Local chapters of Food Allergy support groups had a fundraiser this past weekend for the FAAN Walk for Food Allergy: Moving Toward a Cure in Tampa, Florida. The family fundraiser provided a “food and drink free” play day at a local Gymboree Play & Music.

I was a "worker bee" and also provided a big "Allergy Friendly" basket for the raffle. I had such fun and really enjoyed watching all these wonderful kids have such a good time. I took tons of photos and got a great one of our Cute Corporate Mascot, Jack!

The event raised almost $800 dollars and hosted more than 50 families. There were over 65 children enjoying the play floor during the afternoon. We had a brief visit from an honored guest celebrity, a “peanut dog”. This trained service animal helps a local boy to avoid a potential deadly exposure to peanuts. The dog will be one of the ambassadors at the FAAN Walk on November 14th.

A special thanks goes out to Gymboree and their employees for donating the space and their whole Saturday to support this great cause.Just as a reminder, the Tampa FAAN Walk will be November 14th in Lowry Park, at Lowry Park Zoo, at 9:00 a.m. The website is www.foodallergywalk.org/tampa_fl.

One more reminder, if you are local (or feel like taking a long drive!) we are having a " FAAN 5% Day" at Whole Foods on Dale Mabry. The store is donating 5% of their sales on November 11th to the FAAN Walk! Come hungry! I will be there to introduce you to the "Peanut Dog" and pass out information.

Please show your support for these great kids!

Have a safe and wonderful weekend.

Jamie

As you may know, I live in Florida....so no fall weather yet.

However, some of you may have been experiencing some cooling temperatures and starting to think about that scary holiday...Halloween.

Now, for the rest of the world, they would think I am talking about ghosts and goblins...but for those families with Food Allergies, the scary thoughts are about their children being exposed to dangerous foods and candies. Vigilance is key and I know of groups locally that have their own "Allergen Free" Halloween events for their kids. I participated in one last year and it was awesome!

My wonderful friends at FoodAllergyBuzz.com and BestAllergySites.com are putting on a Halloween Twitter Party. Allergiesandme.com is sponsoring the event and will be giving a lucky winner $50 in shopping money to use in our online store. A portion of the sponsored event proceeds go to various food allergy related non-profits.

The event is Friday, October 2nd. These ladies have put together an informative panel of people to provide informative discussions.
Please join us if you can...Halloween with Food Allergies Twitter Party

Have a wonderful weekend!
Jamie

Well, I have finally found a use for my Bachelors in English! I will be contributing articles to the online news service, Examiner.com. They have asked me to be the new Tampa Allergy Examiner. Here is a link to my first article: Tampa Allergy Examiner

This will be a great way to get information out quickly to the Food Allergy community and those not personally affected that need to have a better understanding.

I welcome any article ideas you might want to see.
Hope you all have a safe and fun Labor Day weekend!

Jamie