{#MondayMotivation} What happens when @Kmart gives select NYC #Bloggers an unlimited budget to shop for @StJude? #Kmart #Love

For those of you that follow me via Social Media, I recently experienced another death in my family. Second one this year if you are keeping count.

It sent me into a very dark tailspin.

One I'm truthfully still trying to shake.

And while I have turned down a majority of events I have been invited to this last quarter of the year, one event invite stood out from the rest.

The opportunity to join with fellow NYC bloggers to support an initiative with Kmart to help St. Jude Children's Research Hospital.

Philanthropist Marlo Thomas (daughter of Danny Thomas who founded the St. Jude Children's Research Hospital in Memphis, Tennessee in 1962) was there with some of the children of St. Jude to lead us in a Toy-Shopping Spree - with my favorite words ever included - 'unlimited budget'. We were told only to 'fill up our carts' and that we were shopping from ages 0-18.

Kmart has marked a milestone achievement of donating $100 Million to St. Jude in total lifetime donations. They are the first Corporate Partner in the hospital's history to attain this landmark donation!

These funds have helped to:

 Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ - Fully treat 206 patients with ALL, the most common form of childhood cancer

 Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ - Provide more than 10 million meals for St. Jude Families

 Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ - Cover the costs of 67,000 days of Chemotherapy

Here are some photo highlights to put a smile in your motivation Monday!

See those cute #Love Hats? They are available at Kmart for $5 and $1 from each hat goes directly to St. Jude!

Special thanks to NYC Blogger and St. Jude Blogger Brand Ambassador, Nichol Perez of fivelittlewords.net for sharing the three photos above with me!

I filled my cart with stuff for pretty much every age group!

MY TAKE:

This is an amazing achievement, and I personally prefer to support brands that are doing something to give back. Way to go Kmart!

I haven't even put up a tree yet with everything I am dealing with (and quite frankly may not), but as a survivor I jumped on the chance to help do something to bring a smile to the children of St. Jude, I know how much a prolonged hospital stay sucks, I know how much Cancer Sucks, anything that makes Christmas a bit brighter for children battling cancer and are in the hospital for Christmas is something I am all about doing.

And I got to experience the joy of giving at a moment where I really needed it most. They have no idea how much I needed to be there and do something to get outside of my own head for a little while.

As I am not a mom it gets super frustrating to be pitched toys all the time, EXCEPT in THIS context!

An event where the toy swag goes directly to the children who need it? YES, PLEASE!

Readers Sound Off: Does knowing that Kmart has reached this milestone level of support for St. Jude Children's Research Hospital make you want to shop there just a bit more? Will you pick up a #Love hat this holiday season?

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FTC Disclosure: This is NOT a Compensated Post and all thoughts and opinions are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission 16 CFR, Part 255 - Guides Concerning the use of endorsements and testimonials in advertising, you may check our Giveaway and Disclosure Page for additional information regarding Ascending Butterfly Disclosure. Kmart Gift Cards were provided to bloggers in attendance as a thank you for our time, not as compensation for the post.

Things that lure Ascending Butterfly out of her butterfly cocoon of fabulosity: Electronics/Technology (yes I am a Gadget Geek first!), Fashion, Jewelry, Bubbly/Spirits, Foodie/Restaurants, Photography and Travel. And remember Ascending Butterfly does NOT have children, please do not pitch her toys (at least not those that are intended for children).

Unless it's charity related, If a campaign doesn't pay, this butterfly won't want to play.

Smile if you got this far, twirl around twice and sing Mariah Carey's Butterfly.

Still here? Now go make someone happy today.

We interrupt your summer to tell you that it's almost time for BACK TO SCHOOL! #StaplesHasIt + @NickCannon & a #Giveaway too!

I know the thought of Back to School will send all your child's hairs to stand on end, but doing all your shopping at the very last minute, will do the same to your wallet! Did you know that the bulk of a student's shopping budget is actually in 'tech' products now? And not every back to school shopping retailer can offer a wide range of school supplies AND technology products too at affordable prices that won't break the bank!

