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Blogs, Brews 2 Recap

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IMG00047-20090417-2335

When IZEA approached me about putting on a charity event I was very excited to help. I was given $400 by IZEA to put together the event and blog about the event. I decided to help my friend Sue raise money for her Avon Walk for Breast Cancer team: Walking 4 2nd Base. Sue and I worked really hard to get sponsors around our town and also on the web. In addition to the money from IZEA, which I used for prizes and some advertising, I received 3 XShots from Michael at xshotpix.com. I gave one to Sue to use on her 3 day walk.

Sue & I

I also received some help from Dina Riccobono from Market Leverage. She got me a 16GB iPod Touch to use for a giveaway right here on the blog. You can enter that contest on my initial Blogs, Brews and Belly Laughs II post.

Tyler & I

The night started off a little slow, but that was because I had the start time so early. However around 7:30pm we started seeing people show up. I was on the stage using my webcam and stickam to talk to the chat room. When people arrived at the playhouse I spoke with them and took photos with my XShot and then printed them off on ZINK paper using my Polaroid PoGo. I took the printed image and peeled off the backing and attached it to my business card, a very unique card to give to each person. And when people arrived in the chat room I talked with them for a bit and welcomed them.

Seamus "The Irish Kid" Corbett

Sue arrived with additional prizes like some Taste of Home items from our friend and co-worker Wendy. Sue had also gotten a $25.00 gift card from a local restaurant called Box Seats. So all together we had 2 Flip Ultra video cameras, 2 Xshots, 5 2 Person Speeding Tickets, $25 gift card to Box Seats, Taste of Home items and a painting. One of the attendees, Paulie, is a painter and he donated one of his original works right out of the blue! People really liked the prizes because they were very generous in buying raffle tickets. We raised $205.00 at the show and $245 online.

"Electric" Amy Carlson Pontes

During the show I spent time with the the online attendees, there were quite a few people in the chat room at any given time. I really appreciate that many of my blogging friends took the time to pop in and say hello. The 1st half of the show was a good time. We learned that “Electric” Amy Carlson Pontes was the defending champion of the SOTP belt. She had to run the gauntlet that tonight. That meant that she was in every single game, it is a tough job being the champ. Here is the video of the 1st half as recorded by Joe, the tech guy at Speed of Thought Playhouse.

Be advised that the Speed of Thought Players is a PG-13+ show.

We took a short intermission and I checked in with Allison and my friends who were at the show. This included Lenny and his nephew Tyler. Lenny is a blogger and part of the “I’m Not A Famous Blogger” IZEA Insider Crew that I run. He came to Blogs, Brews and Belly Laughs 1 and so did Tyler. Also in attendance was my sister Tara, she used one of her Speeding tickets that we got for her for her birthday. She loves comedy. Allison sat at a table with our friends Andy and Rondi and Neil and Andrea. Andrea took a bunch of photos during the event too so I hope to see them soon. My pictures were all tagged with BBBl2 on Flickr. You can see them there.

In BenSpark's Photo Booth

After the intermission I got back on the chatroom to find it packed with people, that was awesome! The second half of the show is here.

Be advised that the Speed of Thought Players is a PG-13+ show.

After the show it was time for the raffle. Sue and her friend Cheryl called out the numbers and gave out the prizes. My friend Neil won himself a Speeding ticket (cover charge for 2 to come back to a show) and the original painting by Paulie. People who were there at the show were really generous and the online donations were also very very generous. I was so happy to help raise over $450 for Sue and her team.

An original by Paulie

I want to thank the Speed of Thought Players for letting me come back again and set up all my geek equipment. Thanks also to Michael from Xshot for the Xshots. Thanks to Dina from Market Leverage for getting me a 16GB iPod Touch

16GB iPod Contest is over. The Winner was @anoo.

