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Saturday, November 23, 2002 at 01:29 PM (CST)

Dear Friends and Family,

This will be the last time that I will post on this website. We now have the catiehochfoundation.org website up and running and I will start to write on that site.

It has been a very busy year. Johnny and Robby are both playing soccer and are busy with other sports and school events so they keep us running. The Catie Hoch Foundation continues to thrive.

The third annual Catiebug for a Cure was a tremendous success with over 400 there. We raised over $17,000 and raised community awareness.

We had a Fall Family Festival at Clifton Park Center which was a wonderful way to see people in the community. We had a great time!

Our latest fund-raiser was a luncheon at the Outback Restaurant in Clifton Park. I was approached by the proprietor because she wanted to help a children's charity. All of the proceeds went to the foundation. We sold out (225 tickets) and raised over $4,500.

Now for the BIG news... JK Rowling - the Harry Potter author who befriended Catie has touched our lives once again. Not only did she have a wonderful relationship with Catie - e-mails, presents and phone calls, she now made a $100,000 donation to the Catie Hoch Foundation. I'm still not sure how it happened since I never asked her for money. I always felt that she did so much for Catie and all of us.

I want to wish you all a Happy Thanksgiving. We are heading off to Florida to see my parents and spend some time at the ocean. Thanks to all of you who continue to support our family and Catie's Foundation.

Love, Gina

Saturday, September 07, 2002 at 09:37 AM (CDT)

Dear Friends and Family,

It has been a very busy summer, both with our family and with the Foundation. We had our first golf tournament and raised over $9,000. It was a wonderful, fun event and we will probably do it again next year.

Our third annual CATIEBUG FOR A CURE is Saturday, September 28th. The Kids Run begins at Noon and the 5k starts at 1:00. It promises to be another fun-filled event. If you would like to download a registration form, go to www.catiehochfoundation.org and you can get one. Hope to see you there.

On Sunday, October 27 we are having a Family Fun Festival at Clifton Park Center. From Noon to 5:00 p.m. there will be games, crafts and lots of good things to do. Please join us.

The Outback Steakhouse of Clifton Park is sponsoring a luncheon at their restaurant on Wednesday, November 20th. For $15.00 you get a salad, great lunch, beverage and dessert. All proceeds go to our Foundation. If you would like a ticket (since seating is limited) please call me at 877-7539.

We are going to try to go completely to the other website noted above. Please check it out to see new photos and get updated information.

Thanks for being there.

Gina

Wednesday, May 08, 2002 at 06:51 PM (CDT)

Dear Friends,

We are approaching the two year anniversary for Catie and it doesn't seem possible. We all miss her so much. Every ladybug I see brings a smile to my face.

One thing that keeps me going is the work that her Foundation is doing. We are hosting our First Annual "Swing For a Cure" on Sunday, July 28th. You can go to the Times Union web site for a registration form. If anyone is interested in becoming a sponsor, please call me or e-mail me. Holes are being sponsored for $175 and golf carts for $75. There are also large corporate sponsorhips available.

The Third Annual Catiebug for A Cure is being held on Saturday, September 28th. It looks like it will be a truly memorable day.

Thank you all for your thoughts and prayers. On May 18th, send a special message to our Catie.

Love,
Gina

Tuesday January 29, 2002 5:19 PM CST

Dear Friends,

The Catie Hoch Foundation continues to grow. We have donated over $40,000 for lab equipment to Catie's doctors at Sloan-Kettering and have helped numerous families during treatment.

Our next big project is to renovate a bedroom at the Ronald McDonald House here in Albany. The House is beautiful and the room will reflect Catie's spirit (and will of course have ladybugs in it).

We are in the planning stages for a golf tournament. It looks like it will be held in late July or August. I will keep you posted.

The tentative date for the Third Annual Catiebug for a Cure is Saturday, September 28th so mark your calendars.

Thanks for your continued support.

Love, Gina