I recently attended a Back-to-School event where we got one resounding message loud and clear STAPLES HAS IT, or in this new age of speaking in hashtags: #StaplesHasIt

Back-to-School Made Easy with the Newest Trends

For the 2013 Back-to-School Shopping Season, Staples is offering an expanded assortment of fashionable and super functional must-have supplies, that will make going to back to class more fun! To help families save money on those must-have supplies the popular Back-to-School Savings Pass is back this year which gives you a 15 percent discount on supplies! Remember you can only purchase the pass through August 31st, and it's valid through September 21st which is great, because sometimes despite our best efforts we end up having to make multiple trips to the store for supply runs anyway! The pass costs $10, but if even if you have only one tech item on your list the 15% discount will help ensure that the cost of the savings pass pays for itself!

Some trends you'll spot at Staples this season include:

Neon - Get into the groove will cool and bold hues, Neon Sharpies or the Quilted Collection of Zipper Binders, Pencil Pouches, Tablet Cases and Clipboards!

Exclusive Patterns and Designs - Let's face it, individual expression is what it's all about, and Staples offers unique designs on products like the Staples BETTER binders, sticky notes and index card holders. One of my favorites are the ARC notebooks that offer a customizable cover that you can change whenever you get bored or want to mix things up! (for me it's like the notebook equivalent of swapping out your desktop wallpaper!)

Twinkle, Twinkle - The Glo-Lite Collection lights up when pushed and includes staplers, rulers and dry-erase boards. The Fiber Optic Pencil Pouches which are Exclusive to Staples, twinkle with designs that include shoe, piano and paisley. The Magnetic Motion Sensor Locker Chandelier with seven LED lights, the exclusive Glo-Lite Magnetic Pencil Bin, glitter rugs, Twinkle Scissors and magnetic wallpaper will help students spruce up their space and stand out in style.

Tech You Can Touch - The Acer Aspire Touch Laptop and new tablets like the HP Slate with Beats, Samsung Galaxy II, Samsung Note 8.0, Google Nexus 7 or the Kindle Fire HD help kids stay connected online both in and out of the classroom. (Again that savings pass will come in handy if you plan to purchase any tech for Back-to-School). And of course you need a cool case to protect your new touch device, how about a Zebra Print Tablet Case by Jansport? (pictured above)

Non Basic Basics -  I fell in love with the new, bendable Staples Flexible Calculator, and the Scotch Magic Chameleon Tape Dispenser which changes color when touched! (pictured above)

Lunchtime = Funtime - The Fit and Fresh 14 Piece Healthy Lunch Set features perfectly proportioned containers with ice packs that snap into the lids! Cool It! Ice Packs will keep the chill in any lunch bag or box. Or enjoy the updated classic LEGO Lunch Box. (all are pictured above)

Celebrity Surprise:

Staples surprised us all when Nick Cannon and AJ from Extra payed a visit to promote his Designer N-Tune headphones produced by Monster!

I was there! Here is a picture of Nick giving me, 'The Official #TwitterPartyDJ' my new Monster NCredible N-Tune On-Ear Headphones (Black):

Left: Tracy, Founder, Butterfly-in-Chief, Ascending Butterfly, Right: Nick Cannon

Here is a picture of AJ Calloway from Extra Television, interviewing Nick Cannon, he asked him about his new N-Tune headphones as well as how it was working with Amanda Bynes!

Here is a picture of me and AJ from Extra TV, he just loves bloggers!

Right: AJ from Extra TV, Left: Tracy from Ascending Butterfly

Staples Gives Back:

Boys & Girls Clubs of America (BGCA) and Staples, Inc have teamed up with teen actor Jake T. Austin for the 6th annual Staples for Students national school supply drive to help kids get the tools they need to be successful in school and achieve great futures!

There are THREE ways YOU can HELP!

Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ - Give $1 at checkout - Donate $1 at any Staples register from June 30 - September 28

Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ - Share to Give - Visit Staples for Students on Facebook and they will donate $1 for every share starting July 15th! Isn't that awesome?

Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ - Donate Supplies -  Drop off donated supplies at your local Staples August 11-17th (Just make sure it's not the stuff you pilfered from the office, LOL)

My Take:

As a tech enthusiast I know the Savings Pass will definitely pay for itself! It's been awesome having the opportunity to attend Staples Preview Events, they always present something unique, and their events are always fun, but I will admit I didn't expect the celebrity surprise this time, and Nick couldn't have been more down to earth. I can see why he is so excited about his latest collaboration, Monster produces quality audio accessories and better still they really stand behind them (which I can personally attest to, when my Monster Vivienne Tam Butterfly Headphones died way before they should have, Monster took the time to make it right and send me a replacement, which is not just good customer service, it means they really stand behind the product!). Nick took the time out of his day, to present each and every single one of us with our headphones and to take pictures. He was super approachable and I definitely wish this latest venture of Nick's great success!

YOUR Chance to WIN:

Check out the #StaplesHasIt Photobomb Giveaway - Every Tuesday you can enter the #StaplesHasIt Photobomb Giveaway by submitting a caption for a chance to win a tablet and a Savings Pass! You can enter via Facebook or by following @Staples via twitter and tweeting your caption to the photo of the week! (Hint: That Cool Tape Dispenser I Posted the Picture of above? it just might be in this week's giveaway, so get those creative juices flowing and head on over for your chance to win!)

Have you started your Back-to-School Shopping Yet? What is on your shopping list for this year Butterflies?

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FTC Disclosure: We were provided with the opportunity to learn of Staples Back-toSchool Products at a Digital Press Preview Event, we got to meet Nick Cannon and were supplied with the N-Tune headphones  and a gift bag with an assortment of products to facilitate our review, no monetary compensation has been received in exchange for our event recap coverage. All opinions are 100% my own. See our full disclosure policy for any questions.

#ad: I am joining @AmericanCancer Society to #finishthefight against #Cancer, because for me, it's very much Personal! Learn how YOU can help too!

Let's Finish The Fight {Sponsored Video}

Disclosure: I am honored to have this opportunity to tell my story as part of the American Cancer Society's 100th Birthday Celebration. While this is a Sponsored Post that includes a Sponsored Video Message, all opinions and stories contained herein are 100% my own. This post is Sponsored by the American Cancer Society.

It's no secret that 'The Big C' has been a major part of my life. I lost my Great-Grandmother to a Brain Tumor, my Grandmother to Uterine Cancer, my Dad to Liver Cancer, and my Mother has battled Ovarian Cancer twice and thankfully is here to tell her tale. Last year I was diagnosed with end stage Lung Cancer despite the fact I have never touched a Cigarette in my entire life. My ongoing battle, (as it stands I am being told by one hospital it's not while another is very sure it is) has not been an easy one. My Godmother, (who is also by blood) my Great Aunt, lost her battle to skin cancer.

I HATE Cancer. There I said it. Hate is not a word I use lightly. I don't use it carelessly. Since I started blogging I have taken as many opportunities as I possibly can to share about initiatives that aid in the fight against Cancer, not just Breast Cancer, but ALL Cancers equally. The fight against Cancer is very much a personal one for me.

In College I helped to put together a Fundraiser Concert for the American Cancer Society, it combined two passions of mine, my love of music (you listen to a lot of music and do a lot of praying while someone you love (or while you yourself), is undergoing testing and treatments) and my desire to aid in the fight in some way. The way fellow students on campus rallied to help is something I have never forgotten.

Will there be a cure in our lifetime? I can't answer that question with total certainty one way or the other, but what I can tell you with 100% certainty is that Cancer does NOT discriminate. It doesn't care how young you are, how much life you have yet to live. It doesn't care if you have a family that needs you. It doesn't care how important you are, it doesn't care what you have done nor does it care what you haven't yet accomplished.

