Monday, February 26, 2007

Back to the East and the snow ~ Hello New Jersey!!

Another week, another city (or state)!! We are spending the week in New Jersey - traveling to the north, central, and southern divisions...as per the usual, we awoke to quite a bit of snow, but nothing can stop us...we were up bright and early and...
Signing autographs, what else :)
At PSEG in Newark, NJ - Betty and Zeek share their story with a longtime WalkAmerica team!!
Zeek presents the president of PSEG with a service volunteer award!
Betty interviews with the local radio station. She shares her story and encourages the listeners to come out and walk on April 29th!!
Another Kmart...another FANTASTIC reception. This local NJ Kmart is the top fundraiser in the state of New Jersey...and the #3 top fundraising location in the whole country!! Keep up the good work Team Kmart!!
The employees made Zeek his own name tag and dressed him up as a cashier...
...then they let him practice as a cashier and sold sneakers to raise dollars for the March of Dimes.
Just as the sign says...Kmart has really proven to be the #1 team in the country.
Next up...another National Sponsor and a great reception. Zeek and Betty take some time with the head of FedEx NJ Metro District.
Before we headed back to the hotel...we had one final kickoff and other professional signing session.
Betty and Zeek share their story at the Elizabethtown Gas & Union County WalkAmerica Kickoff...
...and take another moment for a picture with the leaders of Elizabethtown Gas and local community leaders!!
Zeek's cards were definitely at a premium this week...we passed out nearly 500 (signed) cards to all the wonderful volunteers who support the March of Dimes!! Be sure to share the message with all your friends, family, and coworkers!!!

In and out before the storm...getting cozy in Madison, WI

Well it was a quick trip to Madison, WI ~ but Betty and Zeek were welcomed with open arms! We flew in and out before the storm that brought loads of snow!
Zeek poses by the famous Ella's Deli sign...he jumped right in and became part of the family!

New friends in minutes...local March of Dimes ambassador, Will, Hannah, daughter of a Famous Footwear employee, and Zeek Taylor took control of the restaurant and played for quite some time!! Then it was up EARLY...really early! Betty and Zeek shared their story on local channel 23 during the 6am news...


Then the Taylor's were back at the hotel kicking off the Madison WalkAmerica Kickoff, and showing a little support for the Official Airline of the National Ambassador Program...Continental!

Bucky the Badger, Dr. Howse, President of the March of Dimes, and Zeek & Betty Taylor show their spirit and support for the March of Dimes!!

Ahh, what's more inspiring than ambassador families getting to know each other. Here the 2006 & 2007 local Madison ambassadors get friendly with the 2007 National Ambassador, Zeek and his mom Betty!!

Zeek found some inspiration in this young volunteer...she and Zeek have more in common than you would think ~ they were both preemies, and are now volunteering for the March of Dimes! The young local ambassador Will, really had a great time with Zeek...fast friends and their hug goodbye!
Next stop...Famous Footwear headquarters for their internal WalkAmerica Kickoff. Dr. Howse, Joe Wood, President of Famous Footwear, and Betty and Zeek Taylor!!
The whole gang is here! Go team FAMOUS FOOTWEAR!!
And this is just one of the many masterpieces we get to see from our young Picasso, Zeek :)

Sunday, February 25, 2007

Another day, another tour ~ Cleveland, OH

Our last day in Cleveland was anything but ordinary! We definitely had quite a reception, not once, but twice from Kmart and Continental...
Here Betty and Zeek are welcomed to the Cleveland Airport by the the leaders of the Continental-Cleveland team who support the March of Dimes...and also fly the Taylor's across the country as the Official Airline of the National Ambassador Program!
As Zeek's apron reads...Chef in Training...what better place to tour than 'Chelsea' - the in-house food service company of Continental...Zeek's new best friend Tom really showed us the ropes!
First stop...the freezers for a little treat!
and clearly, Zeek enjoyed every bite...and even took a little with him for later :)Zeek gets a chance to put together a food tray (made fresh each morning) and even made a turkey sandwich!! ...then there was the tour of a hangar as well as the chance to check out the plane from the cockpit on back!
Everyone heads up the stairs to take a closer look.
After a fantastic visit, Robbie Anderson takes a moment to get a photo with Zeek and Betty...
...and even hung out with us at the gate for some quality "20 questions" time!!
Zeek and Betty get a HUGE welcome to the local Kmart in Middleburg Heights!
The Mayor, Chief of Police, and Fire Chief all came out to greet the Taylor's
Kmart's team pulled together such a warm reception...Betty and Zeek hung out and thanked all the employees for their hard work and support of the March of Dimes.
Zeek also had a chance to get in the fire engine and try on a real fire hat...

...and then received an official police cap from the Chief!!Phew...what another amazing day...and here we are just above the clouds heading out once again...this time we are heading to Madison, WI!!