I really don't like begging.....

My sponsors generosity made begging not so bad. There are so many people to thank but being self-funded, sponsorship played a huge role financially, obviously, and in other ways. I always said, the only thing that could stop this quest is money, not enough of it, or injury, plain and simple. I think I have the money part okay now....the other part is a 'cross your fingers' deal.
- I really made most of my money through the sale of t-shirts ( I still have 100 left by the way). I sold 600 at a price of $20 so far. My brother, Mark, has his own embroidery company in Montreal (CSG International) with his partner John. The company 20West is their online shop. They made the t-shirts for me and that was their contribution.
- So, everybody that bought a t-shirt, or sold a few for me, really helped me out in a huge way, so many thanks to all...you know who you are.
- Peter Foustanellas of Olympia Homes and Argos Carpets was the first person I approached for sponsorship. I had a conservative budget set at $30,000 for this season and was really hoping to secure one major sponsor. This budget included race fees, equipment, transportation, flights, meals, hotels, training, etc. Since I heard a lot of good things about Mr. Foustanellas and how generous he is, I went to see him. He heard me out, told me he couldn't do the whole amount, but was very generous considering I had never met him before. On top of his financial donation, which he gave me the very next day, a few months later, he purchased 50 t-shirts. Thank you.
- Angela Kokkinos and Mr. Florakas, who were in charge of the Greekfest this year, were supportive of my cause by letting me set up a table to show off my equipment, introduce people to skeleton, and of course, sell t-shirts. It was a great success as I sold just over 100 hundred t-shirts. My 9 days at the Fest was an exceptional experience, I met so many people, and people that I'd see from time to time at church or other like events but now, I saw them everyday, got to know them by name, and had a few laughs with them...even my friends in the kitchen stuffed me with lots of Loukoumades....there went my training he he. Thank you all.
- My neighbour, and friend, Dan Lemay, has a company that runs retirement homes, Barhaven Manor and Alta Vista Manor, and he purchased over 50 t-shirts from me to hand out to his staff at his annual staff appreciation night. Not only was he extremely generous with me, but he gave the t-shirts away to his staff......and to top it off, we had a great night...that's off the record. Thanks Dan.
- Pilos restaurant, run by Peter and his dad Costa, were also very generous. Peter threw out a number at me and said 'how does that sound?'....I'll take it!! Very generous. Thank you Peter and Costa.
- My friend, and mortgage specialist with the Bank of Montreal on Bank and Heron, George Gritziotis was very spontaneous with his offer...when I told him what I was up to, he said 'man, I'll take 30 shirts'...just like that. Much appreciated George!
- Jimmy and George, at the Baton Rouge restaurant, also helped me out by donating financially, and by letting me leave a money box for free and random donations by clientele waiting to be seated....which reminds me, I gotta go shake that box to see what's in there. Thanks guys.
- The RCMP mess fund also donated some cash to me. I walked in there, told them my story, and within minutes, they were writing me a cheque. That was awesome, thank you folks.
- Peter who runs the Greek Souvlaki House restaurant was also spontaneously quick with his offer....I was just starting to tell him my story and show him some pictures and he just said 'don't worry, I'll sponsor you'....just like that!! Thanks Peter.
- Mona and Eli run the Orient Cafe and restaurant in the Walkley industrial/business park. When I asked Mona if I could leave a money box there to raise money, she simply said 'Dee, for as long as you want'. That box raised money for me and to top it off, Mona even sold t-shirts for me. Thank you.
- The local Quickie in my area on Forest Valley, run by my buddy 'Mo', also had one of my money boxes out for a long time. I have known Mo since I have lived in Ottawa and so has my daughter because every Saturday morning since she was born, we would walk to the Quickie, rain or shine, snow or sleet,...we were there. We buy a paper, and now, she gets a candy of her choice....the tradition still continues. Thanks Mo.
- My friend Tony Alain, who works or runs, the body shop at 417-Nissan, made a special kind of donation. He donated his time, his skills, and some paint because he painted my new ride "GREECE LIGHTNING"...now that was awesome of him. Thanks Tony...how 'bout my car now?? he he
- Alain Methot, the GM of Minto Skating centre and Ray the "Iceman" Hartley, who runs everything at ice level, have let me use the rink for my personal training which in my books is huge!! This ice time is so crucial if I want to be better than the others and I can't thank you guys enough....I am sure you have given me the edge..no pun intended. Thanks Ray for your time and patience.
- And of course, all the media exposure I have received has been just amazing...without that exposure, the story just wouldn't get out....thanks!!
- And to top it off, Martin Thornell, who I met at the Greekfest, out of his own goodwill and generosity, has donated his time and efforts to create and build up this website blog for me....the non computer guy, but it has turned out awesome and now people can follow along on my stories and progress. Thanks.
All in all, I have raised approximately $12,000 net, after training and equipment and other costs. As for my upcoming sponsors, Marriott International, Hertz, Olympic Airlines, ING Direct, and Coffee Time Donuts Inc., when I hear from them, I will post it. With these companies on board, all my efforts would be concentrated on competing only. Thanks to all!!