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.
Livemercial’s ‘Digital Cocktail’ Is Back!
Livemercial Personally Invites You to…Celebrate the Season of Giving
Open Your Hearts…Help Livemercial Support First Descents
With the 2009 holiday season underway, what better way to spread happiness and cheer than to attend the Livemercial Holiday Digital Cocktail Hour at the Venue, in Valparaiso, IN. The celebration of the year begins on Friday, December 4th, 2009, from 5:00pm – 8:00pm. Spend time with family, mingle with friends and network with associates while giving back to those who need it the most. Come one, come all and hurry to RSVP because this invitation is only open to the first 100 guests. You won’t want to miss this action-packed event!
In addition supporting First Descents, event highlights will include:
Red Carpet Meet & Greet with Miss America’s Outstanding Teen
Keynote Speech by First Descents Founder Brad Ludden
Silent Auction from 5:00pm – 7:30pm
Testimonials and Stories from First Descents’ Campers
Vail, Colorado Weekend Travel Package Raffle
Unveiling of the Newest South Shore Poster
and much, much more!
Livemercial CEO Johnny Mathis, Jr., will provide hors d’oeuvres and refreshments for all to enjoy.
Join us for the Hollywood Scene in NWI
This might be one of your only chances to walk a Red Carpet in style – right here in NWI! Join Jeanette Morelan, Miss America’s Outstanding Teen, for a Red Carpet Meet & Greet. Later in the evening, Jeanette will speak on her personal platform, “The Power of One.â€Â Since walking the runway on August 22nd, Jeanette has been traveling across the country in support of The Children’s Miracle Network and will be promoting community involvement and healthy living for our nation’s youth.
Give the Rush of Adventure to Young Survivors
Learn more about and help Livemercial support the First Descents organization by attending and donating. Dedicated to curing adults of the emotional effects of cancer, First Descents empowers survivors to regain control of their lives by experiencing adventure sports in a fun, safe environment. Donations will keep First Descents programs free to those young adults with cancer who need them.
RSVP for this memorable event now! This invitation is only open to the first 100 guests. If you are unable to attend, please visit www.firstdescents.org/donate to submit your contribution today!
Celebrate the Holidays at Livemercial’s Christmas Digital Cocktail Hour
VALPARAISO, Ind. – (Dec. 9, 2008) – Livemercial™ gets into the holiday spirit with its monthly Digital Cocktail Hour, featuring keynote speaker Cresta Pillsbury, an update on plans for the alliance of digital companies in the Northwest Indiana/Chicago region and a surprise visit from our favorite jolly friend—Santa Claus.
This month’s event will take place Thursday, Dec. 11 from 5-7 p.m. at the Livemercial Technology Center, 3400 Mariposa Dr., Valparaiso (the former Natural Ovens bakery dome). In addition to networking, festive live entertainment and refreshments, the Digital Cocktail Hour will host our keynote speaker, Cresta Pillsbury, Managing Partner of eCommerce Merchants.
Cresta will discuss the benefits of joining the Association and she will present attendees with a special membership offer. With over 10 years of experience in online retail, Cresta has first-hand experience starting and growing many online retail companies.
Livemercial CEO Johnny Mathis, Jr., will provide attendees with an update on the progress being made toward the Digital Alliance, which is an non-profit organization that unites both start-up and established companies and provides networking and educational opportunities. The goal of this alliance is to encourage economic development by creating technological powerhouses.
The Digital Cocktail Hour is open to any interested member of the Northwest Indiana/Chicago business community. To RSVP, email events@livemercial.com or call (219) 477-3900 ext. 2320.