 

Close your eyes and imagine hearing a Doctor tell you that you have end stage cancer and that you are 'on borrowed' time. How would you feel? What is the first thought that crossed your mind? Was it the loved ones you'd be leaving behind? Something you really want to achieve in life that you haven't had the opportunity to do yet?

About The American Cancer Society:

The American Cancer Society is a nationwide, community-based voluntary health organization that is dedicated to eliminating cancer, they help save lives by helping people stay well by preventing cancer, by detecting it early, by being there during and after a diagnosis, by finding cures through investment in ground-breaking discoveries and by rallying lawmakers and communities worldwide to join the fight.

The achievements of this organization are amazing, they have contributed to a 20% decline in cancer death rates and have helped to save 1.2 million lives. Their efforts have directly lead to a 50% drop in smoking deaths since the 1960's, contributing to a drop in overall lung cancer death rates.

The Fight Continues:

Despite their impressive accomplishments the fight continues! Some current goals include the undertaking of a historic research study called the 'Cancer Prevention Study-3 (CPS-3), the goal is to enroll at least 300,000 adults from various racial/ethnic backgrounds from across the US by the end of THIS year. They want to be sure that people facing Cancer have the help they need including a free place to stay during treatment and a ride to get there (I can't begin to stress how important those two things really are when you are facing such an emotionally, physically and spiritually draining process). In addition to the continuation of giving everyone access to quality health care, lifesaving screenings, clean air and more! The Society currently operates 31 Hope Lodge Facilities around the country, each offering a home away from home for patients and their caregivers traveling for treatment at no cost.

Where my online persona and my real one meet:

On Twitter, I am 'The Official #TwitterPartyDJ' as I'm a Twitter Party online hostess, and I'm also a music lover who shares fun tunes and audio accessories that make music sound better because music, and travel are two of my biggest passions. Online, I may be the TwitterPartyDJ, but offline I'm a lucky survivor, and I was super excited to find out two musicians I really like are joining in the fight too, check out these videos by Mary J. Blige and Josh Groban:

YOU CAN HELP:

Silence Won't Finish the Fight AGAINST Cancer:

My Take:

Will YOU take a moment against silence? You can sign up on the American Cancer Society website to join the boldest move yet in the fight against cancer and I hope you will take a moment to do so. Let's help the society with their effort to help people celebrate more birthdays. After you sign up check out the tab that reads '100 Stories of Hope'. If reading those stories don't put your day-to-day temporary worries into perspective, nothing will. Silence never helps anything, let's make noise, let's give this issue a voice online, talking about it raises awareness and raising awareness is the way to get closer to a cure!

Just like I took the StrongMoms Empower pledge, and shared with you recently about #MoonWalkNYC, I have also taken the pledge to help the American Cancer Society to make NOISE to finish the fight against cancer and I hope you will too!

Sixty years ago, 1 out 3 people diagnosed with Cancer survived. Today, thanks in part to the work of the American Cancer Society, 2 out of 3 will survive. Let's make it 3 out of 3!

How has Cancer or the American Cancer Society affected your life Butterfly? Please share your story. Together we can add 100 more stories of hope! 

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FTC Disclosure: This is a Sponsored Post written by me on behalf of the American Cancer Society. All stories and opinions are 100% my own. I am a survivor and it's important to me personally to empower others with my story!

Monday Motivation: Spreading Holiday Cheer Edition! @redcross Holiday Mail for Heroes Program!

I shared last night on Facebook about the Red Cross Holiday Mail for Heroes program, and wanted to provide additional details for those who asked for more information about the program. The Red Cross and Pitney Bowes are joining together as part of the sixth annual Heroes Card Program. The Holiday Mail for Heroes Mailbox will be open until December 7th.

CARD SIGNING IDEAS:

Many members of the Armed Forces will be far away from home and loved ones during the holidays. Why not let them know their sacrifice is appreciated and gather folks together to sign cards and be part of the Holiday Mail program? Scouts could sign at their weekly meeting. Civic organizations could organize events in their communities. Businesses could provide cards for employees to sign. Sporting leagues could ask members to sign before the next game.

