An Autumn Family Fest is planned Saturday, Oct. 11, from 3-7 p.m. at Beaver Dam, off Davidson-Concord Road, to help raise money and expand awareness of mothers facing health adversities. The event is organized by friends of Davidson resident Laura Woodall, who was diagnosed in 2006 with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, or ALS.
The popular saying “It Takes a Village to Raise a Child” might be restated in Davidson to read, “It Takes a Village to Raise Awareness.” Many in the community recall how Laura formed “Laura’s League,” a support group of 25 good friends, mothers and her husband John, who wanted to raise awareness and help the MDA. In 2007, they raised over $100,000 for MDA through their participation in the 2007 Stride N’ Ride. This year, Laura’s League helped MDA raise more than $120,000 for ALS research at the annual Black & Blue Gala.
“So many people ask us all the time, ‘What can we do for Laura and her family?’” say Kiki and Jim Strodel and Joy and Chris Bryant, all of Davidson. The two couples approached he Woodalls this spring with the idea of establishing a charitable group called A Giving Spirit Foundation, to continue the momentum of Laura’s League. The couples are co-chairs of the Oct. 11 Autumn Family Festival, which they say will be a way to show love and support for the Woodalls. “It will be a wonderful family outing,” say the co-chairs.
A limited number of family tickets are being sold through Sept. 27. Cost is $150 and includes dinner catered by Market on Main in Hickory, games, adult and children’s raffles, and a Billy Jonas concert. Proceeds will benefit A Giving Spirit Foundation to support families with mothers facing health adversities in the face of unforeseen health challenges, as well as MDA and ALS research efforts. There are corporate sponsorship opportunities available with more information at laurasleague@gmail.com
Plan now to attend and be part of the “village” supporting charities helping those with debilitating motor neuron diseases.
LINKS
Download a flier (PDF) with more information and ticket order form, CLICK HERE>
March 6, 2007, “Coping with Illness, mom helps others”
March 10, 2007, “Laura’s League raises $100,000 for MDA”
