Oh man, oh man, oh man…I have been on cloud nine since Friday night!!! Andrew and I didn’t go to bed until almost 2:00 AM because when we got home (at midnight) we were still too excited and over the moon to settle down. Friends, we made over $130,000 for the Manda Strong Foundation!!!!! EEEEEEEEEEEKS! I have truly cried more tears of joy than I thought possible. It was SUCH a spectacular event from beginning to end.
Today, I’m just sharing pics from our night. Between all of the friends and family who showed up to my amazing brother and sister-in-law as our hosts, it was PERFECT. Looking back, I wouldn’t change a dang thing. I am just still BEAMING! That’s so much money to help mamas fighting cancer make memories with their kids!!!!
Here is a little look at the day in pics…
I started off my morning at Drybar with some girlfriends!
Tyler is the president of our board (and I’m his Veep!).
Manda used to always ask us to take care of her mama. Doesn’t she look beautiful?!?!
Last minute preppin’ before the fun begins!! My dress is found HERE.
Sean and Catherine both knew Manda, so when we asked them to host, they were so sweet and jumped on the chance. I’d also like to say that they not only hosted, but they donated both a couch and chairs for the auction from their line (whichever piece the winners wanted including free delivery) and they participated in the auction/donation portion as well. They TRULY supported our foundation. When Catherine was talking about Manda, I just about bawled my eyes out. It was the sweetest. These two are just AMAZING! (Side note: they were super funny on stage too!)
My sweet parents bought a table and brought friends too! Doesn’t she look beautiful?!
They were outstanding!
Guys, I’m grinning ear to ear just sharing these pics. I was blown away by the generosity of everyone there that night. MANDA WOULD BE SO PROUD! Dang, I’m happy! xo
Charmaine Ng | Architecture & Lifestyle Blog says
Congratulations on raising so much! How incredible! Looks like you had so much fun in the process too! 🙂
Charmaine Ng | Architecture & Lifestyle Blog
http://charmainenyw.com
Ahna @ Hammers N Hugs says
So happy for you all, Shay! Congrats on a successful night. I would love to hear some of the stories of how that money is used to bless those sweet mamas! So precious!
Erika Slaughter says
YES!! YES!! YES!! It was incredible! I loved seeing everyone show up ready to support those moms.
Lynn says
Fabulous. My precious mum is undergoing chemo right now for leukaemia, I know that if there was something like this for her and even for her grandchildren it would be a beautiful thing, We are suffering along with her and it’s extremely difficult to get support. Well done all of you x
Mix and Match Mama says
Oh Lynn, I am so sorry!
Amanda @ Cupcake N Dreams says
So glad it was a successful night! Manda’s mom looks beautiful!! Prayers for the mamas who are on the receiving end of this benefit!
Amanda @ Cupcake N Dreams
Narci says
Still can’t believe it all! Loving all the pics from the photo booth! She was such a gem to do that! ❤️
Sheaffer Sims says
OH WHAT A NIGHT is right! We had the most amazing time and were absolutely blown away by the money raised. WELL DONE, FRIEND. All your hard work paid off!!!!
Sarah Shaneyfelt says
Looks like such a great event!!! Congratulations!!
MeetTheShaneyfelts
Paula says
I am so happy the night went so well. All the Mommas and families that will be blessed ???.
Side, how is Andrew’s arm doing?
Mix and Match Mama says
He’s such a rockstar 🙂 . He’s doing great!
Lis says
Looks like an amazing night! Love the sequins on everyone!
Where are your gold shoes from (in the Drybar pic)? They’re super cute!
Mix and Match Mama says
Thank you!!! We had so much fun!! They’re Golden Goose 🙂 .
Liz Thorson says
Shay, I’m so thrilled for you, the Manda Strong board and all of the people who worked so hard to make this event a success! From all you’ve shared with us about Manda through the years, what a precious, courageous, compassionate lady she was, oh my, she would be so delighted about the goal of this event! I would have loved listening to Catherine and Sean emcee, too! I’m sure they were terrific with just the right balance of humor, love and compassion!
Marla says
I think this may be my favorite post ever. Such a beautiful , sweet way to honor Manda……your love for your sweet friend is so touching. Kudos to you for all of your hard work!!
Deb says
Such an unbelievable undertaking. Congratulations on an amazing night!
Amanda says
Congrats on such a successful evening!! Looks like it was so much fun!
Nicole Miller says
Your dress and you are gorgeous!! Looks like such a fabulous time!! ?
Amanda says
What an amazing way to keep her memory alive.
Meagan Ruse says
This was the most incredible night!!!!
Jenn says
What kind of photo booth did you have? The lighting is amazing!
Mix and Match Mama says
Wasn’t it cool?! I didn’t arrange that, but I’m pretty sure it’s the one Andrea always uses!!
