This giveaway is now closed. Thank you to all who participated! :)
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Bento goodies, get your bento goodies here!
I'm hosting my second bento goodie giveaway! It's summer time and this bento prize pack is sorta summer themed! :)
The loot up for grabs this time around:

- super neato Terra-cycle lunch bag made from re-purposed Capri-Sun drink packages!
- an awesome two-tier bento box!
- a pack of ocean themed picks!
- two star-staped silicone cups!
- a set of egg molds, one car and one fish!
The bento box is really cool! The top tier has a movable divider to help keep foods separated.

The picks are really cute. They feature starfish, seahorses, fish and other fun sea creatures.
These are brand new. Unfortunately, my 3 year-old daughter was testing out her scissor skills and cut the top of the package open. I promise you I didn't lick but a few of them.

Just kidding! They are all sparkly and clean, I swear! :)
The silicone cups are super cool, I've been using some of these blue ones a lot lately! They came as a set of six and I put these ones aside just for this giveaway - just for YOU! :)
I neglected to take a better close-up photo of the egg molds. They are the same ones as I used when I made this tutorial on how to make shaped eggs! You can check them out more closely there, and read some easy-to-follow directions too. If you win these you may need that little "how-to", unless you read Japanese, of course. ;-)
All this fun stuff could be yours!

How to enter the giveaway:
This is where it gets a little tricky.
There are so many contests and giveaways these days where you can earn entries to the prize by jumping through all sorts of hoops...
- "Become a fan of my Facebook page!"
- "Follow me on Twitter!"
- "Say 'Shelley sells seashells by the seashore three times really fast!"
- "Rub your tummy and pat your head!"
- "Subscribe to my blog's feed!"
- "Follow my blog!"
I could even ask you to vote for me in a silly little Mom Food Blogger contest I was nominated for.
Well, I could do those things. But I'm not going to. Because this contest isn't for me or about me.
This contest is for you and it's about Alex.
This is Alex.

Alex just turned six.
He loves lizards, balloons, and Cracker Barrel.
Alex has a fierce affection for tractors and has a smile that could melt your heart. He also has cancer.
He is the son of my friends, Andrea and Erik Kallas. Alex was adopted from Russia when he was 13 months old. It was known then that he suffered from Fetal Alcohol Syndrome. A couple years later he would be diagnosed with Autism also. Those are some pretty tough hurdles to navigate, but they are nothing compared to what came next.
In November Alex was diagnosed with Stage 3 High Risk Neuroblastoma. Nobody wants their child to have cancer. But if your child is going to get cancer, this is the one you hope to God they don't have. It is a terrible, horrifyingly aggressive form of cancer. Alex was given a 20% chance to survive.
In the 7 months since his diagnosis Alex has undergone seven in-patient *adult dose* rounds of chemotherapy. He has had a stem cell transplant. Alex has just completed his 8th round of radiation, with twelve more to go.
Neuroblastoma is a sick, vile disease.
But Alex, Alex is beautiful.

Even with insurance, the financial ramifications of having a critically ill child are staggering. Alex's parents have been hit with medical costs in the tens of thousands of dollars. One example: chemotherapy has caused severe hearing loss, requiring Alex to need hearing aids. Hearing aids are not covered by insurance. Hearing aids cost nearly $4,000.
Why I am telling you this.
There is a way you can help Alex's family. They have been entered in a contest. If they win this contest their family will win a weekend vacation (a huge blessing for so many reasons, but it's a long story...take my word for it, this family has earned a vacation together). If they win this contest they will also win $15k. Fifteen thousand dollars to help pay medical bills.
The contest is the Pigeon Forge Taking Vacation Back Sweepstakes.
To vote for Alex you need to click the "votes" box and then "sort".
The family is listed as "Andrea K. - Spring Hill, Tn (6/1/2010)".
Then click where is says "vote", just to the left of Andrea's name. At the time of this posting they are in 3rd place.
You may vote from any computer once EACH DAY for the entire month of July.
Each time you vote for Alex, leave a comment on this giveaway post. You will get one entry for every vote you cast. Again, you can vote once a day from every computer. If your phone has internet access you can vote from there too.
Cast your vote there, leave a comment here. Cast another vote there, leave another comment here.
** I'm running this contest until next Tuesday, July 13. I'll close the contest sometime that night, probably between 10-11pm CST. Winning comment will be selected by random.org.
If this giveaway proves successful I will dig deep into my bento stash and host ANOTHER giveaway after this one to garner more votes for the Kallas family. It's up to you. I've got some good stuff in there.
Miracles happen. Miracles happen every day. A miracle is happening right now for Alex.

