Geoff Fox: My Permanent Record
Back when I was in school teachers would always scare me with stories of how my exploits would end up in my permanent record. I believe this is it! – Geoff Fox
Here are some of my favorite dog pics from the walk plus some video I shot as the walk was getting underway.
All week long as I mentioned the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation’s “Walk to Cure Diabetes” I asked people to bring their dogs. Mission accomplished! There were dozens of puppies happily walking with their families (I was going to say masters, but thought the better of it). That’s a lot of photo ops!
Here are some of my favorite dog pics from the walk plus some video I shot as the walk was getting underway.
Charlie and a few others want to know, “Are you in any way related to Sonny Fox, who was the host of Wonderama?”
I’m currently answering all your questions. Read more about it here.
Laura asks: “Geoff – what led to your interest in the American Diabetes Association?”
First Laura it’s the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation. JDRF is focused solely on Type 1 diabetes which is the type most often discovered while you’re young, hence the name.
From JDRF.org: Diabetes is a chronic, debilitating disease affecting every organ system. There are two major types of diabetes: type 1 and type 2. Type 1 diabetes is an autoimmune disease in which a person’s pancreas stops producing insulin, a hormone that enables people to get energy from food. Type 2 diabetes is a metabolic disorder in which a person’s body still produces insulin but is unable to use it effectively.
The simple answer is “I don’t know” how I became involved! It was probably a simple request for an appearance. Something about the organization and the kids and families affected touched me immediately.
I also like JDRF because they primarily fund research and are considered a very efficient charity because a very large percentage of their funds go directly to science. I believe JDRF money will fund the cure. It’s that simple.
From Lisa: “I sent you a letter back in the early 90’s when I was in elementary school (I believe I still have it!) asking for help with a science fair project on lightning. Do you get a lot of letters from kids on related topics?”
Thanks to Google–no!
My policy was/is I don’t do homework for you. I always asked the child to send me or tell me his dead end research before I’d give an answer.
When you’re in the fifth grade no one expects your research on clouds will make you an atmospheric scientist. The teachers want you to learn to research subjects. I kept that in mind.
Charlie and a few others want to know, “Are you in any way related to Sonny Fox, who was the host of Wonderama?”
If only!
Irwin “Sonny” Fox was a huge presence on TV as I grew up. He hosted Wonderama (and some adult shows too) which was on for five or six hours every Sunday–live! He often brought smart people on to talk to kids. He never talked down to children.
I’m sure what Sonny did would be looked upon as quaint today. It was a time when the impact on the audience was more important than the impact on the bottom line (Though to be fair, a TV station was a license to print money back then and you could afford to be magnanimous).
He is in his mid-80s now. I hope he knows how many of us remember him fondly.
His train was around twenty minutes late. It lost power somewhere around Metropark. “We’re going to reboot,” said a crew member on the p.a. system.
Busy day. Short entry.
My folks are still here. Now my friend Peter is too. They’re all going with Helaine and me to the JDRF Gala tonight.
As you can see, Peter is camera shy.
I picked up Peter at the train station. His train was around twenty minutes late. It lost power somewhere around Metropark. “We’re going to reboot,” said a crew member on the p.a. system.
Who knew you could reboot a train?
Wouldn’t it be nice to think the dollar you sent was the dollar that bought the last piece that solved the puzzle that cured the disease!
If you’ve read this blog any length of time or just watched me on TV you know I’ve been associated with the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation for nearly two decades. I’ve helped them raise a lot of money.
This year they’ve decided to honor me at their annual gala (along with the much more accomplished president of Quinnipiac University, John Lahey).
OK–here’s the truth with these fundraisers. Usually the person honored is someone who can sell tickets. Seriously, it’s often a businessman who can lean on vendors and suppliers. That’s why I was surprised to be asked. But believe me–I am honored. Holy crap I am humbly honored.
If you can attend, I’d love to see you there. The tickets are somewhat pricey and I understand that’s a problem for many people. However, if you and your family make charitable contributions I hope you’ll consider JDRF. I’ve been doing this so long because I really do feel it’s an organization that does good. And, just as importantly, I feel they’re really close to a cure!
Once you meet a family dealing with diabetes you’ll understand why I feel as I do. It’s the whole family that deals with diabetes, not just the child afflicted.
Wouldn’t it be nice to think the dollar you sent was the dollar that bought the last piece that solved the puzzle that cured the disease!
Tickets are $200. You can contact JDRF at 203-248-1880. There’s more information on the JDRF website.