HOW IT WORKS:

Pitney Bowes will screen the cards for hazardous materials, sort and package them, contributing thousands of volunteer hours at sites around the country. Red Cross volunteers across the United States and on military installations overseas then sort and deliver the cards throughout the holiday season. The Red Cross and Pitney Bowes have received and distributed more than 4.7 million cards for members of the U.S. Armed Forces, veterans and their families since the program began in 2006.

Mail Cards to:

Holiday Mail for Heroes

P.O. Box 5456

Capitol Heights, MD 20791-5456

RULES/Guidelines: 

To ensure that cards are delivered in time for the holidays, they must be postmarked no later than December 7. Individuals are asked to refrain from sending “care packages,” monetary donations, or using glitter or any other kinds of inserts with the cards. More information and card requirements are available at redcross.org/holidaymail.

Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ  - Ensure that all cards are signed.

Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ - Use generic salutations such as 'Dear Service Member' - Cards addressed to specific individuals will NOT be delivered.

Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ  - Only cards are being accepted, do not send letters.

Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ  - Do not include inserts, no photos or items.

Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ  - Do not include your email or your home address on the actual card, the program is not meant to foster pen pal relationships.

Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ  - Do not send cards with Glitter. Many of the cards are being delivered to military and veterans medical facilities and the glitter could interfere with a patient's recovery.

Get Social With it:

Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ  -  You can connect with fellow card senders through Facebook at facebook.com/redcross and on Twitter @redcross using the hashtag #holidaymail.

The Red Cross relies on the support of the American people to carry out its mission of service to the 2 million members of the U.S. Armed Forces, 24 million veterans and their families. During this holiday season, people also can support all Red Cross services by making a financial donation at redcross.org or by calling 1-800-REDCROSS. Individuals can also give the gift of life by making an appointment to give blood at redcrossblood.org or by calling 1-800-REDCROSS.

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FTC Disclosure: This is NOT a sponsored post. I have not received any monetary compensation for sharing about this initiative!

A win/win way to help in the #HurricaneSandy Relief Efforts via @Sakroots!

Like most of you, I get tons of  'PR Noise' in my inbox (especially at this time of year) and I rarely share emails I receive in their entirety here, but this one was too good not to share. Since 2009 I have been sharing about Brands that give back. In fact for my first year of blogging I wasn't even PR friendly, I wanted collaborations to be meaningful in ways that are bigger than the obvious, and one of the first brands to ask what if what I was asking you to cover was part of a give back initiative? That's when a light bulb clicked and I made my first brand collaboration. The same still holds true now, you have never once seen a 'what the celebs are wearing' post here. I live in New York and cover Fashion Week as an iconic part of what being a New Yorker City based Lifestyle Blogger sees, but what celebs wear, don't interest me, unless it's something they wore when they were giving back.

Ascending Butterfly has come a long way since 2009, we have collaborated with numerous brands, but a select core group are featured more often by us than others. The long term relationships I've built with some brands is because I believe in the quality and durability of the products they offer and that I respect and admire the company's principles. I love Brands that give back, especially ones that do so year round. And when a Brand I love does something that helps MY own community, I have to help them spread the word!

I tried to enlarge the graphic in the post, but it goes beyond the screen width for text so even though you can press on it to make it bigger, I wanted to share the message so it didn't get lost! The Sak Brand Group (who have collaborated with us often throughout the years for our regular feature 'Featured Monthly Handbag in the Spotlight'), is a New York and New Jersey based company, to assist in the Hurricane Sandy Relief Efforts, they are donating 10% of online sales to the Mayor's Fund to Advance New York City, where 100% of donations are dispersed to relief efforts and organizations! How cool is that? You get a fab brand new handbag that you wanted anyway AND you get to make a difference for people who really need it. Right now there are so many New Yorkers in Shelters after getting hit by BOTH Hurricane Sandy and the Nor-Easter snow storm 'Athena'!