Be a part of Team Alex. Cast your vote. And keep this sweet boy in your prayers.
464 comments:
«Oldest ‹Older 1 – 200 of 464 Newer› Newest»What a cutie!! I will keep him in my prayers and I voted for him!!
I voted :) What a beautiful child!
What a great family- I voted today!
I voted! And thank you for not making us jump through hoops and for doing something for a good cause!
I just voted, too!
What a wonderful thing to do. I voted today!
What a cute little guy! I voted too
Voted!
I totally voted...I don't even care if you licked everything.
Voted! Miracles do happen!
amazing and inspiring little boy. his story has touched my heart. what a fighter <3 would it be ok to repost his story on my blog to help with votes?
I voted, and I will keep voting for this deserving family! Thank you for doing this!
what an amazing and inspiring little boy. his story has touched my heart <3 i will deffinately vote! would it be ok to re-post his story on my blog?
i voted what a great cause , I am in Shelbyville Tennessee so they are kinda local to me..I sure hope they win ! and I will repost this on my facebook page too :) what a deserving family
It is so nice of you to do a giveaway and even nicer to think of your friends in need! I voted and I really hope they win. (Rachaell, not Shawn) :)
aww! This is so heartbreaking! :( I voted and I am saying some prayers for sweet Alex and the family! Miracles really can and do happen!
Voted! I hope they win, they sure do deserve a stress free getaway and the money would be so wonderful too!!
Stef
cunninghamfamily at gmail dot com
I think you are able to vote from 2 different internet browsers as well, hence I voted twice. I recently lost my uncle to cancer and I only wish his wife and children had gotten one last vacation with him.
I voted today and I will every day. Thank you for doing this for Alex. He is adorable.
You're awesome! I voted today!
Voted 7-6-2010
I hope and pray they win!!!
I voted. I have two adopted daughters myself, one who came to us with undaignosed issues, one who we adopted from the waiting child list(known medical issues)...both are the light of our lives and to witness a family dealing with such an illness is terribly sad.
How generous of you. I voted :)
Voted for Dear Alex... I hope we can all bring him up to first place and get them the lil getaway!!!
OMG. I have tears in my eyes after reading about little Alex. Our family has also been touched my cancer. My mother in law died when my husband was 12, and my brother in law died two weeks ago at the age of 48. I also have several family members who have suffered from cancer, but thanks to God and chemo, are currently cancer free...but that's not why I'm crying. I'm crying because I also have a son affected by autism, and I can't imagine him losing his hearing on top of all he is already battling. I fight everything day to reteach my son the things he's lost, and never learned...and can't imagine having that mountain to climb too. My heart goes out to Alex and his parents. Praying (and voting for them)!!!
I voted... Triple whammy on this poor family, but such a beautiful child! Prayers!
I voted and hope they win!
Voted and praying for Alex!
What a touching and sad story... I just voted, and am a huge fan of your blog. You've inspired me to pack bento-style lunches for my son at daycare.
He's adorable. I voted for him.
He's adorable. I voted for him. These stories break my heart and make me thankful for the life I get to enjoy.
Alex looks like such a sweet little boy. I voted but wish I could more for him and his family. Is there a fund set up for him or an address where I can mail a donation?
We will say a special prayer for Alex each night.
I voted and will continue....praying for Alex!
What an amazing reason for a giveaway! I voted!
Reading about Alex made me tear up. Sending lots of prayers to him and his family!
I voted & wish them them luck!
I voted!!
I voted! What a great thing you are doing to help your friends out!
I voted! So sweet of you to do a giveaway to help them. Keeping my fingers and toes crossed for them :)
i voted - how sad. sending prayers
I voted today what a precious smile he has :)best regards from Denver and Mexico
My prayers are with Alex and his family. Just voted to help give them the mini-vacation they need.
I voted! Thanks for sharing this family with us. I'll be praying!
I voted, hope they get enough votes.
Voted and miracles DO happen!
