Well that was the most intense few weeks of my life. I had seven exams this Christmas so literally did nothing but study from November up until Christmas.

That's all over now and after a great rest I am now ready to get my hands dirty! So what is the event? Well I have decided to have a private auction on the 31st of January and at it I aim to reach and surpass my €1,000 goal.

With this big goal, I have been mad busy organizing everything from the prizes to the location and of course the guests, all in order to ensure the night goes off without a hitch. I am actually really enjoying the process of calling up businesses, guests and contacts and I am learning a lot of useful skills along the way.

As the event is almost four weeks away I am aware that things will get a lot more intense closer to the time but for the moment I am very content with my work and I am already seeing results.

If you would like to help support me on my journey or have any questions or queries please feel free to email me on: aslingoconnor_@hotmail.com otherwise, I'll be keeping you all updated on my progress from start to finish. Oh and a Happy New Year to all :D

The past two weeks have been incredible. I am overwhelmed by the support I have received from friends , family and local businesses. It's so lovely to have my expectations of support surpassed.

Firstly, I want to say a huge thank you to Blackrock Bowling and Tennis Club, who so generously agreed to let me host my night of entertainment in their Clubhouse.

Secondly, I would like to thank Fergus Finlay, CEO of Barnardos, Declan Egan, founder of 100minds and President of the club- Dr. Peter Robins for agreeing to speak. I am also delighted to announce Susie Mooney and Aoife O'Connor will also be singing on the night.

Thirdly, to all the amazing sponsors who have agreed to sponsor me on the night including:

Stay at the 5* Fitzwilliam Hotel, Signed Ireland Rugby Jersey, Dublin GAA Football Team Signed Jersey, Magnum Bottle of Champagne worth over €120, Flights to Arann Islands, Dinner at the Dail for 2 people, Tickets for 4 for Guinness Storehouse, Green Fees for 4 at beautiful Slieve Russell Hotel, €50 Camille voucher, €30 justeat.ie voucher, McDonalds vouchers, Bake my Cake Voucher for Box of 12 Cupcakes, Dubray Books vouchers worth €50, One hour Consultation with the Money Doctor, John Lowe plus a copy of his most recent Money Doctor book, Paddy Power Vouchers worth …€170, Tropical Popical Mini Mani and Mini Pedi worth €50, Booterstown Pharmacy Gift bag, Butler’s Pantry Blackrock Dinner & Desserts for 4, Cinema Passes to Dundrum donated by 98 FM, Green fees for 4 at the Slieve Russell Hotel,

*And many more to be announced

Finally, to all our friends, family, colleagues and members of the Blackrock Bowling and Tennis and club who have been there for us both now and on the night. This night could not be a success without you, thank you for your continued support.

I cannot believe how fast the countdown has been. This Saturday all the hard work, perseverance and planning will come together. Having worked in events before, I thought I would find the organization quite easy and simple. However I was wrong, holding a big, public event requires constant nurturing, attention and flexibility. This process has taught me more in the last month and a half than I ever learnt running events for others.

I have really enjoyed the whole process, from checking microphones, to organizing the entertainment and most importantly, monitoring the cash flow. It's certainty not easy, as they say 'fail to prepare, prepare to fail', however this also means the more you work, the greater the reward. I hope all this planning and attention to detail will pay off on the night and the event will go off without a hitch!

The guests have confirmed, the prizes are in, the entertainment is booked, now it's time to bring them all together and get ready for a night of FUNdraising.