AMFE would like to thank Michelle D and her family for their donation to the Ellie Willaert Benefit Fund! Michelle writes:

I went to highschool with Niki and was heartbroken to hear what Ellie and her family have been going through. I will be praying for beautiful Ellie and that she gets her miracle.

Thank you Michelle and family!

Uncle Andrew

Hi all -

I wanted to let you know that AMFE has put a special Vikings jersey up for auction.  The Minnesota Vikings donated the jersey to Ellie’s cause and we’ve decided to place it on eBay.  I should have gotten this info out a little sooner, but there are still 2+ days left in the auction.

This jersey is a #6 away (white) jersey, signed by 5 players:

Front:
Adrian Peterson #28
Chester Taylor #29
Jimmy Kleisasser #40
Tarvaris Jackson #7

Back:
Jared Allen #69 (Thanks to Ellie’s Grampa Wes who stood in line at the MoA to obtain this extra autograph).

All signatures are in permanent white marker on the numbers.  Lot of photos on the eBay auction which can be found by clicking on this link!

This is your chance to get a very special commemorative of the 2008 Vikings’ powerful 1-2 rushing punch and their star defensive end Jared Allen. So check it out and tell your Purple Blooded friends - spread the word!

Take Care and God Bless,
Uncle Andrew

I’d like to let you know about another benefit for Ellie.  This one is special, because it will benefit two girls in our community fighting the battle against cancer.

If you’re here you already know about Ellie’s battle with DIPG.  Now, I’d like you to meet Alexandria McBurnett, a fifth-grade Lonsdale girl fighting Myledysplastic Syndrome thought to be caused by her 2 1/2 years of treatments for Acute Lymphocytic Leukemia (this is one tough girl, here).  She is awaiting a bone-marrow transplant and has been waging her battle since November of 2005. Take a look at her CaringBridge website, and sign her guestbook.

There will be a school dance that will benefit these two girls from 7-8:30 PM this coming Friday, December 12th, 2008 at Eagle View Elementary School. The school is part of the New Prague district; directions can be found at the Eagle View website.

Please check out the flyer for this benefit which has a better description of Alexandria’s journey than I’ve provided here. The flyer can be found here, and the school rules for the dance can be found here.

So come on out, have a good time, and let’s dance!

Uncle Andrew

AMFE would like to thank The Gilbertsons for their donation to the Ellie Willaert Benefit Fund.  Heather writes:

“God Bless You!”

I second that - thank you Gilbertsons for helping Ellie and her family, and God Bless You!

Uncle Andrew

Hi folks -

Just a short note to thank everyone who dined at Applebee’s on Tuesday, December 2nd. It was a great turnout, and the restaurant was packed! I don’t know the totals, but I can’t imagine the benefit was anything but a smashing success judging by the number of people there. As I was hurrying Sam to the little boys’ room I couldn’t help but notice all the flyers on the tables.  What an awesome sight!

Special thanks to Cara Willaert for her role in spearheading this event and the Lakeville Applebee’s Staff for hosting the event and dealing with a packed house. I wasn’t that involved so if I’m missing someone feel free to send me a strongly-worded email.

God bless you all and Happy Holidays!

Uncle Andrew