2013!!

This is the year Cayleb MIGHT get his dog!!! Either that or 2014, either way we are a bit closer to adding a member to our family. We are also closer to our goal of reaching $30K!

Happy New Year and thank you for the continued support!

Hooch for the Pooch A BIG success!

On Saturday December 15th, Auntie Nadia and Uncle Mark hosted a wrap up party at Murphy's Law in Toronto. At Midnight the lucky winner's name was pulled....congratulations to Jennifer Armstrong!!

The real winner of the night was Cayleb as funds raised for his dog totalled

$1940!!!!

Thank you so much to everyone for your support and thank you Auntie Nadia and Uncle Mark for organizing Hooch for the Pooch!

MCRC's BIG donation

Last night National Service Dogs was presented with a BIG CHEQUE for the support the MCRC raised for Paws for Cayleb.

A total of $5146 was raised!!! AMAZING!!

The ceremony will be featured in Milton's local paper, the Champion. For now here are a few teaser shots Daddy took (as I was at work and couldn't come).

A BIG THANKS to the MCRC for all their efforts as well as to the families who willingly gave their support!!

Hooch...

...for the Pooch raffle is in its final stretch!

Wrap- up party and DRAW on Saturday December 15 any time after 7pm

at Murphy's Law Pub

Thank you all for your support and we can't wait to celebrate with you!

Big brother Bryceson donated $10.88 of his very own money to Paws for Cayleb!

Thanks B!

The Big Chill

A group of long time friends, since high school in fact, celebrate Christmas with an annual get together they have come to call 'The Big Chill' (named after a movie of the same name). Every year a gift exchange takes place between the couples, creating laughs and joyous memories.

This year the group of friends decided to give new memories to a boy, who is trying to raise money for his service dog. A dog that will allow his family to have happier and safer memories of their own. The group decided to donated to Paws for Cayleb!

In total $450 was selflessly given by this group of amazing people - thank you so much to 'the Big Chill'!

Hooch for the Pooch

Tickets are still on sale for the 'sled of hooch'! Here's the dog I made from which the winning ticket will be drawn.
Email pawsforcayleb@gmail.com to order your tickets.

$5/1 $10/3

Costume

I picked up Cayleb from ErinOaks and Liz showed me the dog costume Cayleb had worn today. When Cayleb put the costume on he told Liz he was dressed up as a 'service dog'! I think Cayleb is ready to meet his new friend!

What is success?

It's a very simple question, with many very complex answers. A different answer for just about everyone, I'd imagine. Answers that are constantly changing; moment-to-moment, day-to-day, year-to-year.

For some, success includes money, fame, power. For others, it would include a clean drink of water and knowing that you'll eat today.

For me, success includes a little boy who answers "OK" when I ask him "How are you today?" or answers "Yes" when he's asked "Would you like some more water?" instead of the usual screaming out of frustration from not being understood. Success is friends and family rallying around a little boy who may need more support than "normal" kids, but may be more normal than any of us. Success is the army of teachers, educators, assistants, resource workers, facilitators...who have worked with this little boy to show him and all of us that he has no limits; the possibilities of where he will be able to go or what he will be able to do in his life are endless. Success is a little boy who is a cherished part of all of our lives, who has made our lives all the richer just for having existed. Not bad for a kid with Autism.

Our family is eternally grateful for the love and support you've shared with us, and for joining us on this journey. Words cannot express how touched we are and how meaningful it is to have you along for the ride.

I'd like to add a few more items to my "Success" list. Success is knowing that you're not alone. Success is knowing that people really do care and are willing to fight for you. Success is love.

God Bless you all,
Eric, Cayleb's Daddy

Pumpkin Carving Contest

Derek Hatanaka's 'Angry Birds' Pumpkin won by popular vote on our facebook page. Derek received a $25 iTunes gift card.

The true winner of course was Paws for Cayleb, as a total of $55 was raised. Thanks to everyone who participated!

HALF WAY THERE!!!!

