On May 16, 2012 my wife, Joanne, went on to a better place. For those still on this planet, please remember to stop and smell the lilacs.







That picture is from our honeymoon on Mackinac Island, Michigan, about 27 years ago. Lilacs were her favorite flower.



I ask the living to consider a donation in her name to support ALS research , better known as Lou Gehrig's disease, the illness that took her life.



Results as of Monday 9-25-2012





Donations $45,266

Tickets $311,400

Corporate Sponsorships $30,000

JPMorgan Grant Campaign $20,000

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List of Countries Making Donations Argentina Australia Belgium Brazil Canada Chile China Croatia Denmark Estonia France Finland French Polynesia Germany Ireland Israel India Italy Japan Luxembourg Malaysia Mexico Netherlands New Zealand Norway Panama Poland Saudi Arabia Singapore Slovakia South Africa Spain Sweden Switzerland Thailand United Kingdom United States of America Uruguay Uzbekistan Venezuela

Les Turner gets half of ticket sales so the direct benefit to Les Turner so far is $250,966.Donations have come in from 40 countries now, up from 22 on May 15.Over the years many people have asked me to put up a tip jar. I refused. I have always thought the best information is free. That philosophy has served me well. I have never asked for anything, but I am asking now.If information from this blog, for free, 4-5 posts a day (for 7 years!) has made you money or kept you out of trouble, then please consider purchasing a raffle ticket or making a donation.If times are tough, and they may very well be, then please consider a cash donation of $10 or more. Every bit helps.To make a cash donation by check or money order, please send a check or money order toLacey WoodMish CampaignLes Turner ALS Foundation5550 W. Touhy Avenue, Suite 302 Skokie, IL 60077847.679.3311 (Main)Any questions, please call the above number.You can make a donation or purchase raffle tickets by credit card on the Les Turner ALS Site Raffle Ticket Entries are split 50-50 with ticket buyers in a drawing to be held November8. Ticket sales end September 27, but you can still make a donation at any time.Some people emailed they did not like entering the information fields required. However, the purpose is only to ensure the foundation knows how to get in touch with raffle winners!People move, phone numbers change, and email addresses change. It's as simple as that.Those who do not like disclosing personal information on a form (the site is secure) can send a check or money order for tickets or to make a donation.I have written about the disease and an ALS fundraiser twice previously.Whether you make a donation or not, please stop and smell the lilacs. Joanne did, at every opportunity.Goodbye Joanne we love you and miss you already.