Uh huh, you read that right! I won $1,000! Pretty awesome, right?
Oh, it gets better … Okay, let me back up. A week or so ago, I was invited to a luncheon that was taking place at the Cardel Homes model homes in Blackstone (Kanata South area of Ottawa).
The objective of the event was to gather the local media and blogging community as well as charitable organizations, and share how Cardel Homes actively contributes to the communities in which it builds via its Cardel Foundations.
In attendance to kick-off this event was Greg Graham, Cardel Ottawa CEO (shown speaking to the guests below). He’s a local who understands Ottawa, what we like in our homes, and the power of the charities in our communities. And get this — he even understands blogging! (Either that, or he was briefed really well before the event.)
After a few brief speeches, we were invited to enjoy some ice tea and sandwiches, as well as take part in a scavenger hunt. The hunt involved tweeting out out various scavenger finds within the model homes using specific hashtags. We had been told in advance that one blogger in attendance would win $500 towards the charity of his/her choice. Now we knew that this scavenger hunt was the way how. And then, Graham calls out that he will match the $500 — wow, $1,000!
As everyone began shuffling back towards where lunch was set up, I asked the organizer when the scavenger was starting. She said it was starting any time now. Naturally, I skipped lunch and started high-tailing it around the model homes to find the clues. Some other keen bloggers saw me take off and followed suit … we were madly tweeting photos and running about! In the end, this happened:
Congrats, @coffeewithjulie, on winning the @Cardel_Homes social media scavenger hunt! #Blackstone #CardelCaresOtt pic.twitter.com/NTGr998YoW — Ashlea LeCompte (@AshleaLeCompte) June 2, 2014
Now … what charity to choose? I have a few that are very close to our family’s heart. Plus, there were the charities that were in attendance. Oh, I had a tough (and wonderful!) decision to make. Tune in next time to find out which charity I selected and why …
Cool! And I still love your hair.
Oh good … because I was looking at these photos and thinking … mmm … was short hair really a good idea? (I am just *that* decisive about hair, it seems!)
Not only are your sassy with that hair, but now you get to give $1000 to a charity! That is just karma’s way of letting you know you do good things.
Aww … that is a seriously sweet thing to say. I totally believe in karma, BTW. Thanks Angi!
Awesome news! Congratulations to which ever charity you choose and yes…I love the hair
Thanks SherrieMae! Here is the charity I chose (and why): http://www.julieharrison.ca/living/christie-lake-kids-cardelcaresott-event/
Congrats on your prize, and excellent scavenger hunting skills! 2hich charity did you choose?
Thanks Lian! It was a touch choice, but here’s the charity I chose (and why): http://www.julieharrison.ca/living/christie-lake-kids-cardelcaresott-event/
Wowee Julie!! Congrats!! Not only is that a great prize to be able to give to a charity…but it sounds like it was fun taking part in the scavenger hunt. What a unique and imaginative event! Lovely pic of some of my fave ladies…and I agree, I love your hair!
It was a great event! I was sort of reluctant to go because it was in the middle of a work day and I didn’t have a car (one of ours has died and gone to car-heaven) but I am soooooo glad I went! Great people, beautiful homes to admire and lust after, and the opportunity to help a charity!
Congratulations on winning a $1,000 that’s a big sum of money!
Thanks! I am thrilled!
Wow! What an amazing prize and opportunity for you. Love the prize and the wonderful charity you chose.
Thanks, Kerrie! It was a hard choice, but I feel great about it. Especially as summer comes around the corner and school will be letting out. It can be a long summer for some kids, I bet.
You look great! What a great competition!! Congrats on the win!!!!
Thanks Jenn! Super thrilled with the win!
awesome! good for you! which charity did you pick? I see some awesome bloggers in those pictures! Looks like you were in good company!
Yes, it was a fantastic group, Jennifer! I really enjoyed myself AND had this amazing opportunity given to me. This is the charity and I chose (and why): http://www.julieharrison.ca/living/christie-lake-kids-cardelcaresott-event/
Awesome story. I cannot believe he matched it. What a win! CoNGrAtuLAtIonS! What did you do with your winnings?
It was hard to tell in hindsight if it had been planned in advance or not, but we sure didn’t know about it before the event! I was so excited – $1000 can go a long way!
It was great day and you were a great competitor Julie. Well done!
Thanks Sherrilynne … I guess I’ve had a lot of twitter practice
How much fun is this??? Looks like a great few hours with a fab group of gals! And all for a great cause!
xo
ps – your hair looks super cute short(er) Julie
Hi Sarah! Been ages since I saw you now … Thanks for the compliment on the hair
It’s definitely easier, that’s for sure!