WOW, Can you believe that only 7 months after we started fundraising that we have reached the

$15,000

mark?!?

We could not have reached this amazing milestone without the support from our friends, family and co-workers. Thank you all so much!!

Please help us to keep spreading the word, share this page, like us on facebook, talk to your friends and let's get the other half raised!!

MCRC

I am absolutely thrilled to announce that the MCRC through their October as Paws for Cayleb month (including their Halloween party, dance and selling paper Paws) raised......drum roll please.....

(Jevnikar family at the MCRC Halloween Party with NSD puppies in training)

$5146!!!!

WOW!

The MCRC will be inviting Cayleb and National Service Dogs to a cheque presentation in the near future! Pictures will follow.

We are SO grateful to the staff and families at the MCRC for their dedication and support! 

Thank you very much!!

C-Platoon showing their support

This morning I was once again taken aback by the generosity and support from my co-workers as I was handed a donation for Paws for Cayleb.

Because of the timing of our schedules, the Tomken C platooners were unable to attend our Bowl-a-Thon and wanted to do something to show their support. The idea of a pizza lunch was born and during their feast $70 in donations were collected.

Thank you so much for your generosity and getting us closer to our goal of raising $30K for National Service Dogs!

Paws for Autism

This documentary was amazingly well done and gives insight into what is involved with having a service dog and what it will mean for Cayleb.

Please watch it!

http://www.animalplanet.ca/article.aspx?aid=46336

MCRC Halloween Party

Tonight the MCRC hosted 2 Halloween Parties with proceeds going directly to support Paws for Cayleb!!

We attended the later Party and had a great time! Each classroom had different activities for the kids, including decorating a ghost puppet, decorating cupcakes, story time, and a games room.

The highlight of the party was none other than the two NSD puppies who came to look cute and raise awareness!

There are only two days left to purchase your Paws for Cayleb paper paws through the MCRC! Thanks for a very fun, family focused outing.

Family Photo Shoot

On October 20th, we had 4 families come out to support Paws for Cayleb by having their portraits taken by JEVNiPRO Photography!

It was an enjoyable family for all involved and all together we raised $305!!

Thank you so much to the families who participated and Grace Anglican Church in Milton who allowed us to use their grounds for the photos.

Keep watching for our next photo shoot fundraiser!

Three Letter Word

I wanted to share this will all our supporters because it means so much to have you all joining us on our journey. Not only the journey we are embarking on as we await the magical day when Cayleb will meet his best friend; but also on the journey we are on to give Cayleb the best start to life that we can.

It is on this journey with Cayleb where a simple three letter word can touch a mother's heart and cause me to break down in tears.

After picking Cayleb up from ErinOaks today, I asked him 'Cayleb are you hungry?'. Cayleb has been communicating his wants and needs effectively for a while now, but today he did not respond in his usual way by repeating the question. Instead Cayleb responded with a confident 'YES'.
My heart is smiling as I watch my little man accomplish such a big feat!

MCRC

The Milton Community Resource Centre, as mentioned in previous blog posts, has dedicated October as Paws for Cayleb month, in order to support our little man! Through selling Paws, they have already raised over $300! Please read their blog post to see how else they are supporting Paws for Cayleb!

Thank you to the MCRC and to the community of Milton for your continued support!

http://mcrcblogs.tumblr.com/post/33426497650/mcrc-supports-paws-for-cayleb-heres-how-you-can

Pumpkin Carving Contest

 Pumpkin Carving Contest

$5/entry (provide your own pumpkin)

Give Entry Fee to Kaley Jevnikar, Scott Loyst, or Jill Bailey

Winner by Popular Vote[1] - $25 iTunes gift card

Entries must be brought to Tomken or Kitimat Bases by October 24

Voting closes October 30, 2012 at 19:00

100% of proceeds will be donated to Paws for Cayleb

---

[1] Participants are asked to email a photo of entry to kaleyjevnikar@gmail. Photos will be placed on Paws for Cayleb Facebook page for voting.