An Online Contest has been updated on this Event. 04/20/09

Dina Riccobono of Market Leverage has donated a 16GB iPod Touch to one lucky online winner. She wanted to help me out with the event after I helped her out with the Market Leverage Bowl-A-Thon. This will be a twitter contest. The intent is to drum up as much excitement as possible to get people to attend the online LIVE event via stickam. The official stickam site for the event will be www.stickam.com/sotplive.

So how can you get your hands on a 16GB iPod Touch?

Here are the updated official rules. Must do #’s 1-3 to qualify. The rest are for bonus entries.

1. Follow, @benspark, @marketleverage, and @sotp2009 on twitter.

2. Tweet “RT: Read and comment on @benspark’s #BBBL2 recap at http://urlbrief.com/a3446f. You Could win an iPod Touch from @MarketLeverage #icause“
Then Leave a comment with a link to your tweet on this post.

(To see how you link to a single tweet go to Linking to a Tweet.)

3. Leave a comment with:

  • Who is your favorite comedian?
  • What cause would you have chosen had you been given this money?
  • What can you do to help that charity without using money?

@*** New Entry Options

  • – For an additional 2 entries (per link) into the contest. Post these links https://benspark.com/being-responsible.html and https://benspark.com/blogs-brews-2-recap.html to your Facebook Page and join the BBBL2 Facebook Group.
  • Entries per comment – I’ll even give you an entry per comment on this post. Two entries if a friend comments and tells me that you asked them to come here and comment about the event on your behalf.
  • Submit this link to Social Bookmarking sites like Stumble, ETC… 1 Entry Per link, must leave comment letting me know about link.

25 BONUS Entries!
Donate at least $10.00 to my friend Sue’s team Walking 4 2nd Base for 25 extra chances to win. Just make the donation and in the “How would you like your name to appear” spot put your @twitter name or blog address so I can confirm the donation. Thank you.

What are you waiting for, spread the word. This contest is open until April 30th. Remember everything done on this post can also be done on the BBBL2 announcement post.

Big Thanks go to IZEA because they sponsored this whole endeavor and this blog post.

191 thoughts on “Blogs, Brews 2 Recap”

  1. Thank you to everyone who participated and sponsored us.. This was a great event!! If you live in the North Attleboro area check out SOTP.. it’s a fun night out!

  2. Sounds like you guys had a great night!

    My favorite comedian is Bill Engvall… not exactly high class tastes over here. 😉

    If I had the opportunity to do something similar, I’d be raising money for a friend’s 7 year old daughter who has cancer. I don’t have a lot of money of my own to spare, so I put up the money for a domain name, and hosting for a website for her to take donations online, and give updates on her progress. It’s not a lot, but every little bit helps. Her family is trying to plan a June benefit for her now, but we’re having a hard time pinning down a location.

    Jennifers last blog post..Self Portrait Sunday 4/19/09

  4. Jennifer,

    I’m a Bill Engvall fan too.

    I misread your response the 1st time and was going to suggest that you create a post for people to go and donate for your friend’s daughter. But then I reread and saw that you did that. It might not have been a lot of money but you did what you could and you used your talents and time as well as treasure to stop and care. That is very important. Hopefully local businesses could help with a few donated items for the benefit.

  7. ways I help with ACS and Relay For Life is volunteering. I am the online chair for our event and I help anyone who wants to get online here is Socorro, NM. I also get the word out and just try to educate people on what ACS and Relay For Life does with the money they donate.

  9. Smilieshorts,

    That is fantastic. You are using your talents and knowledge to help people and volunteer to do your part. That is fantastic!

  10. Hi,
    I just want to give my support to Sue and Cheryl. They have worked so hard and are dedicated to their charity, “Walking for second base”. I admire their commitment and urge people to show their support!!!!

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  13. I wish I could have been there in person because I had a hard time following what was going on through the Stickam feed. Of course, that may have been because I was listening through one ear bud, trying to listen to the conversation going on around me with the other ear, and playing lexulous on facebook, but who knows?! I had fun in the chatroom. I’m glad to hear the event was a success! and thanks for the reminder – I’m heading over to make my donation!

