Livemercial Gives the Rush of Adventure to Survivors
Livemercial CEO Johnny Mathis, Jr. and wife Lisa hosted a very successful Holiday Digital Cocktail Hour, focusing on charity and building on the inspiration of a small Colorado organization at the Venue in Valparaiso last Friday.
Livemercial was compelled to promote the cancer support charity First Descents, based in Vail, Colorado, when Lisa Mathis met First Descents founder and professional kayaker, Brad Ludden, on a family trip out west. Inspired by First Descents and Ludden’s work, Lisa said, “I think people all over the country need to know about it, not just in the west.â€
The Mathis family is very thankful that they were able to attract big names from across the country to the Red Carpet Event. Arriving with almost 200 other guests were Miss America’s Outstanding Teen 2010 Jeanette Morelan, U.S. Congressman Pete Visclosky, Indiana State Senator Ed Charbonneau and Valparaiso Ivy Tech Chancellor J. Guadalupe Valtierra.
Many guest speakers stepped up to tell a personal story, however, none captured hearts quite like that of First Descent’s participant and advocate Beth Silverman, nicknamed “Stiletto†by her fellow campers. “I can tell you in advance that my story has a happy ending all because of a paddle, a kayak and an organization called First Descents,†began Silverman, captivating every guest in the building.
She went on to describe how she went from running a 25 million dollar business to battling a rare and aggressive form of breast cancer, in the end beating it, but going through more gruesome and unnerving trials than most people endure their entire lives. She owes her emotional recovery and triumphs to First Descents and the people she met along the way. As Stiletto wrapped up her speech, there wasn’t a dry eye in the room.
Another key point in the evening was the unveiling of the new South Shore poster by John Cain, Executive Director of South Shore Arts, John Davies and Johnny Mathis.   Specially designed by artist John Rush for Livemercial and Johnny Mathis, the new poster showcased Livemercial’s committment to innovation and technology in Northwest Indiana.
John Davies, who is credited with re-invigorating the 1920’s South Shore posters, described the unveiling warmly by saying, “The poster you’re about to see is a story of a legend in the making, an inspiration to all of us, a young man that said I’m going to make a difference in the world. I’m going to make a difference in Northwest Indiana. â€Â Davies then introduced Mathis as “A young man of genius and innovation.â€
Livemercial’s holiday charity event was a huge success and thousands of dollars were raised for First Descents. Many Livemercial employees came out to show their giving nature and support. Some of Northwest Indiana’s most gracious sponsors included Bistro 157, Opportunity Enterprises, Dish Restaurant, Designer Desserts, Holiday Inn, Bella Capelli Salon each donating items such as food, drinks, cakes and valuable silent auction pieces.
The evening was filled with great food, refreshments, conversation and even a raffle for a trip to Vail, Colorado, fully benefiting First Descents. RG Skadberg, the lucky winner, will have a nice weekend trip to enjoy the benefits of his donation and maybe even get a chance to check out First Descents headquarters while he’s there!
First Descents has changed the lives of hundreds of cancer survivors and will continue to do so with the help and support of the Livemercial team and the Valparaiso community this holiday season.
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