Paws for Cayleb at the MCRC

October is Paws for Cayleb Month at the MCRC

* Cayleb attended pre-school at the MCRC's Bronte Street Nursery school up until recently when he started JK. Now Cayleb's younger sister Hermyonie is in the pre-school program *

The MCRC had dedicated the month of October as Paws for Cayleb month! All proceeds from various fundraisers will go directly to Paws for Cayleb. 

Purchase your 'Paw" at any MCRC location (including afterschool programs)!

Attend the Family Halloween Party!

Or make a donation directly to Paws for Cayleb!

Hooch for the Pooch

Win a Toboggan FULL of liquor and wine just in time for the holidays!

(Includes:Baileys, Rum, Scotch, Rye, Jagermeister, Amaretto, Gin, Peppermint Schnapps, Champagne, Wine and Beer)

All proceeds to support Paws for Cayleb!

$5/ticket or $10/3 tickets

Draw on December 15, 2012

See Auntie Nadia or Uncle Mark to get your tickets (or leave a message on our Facebook page)

On going...

www.pawsforcayleb.mabelslabels.com

Did you know that you can still order Mabel's Labels to support Paws for Cayleb? Well you CAN!! This is an ongoing fundraiser, so whenever you run out of labels, please place your next order through the Paws for Cayleb link!

Family Photoshoot

Family Portraits 

by JEVNiPRO Photography

$50 - 1/2 hour mini session

100% of proceeds going to Paws for Cayleb

October 20, 2012 - Milton

appointments from 10am - 3pm

mail@jevnipro.com

www.jevnipro.com

Bowl-A-Thon = Huge Success!!!!

61 people and 3 dogs came together on Saturday September, 29, 2012 to help raise funds and awareness for Paws for Cayleb (in conjunction with National Service Dogs)!

Through a silent auction, 50/50, bake sale, lucky draw, free draw, donations and of course ticket sales, we raised:

$3301.64!!!

This amount includes the $430 won by Evangelo Anagnostopoulos who's 50/50 ticket was drawn and generously donated the money back to Paws for Cayleb!

Thank so you much to those who came to the bowl a thon, donated prizes and made donations (even if they couldn't make it) - this event would not have been a success without you!

A special thank you to Christina Mackenzie from Cocoa Cakery who made a stunning cake for the event!

Paws for Cayleb on-line silent auction

Please check out the facebook album for the Paws for Cayleb On-Line Silent Auction!

Bowl-a-Thon

Only 5 days until the Paws for Cayleb Bowl-a-Thon! Everyone around here is getting pretty excited. Tickets are still available at $25/each.

For more information, click here!

Along with Bowling we are having:

--> Silent Auction

--> Black Jack and/or Poker

--> Bake Sale

--> Door Prizes

--> Kids games/prizes

--> Face Painting and Temporary Tattoos

--> Paws Raffle

And a very special visitor to join in our fun!

Capricorn 9 Productions Presents...

Capricorn 9 Productions Presents....

Miss Deva Neely in concert!

September 28/29, 2012

http://capricorn9.vpweb.ca/Home.html

It's a win/win situation- an evening of entertainment by the talented Deva Neely AND supporting our favourite cause: Paws for Cayleb!

100% of proceeds from both shows are going directly to Paws for Cayleb.

Mabel's Labels

So far Paws for Cayleb has earned $83.13 from Mabel's Labels! Woo whoo!! Thanks to everyone who bought labels, keep spreading the word!

New Fundraiser

Plans for the Bowl-a-Thon are well underway! Get your tickets now as they are going fast!!!

My friend Mark came up with another fundraiser idea that I absolutely love. I'll post all about it once the details start to come together!

Cake Contest

The Cocoa Cakery is holding a cake contest where the person who receives the most 'likes' on facebook for their cake will win that cake. I entred a cake in hopes that we will win and will be able to raffle the cake off at the Paws for Cayleb Bowl-a-Thon. So please go to the Cocoa Cakery's facebook page and vote for my cake! https://www.facebook.com/#!/thecocoacakery

Currently the cake in the lead has 248 votes and we are sitting at 5. So lets get 'liking' the dog cake so we can win and raise more money for NSDs and Cayleb's dog!!