Colleen says
I definitely did a double take at the picture of you and Andrew. I totally thought he had a bionic arm!
Mix and Match Mama says
Hahahaha! He’s rockin’ that thing ;).
Kelly says
Shay, the love you have for your family and your friends just beams in every one of these photos! It makes me a little teary– you’ve had such a tough couple of months and are still so loving and selfless. Manda Strong is going to be such a blessing to these mamas!! Awesome job! 🙂
Haley W says
So incredible! Congratulations! Where are your shoes from? I absolutely love your dress! Gorgeous!
Mix and Match Mama says
Thank you!! They’re Valentino from Nordstrom!
Liz says
Shay – what an amazing night you guys had!!!!! WOW! $130K! Congrats…truly amazing. And I want to add no matter what you are doing, you ALWAYS look FABULOUS! Your purse at DryBar plus your shoes! Girl crushing hard over here! You are living your best life!!!! So proud to follow you around….
Quick question – will you be doing a recap of the gala itself? I’ve been asked to run our school auction (backed off because of my 3 kids, with not much help) but I did gather all the donations! HA Basically I full time job! I don’t have girlfriends that have the same passion for this stuff so I’m kinda on my own.
Thanks for any info….have blessed day and WOOHOO!!!!! YOU GUYS ROCKED IT!!!!
Liz
Mix and Match Mama says
Awe! Thank you so much!! I don’t know? Maybe?! I appreciate your support so much!!!
Brooke Richardson says
Such an amazing night! I’m still in awe!!!!
Erin H says
You looked beautiful! What a legacy your friend has left. The event sounded amazing and what a total raised! Y’all should be so proud of yourselves!
Clare Butler says
What an amazing night! I am blown away by the love and generosity shown to support moms fighting cancer in our area – all in Manda’s name! ???
Kara says
Congratulations on such a successful night for such a wonderful cause. I too would enjoy hearing how the money is used to love on the mamas.
Mix and Match Mama says
These mamas get to pick “memories” to make for their families. Some moms pick trips and then other moms pick things like trampolines, pets (just anything like that where they…no matter their health…can watch their kids having fun and making memories). Some moms ask us to host birthday parties for their kids or provide sporting event tickets. We really let the moms tell us what they need.
Keisha Dawson says
What an incredible night! I am so thankful the event was such a success, and you all looked AMAZING! I want one of each of your dresses 🙂
Britt F. says
That’s amazing! I’m working on a benefit too and would love to know how you raised that many funds? Did you have event sponsors that gave the bulk or was it all split between sponsors, auction items, and ticket sales? That really is an amount to be proud of in Manda’s honor!
Mix and Match Mama says
I would say that it was pretty split between all three. It was truly a wonderful night!!!
Kelly says
And was that the net profit? Did the event hall/caterer/etc provide everything for free through sponsorship?
Mix and Match Mama says
That’s not my area, but I’ll get all the details at our next board meeting. And no, we paid for the event center, catering, etc. It was such a beautiful night!!!
Jeanne Cobianchi says
Fabulous pics!! Not only did you smash your goal but y’all had a blast. What a wonderful event in memory of your friend and to help other mamas.
Ashley says
This makes my heart so happy to hear! I know Manda must be elated in heaven. What a legacy for her to leave!
Side note, do you know where your Mom’s dress is from?
Mix and Match Mama says
I don’t know?? I need to ask her!!
Ashley says
Yes please! I am in need of a black dress and I love the one she was wearing. Thank you Shay, and thank your Mom too!
Lori says
I’d love to know, too! Everyone looked beautiful. Congratulations!
Rachel Dean says
Wow! You all did amazing! I know Manda is looking down and smiling 🙂
Shelly says
Looks like such a fun time and how proud her mom must be to see her legacy continued in such a big way!
Courtney says
Excellent job! This is just beautiful!! Though I never knew Manda, I always identified with her because we were the exact same age- my bday is 5/27- and our kids were the same age and genders. This makes my heart so very happy! I’d love to hear how her husband and kids are doing/ what they’re up to now.
Mix and Match Mama says
Really? That made me smile. I love thinking about what she would be doing right now. Her family is doing really well. They’ve moved out of our city and away from a lot of reminders for a fresh start and seem to be thriving.
Laura says
Just truly amazing! Your love and friendship is beautiful!!!
Did Manda’s husband attend? Didn’t see any pictures of him there.
Mix and Match Mama says
No, he was one of the founding board members with me, but he and his new wife have moved to a new city for a fresh start. They’re doing really well though!!!
Angela A. says
Everyone looks beautiful and so happy! Do you happen to know where your mother’s dress is from? Congratulations on raising so much money and for such a great cause!