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UPDATE – June 9th! The new fundraiser starts today! Click here for details on my new Hip Hop Abs “Chisel Challenge” and help support the Sweet Dreams Fund.
Today marks one year since my wife’s cousin lost her mother, daughter, and son at the hands of a brutal and heartless ex-husband.
He had sworn to get revenge after she left him and his abuse, but no one expected the news that would come in the early hours of June 8th, 2009.
The entire family is still reeling from the magnitude of the loss and still trying to understand how a father could brush aside his love for his children and inflict the ultimate pain. Today is a hard day for my wife and her family, and most certainly Marci, who has proven to be resilient and inspiring in the face of such tragedy.
I was filled with rage after all of this transpired and I vowed to do something about it. A few days later, after speaking with some domestic violence shelters, my Sweet Dreams Fund was born.
To raise money, I offered to videotape me doing the Flirty Girl Fitness workout program if $500 was raised. I even vowed to work out with a pink feather boa if $1,000 was raised, which was achieved shortly thereafter. The women behind Flirty Girl Fitness even donated another $800 to the cause as they found the video series both entertaining and touching.
Sweet! 
Early this year, the students at the school where my wife’s father teaches, held a fundraiser and raised more than $2,500 for the Sweet Dreams Fund. It was truly amazing.
Tomorrow, I’ll be announcing my new fundraiser in a push to raise at least $1,000. I know it’s not a ton of money but I’m not a major charity. Just a guy trying to make a difference, even if it’s a small one. If even one child smiles where he or she would otherwise cower, it’s worth it to me.
Some have already donated in anticipation and that level of generosity floors me. I’ll be vlogging the assembly of the Goodnight Sleep Kits so that you can see just how powerful and comforting these can be. You’ll all be a part of it and together we can raise enough money for 100 more Goodnight Sleep Kits.
With your support, 100 more children who arrive at domestic violence shelters to escape abuse, will be greeted with their own pillow, pillowcase, coloring book, box of crayons, and teddy bear.
I hope you’ll join me, even if you can only afford to tweet it out, as this fundraiser should prove to be funny, empowering, and inspirational.
See you tomorrow, and please extend your thoughts and prayers to Marci here on earth, and to Macy, James IV, and Margaret up in heaven.
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First of all let me say my heart goes out to your family and your wife. As a sister who watched one of my older siblings go through DV I can understand the pain and anger you feel right now. thankfully she escaped and he was jailed, but it took leaving the state to get away. I will promote this as far as I can hun. The blogging community is an awesome one. Daily I am blown away by their generosity and heart
.-= Angel´s last blog ..Happiness Project week 15 =-.
Greg- That is such a sad, horrible, and tragic story. I am truly so sorry for your family's loss. I couldn't imagine. I think it is so inspiring that you are turning such a tragic thing into something that can inspire and help others. Your an amazing person. God Bless you and your family!
.-= April´s last blog ..Get The Look: Reese Witherspoon =-.
Oh my goodness. I am so sorry for your family's loss. That is just..well, there are no words. (((Hugs)))
What you are doing is an amazing, amazing thing.
.-= Cari´s last blog ..Ever had a garage sale?? If so…please read this! I need advice! =-.
Oh wow. My heart, thoughts and prayers go out to your family.
.-= Hockeymandad´s last blog ..Donuts for Daddy =-.
Greg, you have never been anything but amazing. My heart is with you and your family. Lots of love from us in Toronto.
.-= Cheryl´s last blog ..Alternative Therapies? =-.
You and your family are in my thoughts and prayers. Such a senseless tragedy!
.-= Stefanie´s last blog ..Completed Orders *UPDATED* =-.
Greg – my prayers go out to your family. I could feel the goosebumps raising on my arms as I read…. I remember thinking during my divorce "Thank God I don't have children because I'd be a fugitive because there is no way I'd ever leave them alone with him." Luckily I got out and he hasn't located me since. I know many women aren't that lucky. I think your Sweet Dreams Fund is a great idea. Every Friday I "pimp" a charity in my weeklies blog and I'd be honored to add the Sweet Dreams Fund to my list.
