For the last several weeks, I’ve not done much but work on Penny’s auction.  It was a lot of hard work.  I had NO idea what I was getting myself into when I thought, “wouldn’t a little auction be fun?”  But I would do it again in a heartbeat because 1) it helped my family and 2) I learned that there is still amazing kindness in people.

I only actually “pitched” a few companies at first.  When I emailed them explaining our situation, I offered some ad spots here on mommy23monkeys.com if they would donate for me.  I quickly came to realize that I would not be able to give ad spots to over 50 sponsored prizes!  My sidebars just are not that big!  So I decided I would do some “thank you” posts instead.  I’ll break it up so that this one post doesn’t take 20 years to read.  But here are some of our amazing sponsors that donated, without question, without expecting anything in return.  They donated because the company heads are generous and caring people.  People that care about the fight of a little girl they had never even met.   These are the kinds of business’s I want to do business with…and so should you!

The Surf Diva Surf School in La Jolla, CA.  They were actually introduced to me by the La Jolla Mom.  They offer surf clinics and camps to the women of San Diego.  They have been the #1 surf school for women for over 12 years!  I really would love to learn to surf.  Too bad you won’t be catching me in a bathing suit anytime soon.

The Pretty Peacock.  OMGosh!  The Pretty Peacock offers stunning handmade artisan jewelry.  I could not have worked with a more generous and amazing woman than, Ana, the owner.   In addition to donating a beautiful pendant to the auction, she has activated a FREE SHIPPING CODE on orders placed through The Pretty Peacock website.  Order something online and enter the code PENNY.  Any time someone uses this free shipping code, The Pretty Peacock will donate $5.00 more dollars to Pennies4Penny! Just in time for Mother’s Day Shopping!

aden + anais specializes in beautiful newborn swaddling blankets made of muslin.  Their store offers blankets, bibs, towels, washcloths and more.  All made of muslin and ready for your newborn to snuggle into.

Collagist is an online store for all your collage, photo and canvas print needs.  Collagist creates a unique product just for you.  They also have a Facebook Fan page that you can join here  http://www.facebook.com/collagist

Build a Bear Workshop specializes in bringing your Teddy Bear to life.  They offer parties in store or you can custom order your furry friend online.  The people at Build a Bear created a unique Lamb just for Penny’s auction.

Legoland California donated EIGHT passes to Penny’s auction!  That’s nearly $800 in value.  I am not generally mentioning the value of the prize, because I don’t really think it matters, but in this case it was exceptional.  Legoland is a FUN place to visit here in Southern California.  Unlike any other amusement park.  This summer they are opening up a brand new water park, too that I can’t wait to visit.  If you are in the area looking for something to do…this is it!

Alright, so there is my first 6 companies you should do business with.  Please be on the lookout for more recommendations this week!