    Favorite comedian – my first thought was Bill Cosby, and I also like Bill Engvall (here’s your sign!) and Jeff Foxworthy.

    One of our local librarians is fighting breast cancer, with no health insurance, so I think that’s the direction I would have gone with this money.

    Annas last blog post..Does Mother’s Day Sneak Up on You?

  14. Anna,
    Thanks so much for spending time in the chat room. I’m a fan of all of those comedians. I also think that your cause would be a good one to work on, is there any way you can help without using money?

  16. (last comment continued – there should be a way to edit)

    If enough awareness is raised maybe someone who actually has money will be willing to help – or if a lot of people just do a little bit, it all adds up.

  17. Anna,
    I think that every little bit helps. There are so many causes that I’ve heard about through online channels. Sometimes it is hard to not get overwhelmed by all the causes and people in need. I want to do so much to help too.

  18. Anna,
    Yes, having a spokesperson who can really affect change would be helpful. Catching the ear of people who have real money to help is hard but I agree with enough voices maybe the right ear will hear.

  19. Great cause one of my friends was just diagnosed..so HELP HELP HELP find a cure!!! Thanks for all you effort!
    Tracy

  20. Tracy,
    I am sorry to hear about your friend. I too hope that a cure is found. Thank you for stopping over to comment.

  21. I already follow ya on twitter, and I’ve RT’d:
    http://twitter.com/Kellzo/status/1574841007

    * Who is your favorite comedian?
    I have a TON of favorites. Including but not limited to: Larry the Cable Guy, George Lopez, Lisa Lampanelli, Kathi Griffin, Jeff Dunham, George Carlin, Bill Cosby, Ron White, and that’s about all I can think of at the moment. 🙂

    * What cause would you have chosen had you been given this money?
    I don’t know of the official names, but I would give to either food banks or homeless shelters. Especially with this economy right now. And the fact that I’ve needed a food bank before, and my brother currently resides in a shelter.

    * What can you do to help that charity without using money?
    Volunteer with whatever they need volunteering with. 🙂

    Chicas last blog post..In a Cup

  22. Chica,
    Thanks for all the entries. I like your comedians except for Lisa Lampanelli, I just don’t find her funny.

    I think your cause is a very worthy one. And going and volunteering is an excellent thing to do. I’ve never done that before. I pray that your brother is taken care of and gets the help he needs.

  30. I can’t find my post on my favorite comedians and such so guess I will try again.

    I have a lot of favorite comedians, Larry the Cable Guy, George Lopez,Kathi Griffin, Jeff Dunham, Bill Cosby, and many more. 🙂

    My cause would be ACS and Relay For Life. I have many friends and family that have been told they have cancer and some who have died. I think ACS (American Cancer Society) is fantastic and I will do anything to help fund research and try to find a cure.

    Since I don’t really have a lot of money to give, I volunteer my time.

  31. SmilieShorts,
    Your comedian e-mail somehow got into the spam folder. I fished it out. Glad to hear you had such a good rummage sale. We are doing a pancake breakfast this Sunday for our Relay For Life Team.

  34. Tweeted: http://twitter.com/shutterbugcel/status/1576209294

    Fav comedians: Bill Cosby, Michael McDonald and Will Sasso (some of the old MadTV cast).

    Cause: Susan G Komen for the Cure. A very large percentage of the females in my family have been touched by this disease as have a large population of the world. I myself am probably at high risk of one day facing the disease myself. So it is something close to my heart that effects entirely too may people in this world.

    I could do more for this charity by becoming involved in local fund raising events and supporting events that happen locally in my community such. I can also honor my family members that have been touched by this disease.

    Celinas last blog post..Day 262

  35. Celina,

    Breast Cancer is a cause that is close to Allison. Her sorority raised money for Susan G. Komen and her Alumni Sorority group does as well. I even ran in the Race for the Cure once. Getting involved in local events is a great way to help without using money to do so.

