, no matter what stress she is facing, she ALWAYS has something funny to say, ALWAYS has a smile and laugh, ALWAYS has time for others, ALWAYS enjoys a glass of wine, ALWAYS fights for the best interest of her daughters, ALWAYS makes you feel important in her presence. Her daughters are a reflection of the SUPER mom she is!

Congratulations to all who were nominated, we think you are ALL Supermoms!

from left, Kate Hall of Richmondmom.com, Julie Bragg of SPSC, Beth Trebour, and Rachel Reynolds

$500 Gift Certificate to Hayes and Fisk, the Art of Photography

Celebration for up to 20 friends and family at The Wine Loft in Richmond including wine, soft drinks and appetizers on May 9th, 2012. ($500)

Theatre IV/Barksdale Ticket package ($292):

-4 Tickets for Seussical at the Sara Belle and Neil November Theatre($128 value)
-2 Tickets for Spring Awakening at the Sara Belle and Neil November Theatre($88 value)
-2 Tickets for Nice People Dancing to Good Country Music at Hanover Tavern ($76 value)

Birthday Party for a child at Core Kids Academy ($255)

One-hour massage AND Facial from Massage Envy Spa Richmond ($166)

One-year membership to the VA Historical Society ($99)

One-year membership to the Science Museum of Virginia ($99)

Darling summer tote bag full of gifts from Clementine in Carytown ($80)

One-year membership to KidsDineFree.net ($80)

Two adult classes to Spirited Art Richmond ($70)

Four-hours of nanny care at College Nannies and Tutors ($70)

Facial to Massage Envy from Kidz Kare at Home ($70)

Gift certificate to Relay Foods ($50)

Gift certificate to Mom’s Treehouse ($50)

Gift certificate to Romp n’ Roll ($50)

One dozen cupcakes from Frostings, valued at $35.

Gift certificate to Weebsworld ($25)

One dozen chocolate dipped strawberries from Wild Greens Catering ($25)

*prizes may be subject to change slightly in item and/or value

Rachel has poured her heart into writing this book. Just one of the excerpts that Rachel has shared on her blog is included here:

“It was so difficult to look at my precious little girl and realize that while she laughed and tickled you, sang nursery rhymes, read books to herself, and talked about going to Houston, Texas in her adorable Southern drawl that there was this ugly, dangerous, cancerous tumor growing inside of her brain. That insidious thing that refused to be stopped by the traditional avenues was testing both modern science and my ability to remain optimistic.

I struggled to breathe while I sat still in the eye of the big hurricane, anticipating the storm clouds that were building again. “

We can all celebrate baby Charlotte’s life by purchasing a copy of Rachel’s soon-to-be-released book “Four Seasons for Charlotte”, to support CJ’s Thumbs Up!. You can pre-order the book on the CJSTUF website and pick it up at the Book Release Party on Thursday, May 17th, 6-9 PM at Gallery Flux in Ashland.

Can’t make it to the book release party? No problem! Follow Rachel to keep up with future events or check the calendar for more details, and purchase your own copy of this powerful documentary of their journey.

A Tribute to Charlotte Jennie