This photo requires a bit of explanation and description.
I have been active with the Gary, Keith and Ron Foundation ( http://www.pitchinforagoodcause.org/ ) for the past two years. The foundation is the creation of Lynn Cohen, the wife of Mets broadcaster Gary Cohen, and it raises funds for worthy causes (this year's charity is a women's shelter in Connecticut that does amazing work).
On Sunday was the GKR Foundation's big end of the year game and party (the end has come early for Mets fans this year, in many ways....). Lynn refers to the volunteers at these events as GKR Elves, and for the third consecutive year I was a Helium Elf - our family's niche has been blowing up balloons and decorating the area before the other guests arrive. My husband usually mans the helium tank, but with his broken arm I had to take over for him this year. Let me tell you - blowing up and tying hundreds of balloons in a short amount of time is NOT easy work! But it was well worth it - the Bullpen Plaza looked amazing during the event.
Lynn gave us this item as a thank you gift - a baseball-decorated Scrabble board with the words "Helium Elf" spelled out. It's a fabulous memento, and I love it :)
I included the little blue and orange ribbon in the photo in memory of Dana Brand ( http://365project.org/sharonlc/365/2011-05-27 ). The last time I saw Dana was at a GKR event back in May - he loved these events, and it was always wonderful seeing him at them. Lynn arranged a memorial to Dana on July 16th - I was unable to attend because that was the day that I left on my cruise, but was thinking of everybody and was there in spirit. My friend Greg Prince (of Faith and Fear in Flushing fame - http://www.faithandfearinflushing.com/ ) was there, and gave me this ribbon from the memorial. Dana was the ultimate Mets Fan and GKR family member, and I will always be reminded of him at these events.
Thanks Kerri :)
It was our pleasure - he's a lovely young man :)
I'm glad he enjoyed it :)