My Take:

People think of New York City as the 'Fashion Capital of the World', and I can tell you waking up in a shelter doesn't feel so 'fashionable', but helping people in such a simple way certainly is. Please consider The Sak, sakroots and Elliot Lucca for your holiday gift giving this season. You are getting your family and friends amazing gifts they will love and that will last (let's face it accessories not only make the outfit but expand your wardrobe), but you will also be making a real difference!

Get Social With It: 

Not buying right now but still want to help?

They have posted this message on their Facebook Page and Twitter Stream @Sakroots, please consider a social media share to your own networks, the more we spread the word, the more help displaced families due to Hurricane Sandy can receive.

Let's call this Give Back Friday Butterflies! I thank you in advance for spreading the word about this message!

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FTC Disclosure: This is NOT a sponsored post. This post has not been compensated, nor am I Brand Ambassador! We collaborate with the Sak Brand Group on a frequent basis, however all opinions are 100% my own and we have featured brands with giving initatives since 2009.

There are some animals that REALLY need YOUR Help! - New York Aquarium Devasted by Hurricane Sandy!

While I know a ton of people have taken time to personally text to donate to the Red Cross, and some who donated during the Hurricane Relief Fundraising Televised Concert, I just wanted to post about a New York Landmark that was very hard hit, and desperately needs help! (and yes I am well aware with a Gas Shortage in the City everyone's budgets are already stretched a bit thin!)

All 14 acres of the New York Aquarium were overtaken by surge waters during the storm, creating significant and long-lasting damage throughout the park. Located just off the beach at Coney Island, the 14-acre aquarium was completely overtaken by water. They are working on restoring life support systems and have restored power to two exhibits. Water is still being pumped out of areas that house crucial operating systems.

The primary concern remains the health of the thousands of animals, many of whom will be relocated to other aquariums if power cannot be restored within a safe time-frame. Next comes the long process of repairing and rebuilding.

Mitik, orphaned Walrus Calf being cared for by NY Aquarium Staff during Hurricane Sandy 2012,  @Julie Larsen Maher @WCS

During Hurricane Sandy, 22 dedicated aquarium staff remained on duty throughout the storm (24 hours a day!), working nonstop to protect and care for the animals as the waters rose and the winds battered the coast. This was especially crucial for the safety of Mitik, the orphaned walrus calf who only recently arrived and whose pre-existing health issues require constant attention.

Flood waters engulf the New York Aquarium's Sea Cliffs exhibit. Hurricane Sandy 2012. @Julie Larsen Maher @WCS

That same staff has continued to work around the clock to restore operating systems critical to thousands of animals in the Aquarium's care. They have established temporary life support for the aquatic systems, are pumping flood waters out of basements and mechanical areas, and are working to restore filtration and other life support essential for the exhibit and holding tanks.

PLEASE HELP:

New York and the United States at large are always quick to send aid to others and now we sound the alarm, one of our Major Landmarks (and a fond part of most New Yorkers childhoods, cherished moments with family as well as visitors to our fair city) is in JEOPARDY! Please click HERE to help the animals, no donation is too small!

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FTC Disclosure: I am a Wildlife Conservation Society Blogger Ambassador. However this is NOT a sponsored post, this post is entirely non-compensated and all opinions expressed herein are 100% my own. I am an Avid Animal Lover, and Life Long New Yorker and want to see this cherished landmark get the help it needs!

Annie The Musical on Broadway! Opens November 8th! #PLACEholiday

In October I had the chance to see Annie The Musical on Broadway which is still in previews until November 8th, 2012. A special Mamarazzi® with Annie on Broadway was held on Tuesday, October 16th in conjunction with The Children's Place, The Moms, and Annie in support of Pajama Program, a not-for-profit dedicated to helping children in shelters. They collected new pajamas and books for children the night of the event. The Pajama Program currently has 63 chapters in 40 States and operates three Reading Centers in New York, NY; Yonkers, NY; and Red Bank, NJ. There are tons of ways you can help including donating online, by hosting your own Pajama and Book Drive, and even Gift Cards, where you can donate a gift in someone's honor and they will get a card telling them you donated on their behalf!