    I was also a fan of Will Sasso.

  36. http://twitter.com/Angelia818/status/1576788290

    Who is your favorite comedian? Jeff Dunham
    What cause would you have chosen had you been given this money? Making Strides Against Breast Cancer Walk (American Cancer Society)
    What can you do to help that charity without using money? Incite others to do the Making Strides walk

    I’m posting your links on FB too!

  37. I think my favoritest comedian is Steve Harvey.
    The cause I would choose if I was given the money would be Leukemia. There are so many children that die everyday, and I think that it isn’t fair. They are so innocent! If I didn’t have enough money to help this charity, I would still go around many different hospitals and comfort their little hearts. It just tears me to pieces.

    ~Thanks, again~

  38. Melissa,
    Jeff Dunham is a funny guy, I’m also a fan of Mike Birbiglia. Strides sounds like a great cause too.

  47. Tim,
    I think that you aren’t taking full advantage of getting the entries, you’re not getting people to come comment on your behalf. Share the love man get people to come and comment and you get 2 entries when people comment and mention they learned about the contest from you.

  49. Figured I’d give the iPod contest a go. Here is the tweet:
    http://twitter.com/rhanley3/status/1588505486

    * There a good number of comedians that I like, so I think I will go with Bill Cosby. Not just for his comedy, but for the fact that he is an amazing storyteller.

    * There is an organization called Robin Hood NYC. They raise money to fight poverty in NYC and I think I would donate to that, partly because the folklore of Robin Hood is close to my heart.

    * The charity has a number of partner organizations that one can volunteer time to. Activities include tutoring a child, mentoring an adult, feeding a family, helping out in an office, or assisting in any number of other ways. Most organizations require a six to twelve month commitment.

  50. * Who is your favorite comedian?
    I have lots (trust me, I NEED comedy in my life!), but to name one, Ellen DeGeneres.

    * What cause would you have chosen had you been given this money?
    I’m a BIG animal lover so I would have chosen a charity like the SPCA.

    * What can you do to help that charity without using money?
    I can volunteer my time.

  54. Ryan,
    Thanks so much for going and entering the contest. the charity you mentioned is really very interesting. And another cosby fan, that is great.

  58. My favorite comedian is Russell Peters

    There is this place called JMJ Sneha Sadan , run for destitute, abandoned kids. The sisters there do a very good job bringing them up and preparing them for life. I’d donate the money to them.

    If my pockets were empty , the best thing I could do for charity is visit any of the institutes for destitute , old age homes , spend some time with them, help them with their daily activities, very satisfying to see the smile on their faces.

  62. Barbara,
    Thanks very much.

    I think the more we work on finding a cure the better chance our sisters and mothers and friends will have fighting this disease.

  63. Allison,
    Thanks for coming by and commenting on this post to talk about saving 2nd base. I appreciate it and I bet Tim does too.

  64. Thanks for doing this. I am a long time survivor and appreciate all that is done. I am fortunate and blessed to have supportive family and friends. Keep up the good work for a great cause.

  66. Barbara,
    Thanks so much for joining the group and posting to facebook. And you are welcome but All I’m doing is putting together the event, Sue and her team are the people who are working really hard by walking. I’m just doing what I can.

  67. Wow, fantastic job putting the event together and with all the little details. So sorry I couldn’t make it, but hopefully for BBBL3, I can be there in person! Looking forward to seeing who gets a prize from the Twitter raffle, too!

  68. yay! I was finally able to get the donation to work I think I have done everything I can to win myself and ipod touch for my birthday lol. Actually I am glad that I was able to donate, it is a great cause!

  69. Hi Dina,
    Thanks again for the prize for the online contest. I’ll be sure to tell you about BBBL3. 🙂

  70. Smilieshorts,

    Thanks so much for continuing to try and donate. So happy that you were able to do so! A birthday coming up, a fellow April baby, nice!

