Thanksgiving 2018
As I am sitting here in St. Louis, outside, in a “watchtower” over our turkey in a makeshift smoker, I’ve been reflecting back over the state of all things, and there is a lot to be excited about, but most of all, there is more to be thankful for.
I’m especially thankful for everyone who supported our charity UnCorked Adventures during our first year and our first project. Together we made a huge impact with my walk across America, both by raising incredible awareness for Parkinson’s disease, reaching well over 10 million people through our various media interviews, but we also raised over $100k in donations that are making a real difference as clearly shown by recent progress, see previous blog for more. Whether you helped us along the way, came out and walked with me or donated, thank you from the bottom of my heart for your support! Thanks as well to the great team at my employer The Pampered Chef for all the support and time off during the walk.
Special thanks to our incredible volunteer board of directors, as pictured, Mark, Steve, Kristy, Moi, Heidi, Randy and Steel, without which, none of this would have been possible. Together we are building something very special and your guidance, commitment and support means the world to me.
Most of all, I’m thankful for my incredible family, Heidi, Madeleine and Evan, for always believing in me and your continual and unwavering love and support as I continue to navigate uncharted waters.
It is hard to believe, but 1 year ago tomorrow, McGuire, Kevin and I departed Tybee Island for San Diego, beginning my epic journey across the US. I haven’t really shared this, but we shot over 250 hours of video during the walk, and much of it is incredible footage documenting everything from the incredibly kindness and generosity of people to the insane obstacles we encountered like weather & dangerous pathways, to the amazing support we had every day.
To highlight our mutual successes and hopefully have some fun, starting tomorrow, we will be releasing short vignettes, intermittently, on the one year anniversary of when they happened, that will share some really key components of the adventure.
So, I just want to say thank you for being a part of these adventures!
Bill