“So many children are without warm bedtime clothing and education so we developed a creative program to provide some of both,” says Founder and Executive Director Genevieve Piturro. “We intend to make a difference – giving back is what it’s all about.”

Cool t-shirts for sale in the lobby of The Palace Theatre in New York City

In November many bloggers are participating in a 'donate your blog' program where all month long bloggers will feature charities close to their hearts and give them the social media push they normally wouldn't experience. Thankfully Ascending Butterfly has been doing this since we opened our doors, so we didn't need a special month of giving to get involved in making a difference! We had the chance to make a donation to the Pajama Program on the night of the performance, but what really stood out was watching children put stuff in the collection bin, it's so awesome to see children being raised to understand that giving back is important!

Playbill for Annie The Musical 2012 Broadway Revival, The Palace Theatre, New York City

About the Show

A classic musical based on the Harold Gray comic strip Little Orphan Annie.

Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ - Story: An orphan, Annie, and her dog Sandy are placed in the lap of luxury for a week as a part of a publicity campaign for Oliver Warbucks. However, Annie's stay turns out to be much more than anyone had bargained for as she works her way into everyone's hearts and learns a few things for herself.

Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ - Theatre: Palace Theatre

Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ - Opening Night: Nov 8, 2012

Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ - Original Cast: Lilla Crawford, Emily Rosenfeld, Katie Finneran, Tyrah Skye Odoms, Anthony Warlow, Junah Jang, Georgi James, Madi Rae DiPietro, Taylor Richardson, Brynn O'Malley, Clarke Thorell, J. Elaine Marcos

Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ - Director: James Lapine

Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ - Choreographer: Andy Blankenbuehler

Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ - Producer: Arielle Tepper Madover, Roger and Sally Horchow, Roger Berlind, Roy Furman, Debbie Bisno, Stacey Mindich, Nederlander Presentations, Jane Bergere, Daryl Roth, Christina Papagjika, Eva Price

Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ - Musical Director: Todd Ellison

Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ - Scenic Design: David Korins

Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ - Costume Design: Susan Hilferty

Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ - Lighting Design: Donald Holder

Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ - Sound Design: Brian Ronan

Annie The Musical Charitable Partners: 

Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ - Pedigree Foundation - Support PEDIGREE Foundation in its effort to raise $1M through the See the Show, Help a Dog Initiative!

Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ - Pajama Program - Delivering Warm Sleepwear and Nurturing Books to Children in Need!

Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ - New York Foundling - Saving Children, Preserving Families and Building Communities. Since 1869.

My Take:

In the aftermath of Hurricane Sandy and with New York City dealing with so much loss and devastation, this show is a bright spot in a very dark time in the City. I realize that because many people are bringing children to the show, it might difficult to get around just yet since the MTA is not totally back up and running yet, but the show is back on and running in previews until November 8th. I highly encourage you to get out and see this show as soon as you can! The sooner we get Broadway back up and running, the sooner a ton of folks can get back to work! And if you can help any of the show's charitable partners, please consider it, especially at this time where it is truly needed! By the way, all the performances were strong, but 'Molly' is a total scene stealer!

And remember Butterfly:

You're Never Fully Dressed Without a Smile! Annie The Musical a Broadway 2012 revival at The Palace Theatre in New York City!

The Moms did it again! What a wonderful night on Broadway!

Get Social With It:

Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ - Follow @ANNIEonBroadway on Twitter
Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ - 'Like' Annie The Musical on Facebook
Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ - Follow @PajamaProgram on Twitter
Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ - Follow @themoms on Twitter
Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ - Follow @childrensplace on Twitter
 
 

˙·٠•●♥ Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ ♥●•●•٠·˙˙·٠•●♥ Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ ♥●•●•٠·˙˙·٠•●♥ Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ ♥●•●•٠·˙

FTC Disclosure: This Media Night on Broadway offered complimentary tickets to the performance, however this recap post is NOT sponsored or compensated! All opinions are 100% my own.