Rick_Garcia's Blog

This post has been edited by an administrator




I helped emcee an event recently I'll never forget. It was quite extravagant. Amazing decorations, wonderful food and excellent entertainment.

The affair began with me and Access Hollywood's Tony Potts auctioning off everything from soccer star David Beckham's jersey to Hannah Montana concert tickets.

The evening was capped off with an incredible performance by the Al McKay All-stars. Al McKay is a founding member of one of my favorite bands Earth Wind and Fire.

I did my best not to ruin the music while I sang and danced to just about every EWF song.

Despite these difficult economic times almost half a millions dollars was raised that night by folks who had the time of their lives.

That brings me to why we were able to selfishly indulge. As the event concluded and my family and I walked to our car, I noticed a beautiful little girl. Couldn't have been more than ten. She was decked out in a white dress filled with lace. She could hardly walk using each of her hands to cling tightly to her parents.

I couldn't resist telling her how beautiful she looked in her dress. As she turned to see what stranger was trying to get her attention, I saw see this incredible smile on her face. Not from my words but because of what she had just experienced. I asked her if she had been dancing and her mom quickly answered "Oh yes!." This beautiful angel was the reason I was there. She is suffering from cancer.

That's why the Michael Hoefflin foundation exists. To help children with pediatric cancer.

Every time I meet one of the wonderful kids the Michael Hoefflin Foundation helps I think of how courageous they are. Sadly they suffer a great deal yet they seem so happy and so wise. Perhaps they are fully aware of what so many of us often forget just how important each and every day is. And that we should never, ever waste a moment of it.

For more information on the Michael Hoefflin Foundation call 661-250-4100 or go to www.mhf.org.