Special Love Celebrates 40th Anniversary!

I love milestone posts. There is something magical in the decades of something good - birthdays, holidays, and anniversaries. It's all, well, quite special.

Last evening at the Hilton Tyson's Corner, many supporters, former campers, staff, and two special people were honored throughout the evening, along with a silent auction, drinks, fellowship, and dinner and dancing, in truly spectacular fashion. I loved reconnecting with so many people we have met over the last 27 years and being a part of this amazing organization.

The Randy Schools Light of Love Award was presented to Holly Senn, a Child-Life Specialist at INOVA Fairfax Hospital and Camp Fantastic Volunteer, in heartfelt recognition of her dedication to Special Love campers over the last 18 years.

Special Love co-founder, Sheila Baker, was presented with the Circle of Love Award in recognition of her, and her late husband, Tom Baker's dream, to create a place where kids could just be kids and not patients, launching Camp Fantastic in 1983. In commemoration of this occasion, I posted a quilt I made using many of the T-shirts given to the staff and campers over the past 40 years, which was raffled off last night as well.

So, a big big HOW-HOW to all the attendees, including our family near and far (Olivia and Bo, Don Tomoff, Stephanie and Paul Godleski), and me, Bill and Ryan. It was a great evening of fun for all - the biggest perk was raising funds to continue the many programs and camps for cancer kids, their siblings, and families that Special Love has provided for four decades!

HOW-HOW,

Terri

Photos 1) 40 Years!; 2 &3) Holly Senn's Award; 4) Dancing Queens: Holly and Olivia; 5 &6) Sheila Baker's Award' 7) Tomoff (extended) Family; 8) Tomoff (nuclear) Familly; 9) Bill, Kathy Russell, and me!