It all started in 2012, when I met some of the most amazing women I have ever encountered in my life at a small restaurant. It was a small group of bloggers from the smallest state in the country, Rhode Island, and we met for dinner after discussing that we were all bloggers in our facebook group. I was nervous attending that small gathering, not knowing most of the people there. It turned out to be a great dinner and over the year and half since we first met, our group has nearly quadrupled.
Not only do I call these people bloggers, I call them friends. Over the past couple of weeks, I told you all about my girlfriend’s daughter, Belle, who got diagnosed in last December with Leukemia. It is a parent’s worst news in the world to hear that their child is battling cancer, and worse yet, she is only two. They are the greatest family and we as Rhode Island bloggers wanted to do something about it.
As I said in some of my posts and on Facebook/Twitter, we held a truly fantastic benefit for Melissa and her family at La-Z-Boy in Warwick, Rhode Island. The idea was set up by Melissa and Jen, who worked countless hours trying to sort out all the donations, the sit-a-thon, and all the logistics. It was truly incredible the labor of love that went into this. After they set it up, all of the Rhode Island bloggers partook and rallied together through donations, sitting in shifts for 48 hours straight to raise money, monitoring events in the store, and so much more. While I could not attend Sunday since it was Zane’s birthday party, I did get to sit and attend on Saturday and Friday. 
When I was sitting, it brought tears to my eyes, seeing what a group of bloggers did to support such a wonderful benefit. It was amazing that such a group of outstanding bloggers, people, and friends came together and made this event what it was. We raised 10,000 dollars for Melissa and her family! It was amazing! I saw many of my friends there and I personally want to thank them. I have even had a few friends both who I have met and some who I have never met, give donations for Belle’s Sit-A-Thon! I also want to give a huge thank you to all the amazing bloggers, as well, as La-Z-Boy and Jake Coleman with his leading team! We could have never done it without you! I am amazed at the generosity and true kindness of the La-Z-Boy associates. I will be a shopper there for life!
If you have not donated yet, you can still do so here: You Caring For Belle.
Every little bit helps Melissa and her family out! Thank you so much again and in no particular order here are our Rhody Bloggers:
Alicia- Born Ready Baby
Audrey – Mom Generations
Candice – The New Modern Momma
Carla – All Of Me Now
Chelley- A is for Adelaide
Courtney – The Mod Mommy
Elizabeth – DocuMama
Elizabeth – Learning To Juggle
Erika- Fox Trot Press
Heather – Housewife Heather
Heather – Kraus House Mom
Jane – Mom Generations
Jen- Keekoin
Jenn – Savor The Thyme
Jessica – 30 Something Mother Runner
Jessica – Keeping Mommy Sane
Joanna – Baby Gators Den
Jodi – Blush Mamas
Kameron – My Wrinkle In Time
Kerri – Six Until Me
Kirsten- The Queen of the Earth
Kristin – Mama Luvs Books
Laura – My So Called Sensory Life
Lauren – Don’t Lick The Trashcan
Liza – Cira’s Lyrics
Mary- Tall Mom Tiny Baby
Megan – A Baby Makes Four
Melissa – Filling Our Bucket
Melissa – A Woman of Steel
Melissa – The Mommyhood Chronicles
Michele – Dodging Acorns
Michelle – Wildflowers Studio
Renee – Lute Family
Sarah – Simply Mommies
Sarah – Soxy’s Diamond
Sarah – Sweet Lil You
Sheri – When The Kids Go To Bed
Stephanie – Everyday Family Living
Tera – Girl Gone Healthy
sounds like fun and a great cause!
I love us.
Me too:)
That is awesome!!!
That is great that you have found such a great group of inspiring people like you and even better that you guys pulled together to help those who could really use your support! I bet that made you feel awesome to help
That is awesome! I am glad it was such a success and you raised so much. Cancer is horrible.
It is amazing what a small group of people can achieve!! Way to go gals!
Sounds like fun for a great cause!
What an amazing experience! I am so glad it turned out so well! I wish I was closer, I so would have showed up! It is amazing what a group of amazing women can do when they work together. I’m so glad you were able to raise so much money for Belle!
Oh wow! This is truly wonderful!! What a fabulous thing to do!
It was such a wonderful event. I’m so proud of what RBFG was able to do for the Bradley family, and it was an added benefit being able to spend time with all you lovely ladies this weekend! Happy birthday to Zane.
I like this so much! One of my good friends mother died of luekemia when she was like 8 or 9 years old. I know how hard it was on them when she was diagnosed.
I’m so proud to be a Rhody Blogger and glad to be your friend! xoxo
Fantastic post! It was so nice seeing you and the other gals this weekend. Nice to know that we really can make a difference!
It WAS an amazing event and movement – I am so happy to have been there and moved that the $10,000 goal was achieved!
I wish we’d been able to make it back for the end, but I am so glad we were able to be a part of the weekend!!!
Such a a great event! Melisa and Jen did a wonderful job and big thanks to La-Z-Boy for being AWESOME!!!
This was such a wonderful event! I’m glad that I was able to help and be a small part of it!!
What a wonderful post!!! The event just looked amazing and it was so much fun to follow online. You ladies did such a fabulous job!!!! xo
Really lovely story, Melissa.