  71. I’d like more entries, please! Just stopping by to let you know that I donated – used my blog address: alwaysbcmom.com

    Also, so happy to see that Suzanne has reached her fundraising goal! Of course, people, don’t let that stop you from donating. There’s no such thing as too much when you’re donating to a good cause, right?

    Annas last blog post..Not To Miss

  72. Anna,
    You are so right, even though Sue reached her goal, WAY to Go SUE!, more money can always be donated to this cause. Thanks so much!

  73. Hey Sue – I know you and your team will come out the winners – as each year you all do more and more for such a wonderful cause.

    Sue Miz

  76. Hey “Sam”,

    At 1st glance. I thought, who is “sam” but then I realized, oh yeah. Thanks for dropping a note on the post encouraging Sue and her team.

  79. Hey Drew! Great shots you have here, looks like everyone had a blast, and for a good cause no less! I’ll have to check back more frequently to keep tabs on all these events you’re a part of. Good luck with everything!

  82. go Sue!! best of luck to you and your team who are walking in the Avon Walk for Breast Cancer.

  83. Best of Luck!! My friends are walking in this as well, such a great experience and cause. Wishing you the best

  84. Hi
    I also dugg this post [ id: retrogade ]
    btw Drew , you should really check out Russell Peters, the man taught me to laugh at myself :p

  94. so is it every time we leave a message we get an entry into the contest? does it matter how many we leave a day? I am slightly confused.

  95. Dear Sue and Team,
    Congratulations to you all for endeavoring to complete the Avon Walk for the Cure. Best of luck to you all as you give your time and talent to help so many.

    Denise

  96. Good luck in the Avon walk for the cure. I have been an Avon representative for many years and am so pleased with their support for this cause.

  97. Hi Sue,
    Best of luck on walking and raising money for such a great cause!
    Marie

  100. Good luck Sue and crew
    you guys are supporting a great cause.
    the Sotp show was awesome. All the best for the walk.

  104. Here to show my support Drew! And I have two favorite comedians – Butch Bradley and David O’Doherty – check them out!

    Good luck and well done!!!
    Liz McG

  105. Sounds like I missed a fun night. Gotta make sure I do it next time!!

    Who is your favorite comedian? Dennis Leary
    What cause would you have chosen had you been given this money? Christopher and Dana Reeve Foundation
    What can you do to help that charity without using money? Promotion and volunteerism

    Go Sue!

  106. Good luck all with your efforts on such a worthy cause…the walk of course and Drew’s personal desire to win the contest! LOL!!!!

  112. I told my friends to come comment for me, but it doesn’t look like they did. Can I impersonate some friends to get more entries?

    I would walk for a good cause. That I can do. It’s just the fundraising part that intimidates me.

    Annas last blog post..New Glasses for Cory

  113. SUE! I think this is a great cause! I wish you and your team luck on your 40 miles in 2 days! WAY TO GO!

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  129. Looks like you had a fun night as well as a successful fundraising endeavor. Wish I could have made it.

  131. It looks like you’ve got plenty of comments here. I hope you win your contest, and I hope I win that iPod.

  133. I have been leaving comments and hope it helps, I will come back later tonight and leave a couple more. You are awesome and doing a fantastic job!

  134. I didn’t realize tonight was the end, so here is another comment. I hope it helps.

  135. here to help Sue and you some more.
    Does this one need 300 too? I have a long way to go to help you if it does lol

  136. good to know that I don’t need to get this one up to 300 too.

    I really do hope you win, it is a fantastic cause and you and Sue are doing a fantastic job.

  137. This is a good cause Drew. It means a lot to our family. Thank you for working so hard for it.

  138. I may not be able to post all night like I thought I would, I am actually getting tired. We will see though, I will post as long as I can anything to help

  141. Drew, you are my new blogger hero, at least till Jon Chow sends me that check ;). You and Sue are doing great and important things… and having fun while doing it!

    I’m thinking that maybe I should make the long-ass trip to attend the next one!