Voted and bookmarked to vote everyday! Miracles do happen! I've seen children go from DNR's to room air! It IS possible!
Voted, tweeted, followed. I hope a miracle does happen for sweet Alex :-)
What a great way to help your friends...I will be voting every chance I get from every computer I am around. Best of luck to them.
I just voted on my husband's computer...I'll try to vote from our other 2 computers and my cell phone later tonight! Going to share this on FB too!
Just voted! I'll be back everyday on both of my computers! Best of luck to Alex
I voted. thanks for sharing their story. will vote again.
I voted, and I'll pray for Alex and his family. You're right - miracles DO happen!
Voted :) Took me until page 11 to figure out I could sort by votes and get to where Andrea was 3rd in place LOL!
Hope they win :)
This is so heartbreaking. I truly hope to see them rise to 1st place, and miracles do happen so I will keep them in my prayers every day. Thank you for caring enough to do this giveaway as a way to help them...that is amazing.
I voted! I really hope they get this much deserved vacation! Thank you for posting and sharing their story. Please remind us frequently to keep voting and thanks for all of your bento ideas! My girls are loving their bento lunches and snacks.
Voted for Alex, he is a cutie. I am posting the link on my Facebook Page as well.
I voted! What a great cause for a giveaway :)
Voted for Alex. I babysit two kids who were adopted from Russia and I love them to death...this easily could have been either one of them. Praying for Alex and the whole family.
I voted... *sniffles*
Voting complete! <3
I voted! :)
voted
hope they win
I just voted for them!
Me too--I voted.
I voted. Miracles do happen.
Just voted...what amazing parents and brave little boy. Thanks for sharing.
voted and will be praying for sweet Alex and his family.
I voted... <3
That sweet smile caught my heart. Thank you for sharing Alex's story. Miracles do happen every day!
Voted! Here is to Alex!
I just voted! Cute little boy!
Voted from my phone!
I just VOTED with tears! Now I'm off t0 tell all my friends to vote:0
Voted!
Win or not Im happy to vote for Alex. Good luck mate we hope you win your prize!
I voted!
Alex is just adorable!
I voted of course, and I'll keep him in my prayers.
I don't know wether this is an international giveaway and I'm not bothered to find out. I will vote and pass on the story of Alex, for him, his mummy and his daddy! Good luck little guy!
I voted today.
I voted again this morning, and shared your giveaway on FB..
I voted! What a cutie!
voted again!
I just voted!
I've also just posted a blog post regarding your giveaway. Thanks for doing this - this is a fantastic cause and I hope the Kallas Family can win their well-deserved family vacation.
http://alicelily.wordpress.com
Just voted
I voted for Alex. Good for you for doing some good with your giveaway! Thanks.
I voted and they are in my prayers. It is so wonderful of you to ask for something so important as an entry for your giveaway.
Voted again! I really hope they win.
Voted and Prayed again! Thanks for doing this!
voted again!!!
Voted again, and I shared your link on my FB profile!
I voted again this morning and will vote again tonight from our home computer!!! I really hope they win!!!
Just voted for them and I will share the link on a forum I'm a part of. Hope they win!
Voted...and praying. :)
I voted!
I voted and I hope with all my heart that they win!!!!
I voted today!
I just voted for them. I hope they win!
I voted, and my best to this family!
I voted. Keeping Alex and his fam in my thoughts!
I voted and will as much as i can!
I voted again!
I just cast my daily vote.
Voted! Hope your friends win!
I just voted for sweet Alex! My prayers are with him and his family.
Just voted!
I voted! This is such a good cause to be doing a giveaway for - I really hope they win!!
voted for Alex
I voted again today!
I voted. I hope they win.
I voted. What a beautiful boy. I hope they win.
Voted today! I hope they win :) :)
Voted again, and sharing this on my FB page!
I voted and have bookmark the page so I can vote everyday. My prayers & thoughts go out to Alex & his parent. Friends like you are a blessing!
I voted again.
What an awesome thing you are doing!! I voted, and will try to remember to vote every day!!
Voted! Thanks for reminding us on FB.
I voted!
reynoldsmommy at gmail dot com
