The Why and How by Todd Moore:

“Blessed with a Brother”

My brother Matt called me about a month ago and said he was looking for a way to get motivated to get in shape. He came across the Houston Mud Run on-line and asked me if I wanted to do it with him. Of course, I did not hesitate and said let’s do it! The Mud Run is a physically challenging 6 mile run with 25-30 obstacles along the way through mud and water. A day or two after he asked me about the Mud Run the thought crossed my mind that this would be a great chance to get our family and friends together to raise some money to help support Jeremy, our brother with Down syndrome, his home, “Range House” and the amazing people who care for many fortunate mentally challenged adults, Hammond Strawberry Fields, Inc.

About a year ago my mom mentioned to me that their state and federal funds were being cut and they were struggling to keep up with the day to day cost of running and operating their group homes. The idea of helping Jeremy and his friends easily became the motivation needed for Matt and I to start training for the Mud Run on May 28. Wren, Susan, Amy, Matt, Josh, Hanna, and I have played a part in organizing the fundraiser for Hammond Strawberry Fields. Our goal is to raise as much money as possible to help Hammond Strawberry Fields provide the best possible life for Jeremy and other adults with intellectual disabilities. What started as a simple Mud Run for Matt and I to get in shape, has turned into great opportunity for us donate to a cause close to our hearts. I think I speak for the whole family when I say growing up with Jeremy as part of our lives has taught us some incredible life lessons.

For our friends and family that don’t know, Jeremy lives in a group home in Hammond, Louisiana, under the operation of Hammond Strawberry Fields, Inc.
Hammond Strawberry Fields, Inc. is a non profit corporation established in 1988 to provide residential and day program services to mentally handicapped individuals. In January 1989 the first clients were admitted to Jake Drive Community Home. The Strawberry Patch, a day program, began operating at the same time. From there it has expanded to serve individuals in four community homes, the day program, and supervised living. It has always been a goal to remain small currently serving 36 clients.

The philosophy is one of respect for each person entrusted to the care of Hammond Strawberry Fields. Activities and routine are very important to the clients and a variety of daily activities are offered to meet the needs of each individual. Facilities are licensed through the Department of Health and Hospitals in Louisiana. The Department does on site visits annually in addition to annual life safety and health inspections. Another goal is to provide a loving environment that will insure success and happiness for each client.

Clients are vital members of the community and many are known by name because of their active participation in the many sporting events, festivals and jobs held in the community over the past 22 years.

Hammond Strawberry Fields does not sponsor large fund raisers and does not have a paid development director. They have an agreement with the state of Louisiana to provide services through the Medicaid program. Many family members and friends give donations on a regular basis. HSF are amazed and grateful for the generosity of all who donate.

Jeremy

Jeremy

The Moores and Munstermans

The Moores and Munstermans

Friday, May 27, 2011

The Night Before the Mud Run

It is Friday night before the Mud Run, Jeremy is in town from Hammond to witness the big event!!!!!!
He said, "I had to come!"  He claims he will be wearing his Mud Run T-shirt tomorrow - but we will see if he changes his normal routine!

I had a long week of training and should be ready.   Brent and Stacy Husiman are in town from Dallas ready to run tomorrow.  We will see if Matt's 2 months of 6:00 am workout pays off!!!!!!!!!  The bet is that Brent and I beat him by more than 10 minutes.  One thing he doesn't lack is confidence.  We will see how good his confidence is at the 4 or 5 mile mark!!!!!

Our team is ready and the generosity has been incredible!!!!  We can't thank everyone enough.  

According to Nick, he and Amy had a good 4 mile run today so it sounds like the dedication and training is paying off for their run next week!!!  I am even thinking about signing up late to run with them if I can recover fast enough. 

We will post plenty of pictures after the race tomorrow!!!


Susan had a great idea to raise some additional money.   With the help a friend, Angela Weinhardt,  of Premier Designs Jewelry,  Susan is hosting a jewelry party.  Angela graciously offered to donate profits from the party to the cause.   This is how it will work:

1.  BUY JEWELRY!  Buy for yourself, your mother, your wife, your upcoming graduate!  Jewelry is the #1 gift, so stock up now and help a good cause.  Contact Susan, Amy, Hanna, or Lyndsey for a catalog and mark your calendar for June 4th at 12:30 PM.  Make sure you tell your friends and bring them to the show. 

2.  HOST A JEWELRY SHOW!  For every show, Angela will increase the percentage of proceeds up to 100%.  Hosting a show is simple, just invite your friends over to play in jewelry and earn free jewelry for yourself!  Contact Angela at AAlex_99@yahoo.com to choose your date and increase our donation. 

3.  BUY A RAFFLE TICKET for $5.00!  The hostess gift (free jewelry) will be raffled off at the end of this fundraiser. Do not miss this outstanding opportunity to win tons of free Premier Designs Jewelry!  Buy your raffle tickets today and encourage your friends and family to do the same. 


Team leader is signing off for the night!!!!!
Posted by HAMMERTIME at 8:25 PM

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