    Q&As:

    1. Fav comedian = Sam Kinison
    2. Who I’d give to = Marriage Equality USA
    3. Promote, encourage, support BBBL2/S3B and maybe start a local event here in Bloomington, IN.

    Thanks again Drew and Sue. You kids ROCK!

  142. I think it would be awesome if we all could get this one to 300 also. It will take a little more effort but I bet we can.

    I love improv comedy better than scripted I think, it is a lot more fun

  143. I would, or me and other people, would only have to comment 159 or so more times.

    I think I like improv because it is what I have seen the most, and I like the randomness of it and the unpredictability of it too.

  149. you know what would be cool, is if that place you hold the events had, had it’s own photobooth, sort of like what MTV did on the countdown show. 🙂

  150. hey Chica! thanks for the help, I am not sure how many comments we need but I am aiming for 300 here lol

  154. I am thinking he gets money and then he is going to give it to Sue for her cause, but not positive on that.

    I am just helping out because I can and because it is fun and I like a challenge lol

  155. I should be resting and trying to sleep. I have to stay up all night tomorrow night for my Relay For Life event. I will just take a nap tomorrow lol

  156. lol well remember that one time you commented on my blog during a contest? your ace doll, I don’t tell you that enough 🙂

  158. not sure I remember that, maybe a little lol. I am pretty good at the whole “help me win, leave a comment” thing lol

    like I said, I like a challenge, and thanks, you are pretty awesome yourself 🙂

  159. is it spring where your at yet? It’s been beautiful here, if only the scattered rain showers would go away.. but then it wouldn’t bring those may flowers..

  161. it is flipping hot here lol, we could really really use some rain. I am already running the swamp cooler most of the day.

  165. By far improv I think. Life is improv, and it’s got to be more real. Scripted comedy has it’s benefits though! Like I could never do improv, but I could script something together.

    What’s your fav kind?

  166. I have done some improv but only to get ready for musicals, as a kind of warm up. It is a lot of fun, but really hard work.

  167. the only musical I’ve ever done was Davy Crockett, I played a fire-woman, and was in the 5th grade hehe. What would you improv about given the chance?

  168. oh I dont know lol, probably the kids or something I know a whole lot about, it is easier that way I think 🙂

    I have done a few musicals. Fiddler on the Roof, Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dream Coat, Orpheus and the Underworld (or something like that), The Mikado, A Christmas Carol (I was Ma Crachit!), and a few others.

  170. I get the chance to do them at the college here in town, it is a lot of fun. I am usually just in the chorus, but I still have a blast. For one I played in the orchestra but I prefer to be onstage. 🙂

  172. lol, I used to be, but doing musicals has really helped.

    we are closer to 300! I just hope we are helping

  175. have a good evening Chica. tonight is the last night to make comments but I am pretty sure we helped out, so that is ok!

  179. When are we going to get BBB3 going? Let’s really plan ahead, make it a fundraising effort and market the heck out of it!
    Online and in your face!

    p.s. SOTPajama Party MAY 1st!

  180. Christian,

    I might be by tonight, not sure. Also Larry had asked me to contact you about doing a Photo Shoot with the players. I’m game for that. Let’s talk about it.

  184. If you keep doing cool things like Blogs, Brews & Belly Laughs, you might actually become a famous blogger 😉 Keep up the good work!

  185. Thanks Craig,
    But if I become Famous I’ll have to have my face everywhere and make print out masks and things like that. Not that we know anyone who does that. 🙂

  186. Heard about the pajama party, have fun guys!
    We need more people like you in this world :p
    have fun while serving a cause

  187. Peter,
    Thanks. I wish we could have won the comment contest and get $400 more for Sue’s team but we did have fun.

  189. Peter,
    It ended last night at 11:59pm. From 10-12 my only competition rallied the troops and soundly trounced us. Well, no one who commented on either post is at all to feel bad, they were the ones who actually cared and took the time to comment. There were over 700 people contacted for help and out of that maybe 125 people answered the call to help.

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