Voted. I have three kids, two of which (my daughters) are adopted: one with special needs (domestic) and one with some substantial developmental delays (from Guatemala). <3 Suffice to say, international adoption (and adoption in general) is so, so, so close to my heart.
Praying for sweet, brave Alex and his beautiful family.
-Courtney
www.lovewilllead.com
I voted!
I have just voted, hope they win cog Alex is just adorable! xxx
arkonite xx
I voted last night and forgot to comment....
And I voted today! I think this is one of the greatest giveaways because of the cause. You are fabulous!
Voted again. They are up to 3482 votes. 600 more then last I checked.
Just voted! What a precious boy - I hope they win!
Just voted again.
Voted again today.
I voted. Thanks for making this a worthwhile contest.
Voted again today
Voted again 7/7/2010
I voted today. Thank you for sharing their story.
Voted!
votED! Cool to see the number of votes growing.
voted today!!!
I voted.
What a nice idea. I voted.
And again from another computer too. And bookmarking to keep voting.
Voted!
Voted again!
Voted and lots of prayers for that family!
I am happy to vote for such a worthy cause!
I voted again on my phone. I am praying for the family.
I voted - will do again tomorrow. Thanks for doing this.
voted, praying for him and his family
I think something may be wrong with that site! I voted last night and the votes were at 3619. It was the same this morning when I tried to vote on my phone, then on my computer using 2 different browsers. When I click on "vote" nothing happens!!
Voted! What a terrific giveaway idea. My thoughts and prayers are with Alex and his family :)
Voted again!
Your giveaway items are beautiful, and I'm sure my wife and kids would love them, but I am voting and voting again for Alex and trying to spread the word wherever I can. I probably won't add any other comments here, but you can count on me for a lot of votes. Good for you for alerting your readers to his need. My prayers are with his family.
I voted! God bless that beautiiful boy & his family.
I voted and I'm going to tweet about your contest in order to get some more votes for Alex and his family.
Voted...again.
I voted, I hope they win :)
I voted ! what a great way to do the contest!!!
Just voted from my phone! (total of 2 votes now)
Used our other computer to put in another vote for Alex and his family!
i voted.
I voted! I hope that Alex will get better! He must feel so bad...
I voted. I would vote w/out the giveaway. Alex deserves to win.
I voted today!
I voted today!
voted! :)
Such a sweet boy...I voted!
What a grand friend you are for including Alex in your blog, and sharing his story with us. Totally gave me goosebumps. Keeping them in my prayers. I voted for Alex and am sharing his story with my friends and family ;)
I voted for Alex and am keeping my fingers crossed for his family to win!
children truly are such a gift to us & so good at teaching us the true lessons in life - i wish alex & his family as many happy moments together as there are stars in the night sky (i've voted for them & hope to do so each day for the next week)
melissa, this is such a kind way for you to share the plight of others, you are a lovely human being x
PS i've become a regular at j-list's website in japan because of you - we have lots of picks etc for our lunches and dinners now too! :)
I just voted again. As of this point they are in third place. I will definately keep voting every chance I get. Best of luck to this amazing family.
voted again - they're catching up!
Just voted again!
Good morning! Just voted again!
Voted again. :)
Courtney
www.lovewilllead.com
And again! (My daughter loves your blog and really wants those egg shapers.) ;)
I voted and said a prayer for them.
again
I voted again today!
Just voted again for the Kallas family. I really hope they win this!
voted for alex again!
Just voted!
I voted last night from my other comp!
I voted. I know a 4 year old who is a year out of her treatment for the same cancer. Miracles happen!
I voted again!
voted again today
I voted again today. Hoping your friends win the trip, and I win the bento stash!
Wow, they totally deserve it! I voted.
I voted again!
I voted again too.
I voted again.
Voted!
voted
voted again!!!
voted again!!
Voted again 7/8/2010
happy to vote today for him.
Voted again!
Voted again. They are closing in on second place!
I voted!
Voted again!
Voted! Prayers being said!!
I voted! Prayers for Alex...
Voted again!
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