Mabel's Labels

www.pawsforcayleb.mabelslabels.com

Just in time for going back to school......Paws for Cayleb is now fundraising through Mabel's Labels. 20% of sales through the link above go to NSD without mark ups!!

50/50

$1 - 1 ticket, $2 - 3 tickets, $5 - 7 tickets

Tickets for the Paws for Cayleb Bowl-a-Thon are on sale now! $25/person (includes: pizza, shoes & pop).

Bowl-a-Thon

Saturday, September 29, 2012

2pm - 5pm

Planet Bowl

5555 Eglinton Ave West, Etobicoke

Fundraising

I am super excited that the Milton Community Resource Centre will be helping up with our fundraising efforts! October will be dedicated as the 'Paws for Cayleb' month with a few fundraising events, proceeds going 100% towards NSD!
A big thank you to Cayleb's nursery school teacher, Ashley, who got the ball rolling on this and is super excited to get the kids involved!

Cayleb is 4!!

I have a separate blog for the kids which I use to capture and share moments and events in their lives as they grow up.
I want to share the post I wrote on June 19th for Cayleb's birthday.


I awoke this morning thinking 'Wow, my little baby boy is 4 years old'! Where did the time go?

I remember fairly well my 4th birthday and I hope Cayleb remember his 4th birthday. I woke Cayleb up this morning while video taping (I will add a link here if I can get the video onto my website later). We then eventually made it downstairs where Cayleb opened his gifts. Cayleb was thrilled with the balloons and streamers and the fact that he had 'presa, what's presa? PRESENTS'!

I watched my little boy in amazement at how far he has come! It was 2 years ago (plus 4 days) that he received his label of autistic which have opened so many doors to get him the help he needs. I think about all the people we have met along the way who have fallen in love with our precious Cayleb and have been key to getting Cayleb started along his path of successes. I think of all the people who have gone out of their way to help our family and always manage to do so when we need help the most. I think about the opportunity that we have to utilize the strengths of others because Cayleb's challenges have left us in a place where we just cannot do it alone.
When I looked at Cayleb this morning I couldn't help but visualize the sea of hands reaching out to him. I also can't help but notice that each one of these hands lead to the smiling face of the person that is so blessed to have worked along side such an amazing little boy.
I am so grateful that we are blessed to have this amazing little boy as our son. Looking back to this day 4 years ago I could not have possibly imagined how much this little boy would have changed our lives.
To my sweet Cayleb, I wish you the happiest of birthdays. I love you so much! You have taught me to expect great things from you and to expect the unexpected!

Happy Birthday Cayleb

Today is Cayleb's 4th birthday! Happy birthday Cayleb!

As if this day isn't special enough-we have surpassed the $3000 mark! 10% of our goal has been reached!

Soup Lunch Donation

A Big THANK YOU to the staff at Community Living North Halton who choose Paws for Cayleb as their Soup Lunch donation recipient last week. CLNH holds a weekly soup day, collecting funds for local charities. They raised $52.90 for Cayleb's dog!!

$2100

Can you believe it? We are just over a month into our fundraising efforts and have already reached $2100 raised for Cayleb's dog!!

I am in constant awe at the amazing people who are so generously showing Cayleb their support! A giant THANK YOU to everyone who has contributed so far!


As part of the Paws for Cayleb Bowl-a-Thon we are hosting on September 29th, I have been seeking donations for our silent auction. The outpouring of support for Cayleb in this regard has been nothing less than astonishing. We are all in for some fantastic items to bid on!!

Bowl-A-Thon

Help Cayleb raise the $30K needed to train his service dog!

Paws for Cayleb

Bowl-A-Thon and Fundraiser

September 29, 2012

2-5pm

Planet Bowl ~ Etobicoke

Tickets $25/each

More details to follow...