.-= Rose @Dozenroses13´s last blog ..Purpose For Your Life ~ 1~ Discover Your Strengths =-.
I want to first commend Marci for having the strength to leave such a horrible situation. Words cannot even begin to describe how I feel reading this and trying to imagine the emotions she must experience. I know her mom and children must be looking down on her with nothing but pride and smiles knowing she is surrounded by such a loving family.
It is amazing that you did what you did and helped to raise money for children of DV. Bless you for being such a wonderful person!
@ Rose – I love your idea of "pimping a charity" and I look forward to following you just to learn about charities out there.
.-= Jaime-Ann´s last blog ..Should I or Shouldn’t I? Bloggin’ Basics for Beginners! =-.
Greg,
I've read all of the posts that related to this one, and with every line I choked up with tears. The loss your wife and her cousin must feel is too indescribable. To have started your charity is an amazing thing, but I wanted to ask you: Is it localized? What I mean is, does it only help out the children in the city where you live? This is such an important issue in our nation, and it seems like it should be something every state should have. How can I get this thing going in my state? I don't want to stray from your foundation, because it's so awesome, but I want to help it grow. What can I do?
.-= Jamie´s last blog ..Celebration! =-.
Is the guy in prison? Death row? What a horrible person to end such sweet lives.
.-= Jenny´s last blog ..Sewing Box =-.
Hi Greg,
Let your rage go to The Lord. He can handle it. Don't let your rage eat you up from the inside out. The Lord says vengeance is mine. You do make a difference in your families life and other peoples as well. I continue to feel very sad for your families loss. Thanks for the update.
wheels209
(((HUGS))) to you and your family, Greg. This story gets me every time. What you're doing is an awesome thing.
.-= Amanda´s last blog ..Memorial Bracelets =-.
I canNOT believe it's been a year! How is Marci doing these days with the trial over now? How have you, Heather, and the rest of the family been holding up? *Many hugs, prayers, and tears to all of you*
.-= Lisa @ Crazy Adventures in Parenting´s last blog ..Chicken Tater Tot Casserole with Tyson Grilled and Ready™ Chicken Fillets (& Giveaway!) =-.
Sending HUGS from TX. I can't believe it has been a year already! It was so devastating to even your friends and readers and so exhausting it seems like it was so long ago I can't begin to imagine what Heather, Marci and the rest of your family feels like. My heart goes out to your family and you can count me in! I will help as much as possible with the fundraiser!!!
Wow it has been a year already, doesn't even seem to be that long ago . Your family is in my thoughts and prayers. I can't even begin to think of how hard this must be for you all. I will be donating in the next few days !
Such a sad anniversary. Glad for all of the good that you have made come from such a horrific incident. Prayers for peace as you and the family move forward.
.-= RobMonroe´s last blog ..Wordless Wednesday – Get To Work! =-.
such a horrific and sad story but you are doing something great. I'd love to help you spread the word, write about it, post a button, what ever you want.
.-= Melinda´s last blog ..All I want is 10 minutes! =-.
Greg and Heather your family remain in my prayers. I know that the Sweet Dreams Fund will truly help a lot of children! thank you for that!
.-= Gena´s last blog ..I asked Hubby to marry me again…Help me plan! =-.
Your whole family is in my prayers. I cannot fathom the pain that your wife's cousin has had to deal with. I think you are wonderful for all you do for the Sweet Dreams Fund.
.-= Katie´s last blog ..It’s hot =-.
This is a fabulous thing you're doing in the wake of such an awful tragedy. God bless your entire family.
.-= Petula´s last blog ..Tasty fixings =-.
Greg
I want to help…… tell me how.
Prayers going out for your family
I still remember you sharing with me, the news of what happened. You have done such an amazing job with the Sweet Dreams Fund. I know it will never take back what happened, but seeing the logo will always remind me to cherish my kids and be grateful for every single day of life.
.-= Kadi Prescott @DigitalKadi´s last blog ..Home Page =-.