As Barry and I are heading over to Chicago for this year’s 2011 Remodeling Show, I realize we have a lot of folks to thank for making it possible.  (In due time.)  And I know we did do (did do) a wacky thing here…. That is – beg for money.  I mean the inspiration hit me one afternoon while watching golf at my bro-in-law’s.  For the record, I never watch golf, and why not? . . . like I’d be some pro level golfer walking the Show’s links or something.

And truthfully, it occurred to me pretty early in that I really hadn’t figured out what exactly the value would be in something like this . . . you know – for someone (personal or professional) in these tough economic times.  And though we pretty quickly attracted the attention of the Show itself, still — Why would anyone “sponsor” a couple of . . . guys — to go to their industry’s primary trade show?  I mean — who’s to benefit?

It probably didn’t hit me until I was approached by friend, decorative tile artisan, and long-time supporter Cyra DuQuella @DuQuellaTile:

She started with something to the effect of “So how many miles (referencing the name of the campaign) would I have to cover to have you ‘represent me’ at the show?”

My response, and as I was just beginning (first of a few) to doubt that something like this could even be pulled off, I said – “Are you serious?”

Cyra’s come-back, and I’ll never forget, “I am always serious when I’m talking about ’tile’.”

. . .

And pretty much like that . . . we had our first sponsor.  I quickly added an ad-like graphic to the side bar (over there >>), I promised to hand out promotional materials and I promised to tell the good people about her tile goodness.  I mean — no problem . . . done . . .  for a little donation.  (Synergy!)

Oh and I promised to do a feature on Cyra and her tile . . . (up in the next published post – later today).

And that’s it.  If you happen to Google upon this article — “One Way to Run an Online Fundraiser” . . . I say, it wasn’t so much how many “miles” that Cyra (the first backer) ended up “covering,” but rather the importance of having a more clearly defined proposition and . . . just some, no matter how little, of the “distance” to goal covered.  To that, Cyra — I thank you.  Your support was simply invaluable.  Without it, we likely would have given up or just flat out failed.  For reals.

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Thanks for reading everyone.  A post on Cyra is scheduled to go in about an hour.  Enjoy!

What exactly we’ll be getting into in Chicago this week — I don’t know, but I’ll be tweeting under the #RMShow (& #106Miles) tag from the Show starting later this afternoon . . . you know — if you wanted to follow along.   In the greater Chicago area (or at the Show)?   You are absolutely invited to hang … Now We Need THE Band. Thanks. ~ jb

p.s.  If you were ever wondering about pics of Barry & I together.  These may be the only in existence:

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