From the Chief Executive Flocker & Founder, Chris Ann Dale
It all started in March 1999 when I gave birth to my beautiful first baby boy, Connor. I was in awe of how great he was, and I could not imagine leaving him with anyone else while he was so itsy bitsy (technically, he was a big baby though!). So the entrepreneur in me started thinking of all kinds of businesses that would allow me the flexibility to stay home, work on my schedule, and be a mommy entrepreneur. One thing to keep in mind is that in 1999, home-based businesses were very uncommon, along with the internet! Boy, have we come a long way in a few short years.
I decided to start a retail store on the internet to sell baby and children's products invented and/or made by moms and dads. I wanted to support their families instead of big, nameless corporations. These first moms and dads included the founders of Baby Einstein and The Boppy, believe it or not!!
My imagination continued to grow, and I really wanted to have a service business that could help bring smiles to local moms. So I added on stork yard signs, built the web site (thanks to my fabulous technical husband), and started advertising locally. As soon as the web site was up, I began getting calls from around the country for folks who had family here in Houston, and really wanted to send them a flock of flamingos to make them smile on their birthday. So I did my research, and expanded my business into what my clients needed so much: to make loved ones' laugh. Giggles go a long way!!
I am a huge supporter of Breast Cancer fundraising. My mom passed away from breast cancer in January 1998. I always try to help in some small way when a local organization is trying to raise $$$ for breast cancer. My favorite flockings are actually for breast cancer patients. I love the fact that, after a lousy day at the hospital (especially with chemo), they come home to a yard full of pink flamingos, and it makes them laugh. They had some fun in the midst of a crummy day. Now that I have just added on the bras/ta-ta's/bikinis (what do you think we should call them?), I think they would also be a nice way to make everyone laugh. If you have a loved one in the local area who you would like to try out the ta-ta's on, please let me know. I would love to make more cancer survivors laugh, smile and giggle like little girls.
My other big charity I love is the Epilepsy Foundation of Texas. My youngest son, Logan, started having seizures in December 2008, and our world has been a whirl-wind ever since. Being diagnosed with any illness is scary, regardless of the age. The Epilepsy Foundation was a huge help in our "shell-shock" stage. Since Logan's official epilepsy diagnosis in January 2009, the Houston Epilepsy Foundation has taken Logan to Camp For All, a summer camp in Burton, Texas, for kids with epilepsy. They have neurologists and nurses on site, and a wonderful team of counselors. Their goal is to allow these kids the ability to do "normal" physical summer camp activities with the safety in place. Logan's two favorite things at camp are the zip-lining and the chocolate milk machine. The most amazing part is that the Houston Epilepsy Foundation does not charge the camper families anything for this $1000+ a week camp. They don't want a child to miss out because of the cost, so they work very hard to raise funds for these kids, my kid.
My mission: I hope you will help me continue my mission to take care of my wonderful boys, to make people smile every day, and to contribute more to breast cancer research and the Houston Epilepsy Foundation. A giggle a day makes us all enjoy life, one flamingo at a time. :)
Thank you for taking the time to learn more about Flamingos 2 Go.
-Have a great "flocking" day!!
Chris Ann
**UPDATE** 6/17/10
Please Help!!!!
I have just found my new breast cancer charity to support! I am happy to announce that the "Save The Ta-tas" Foundation is the Flamingos 2 Go recipient of any philanthropic donations. The name & foundation is right in line with how I think, and we both strongly feel that "laughter heals." I am hoping to offer their merchandise for my wonderful clients, and to find a volunteer to help me plan a "Save The Ta-tas" event. I will provide the ta-ta signs and flamingos. I just need a fun team of ladies that's willing to get the word out about the event, and set up the flockings. If you want to help in any capacity, please contact me. I can't do it alone! Let's see how much money we can raise to save the ta-tas!!!!!!!!!
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Date Founded: August 1, 1999
# of Flockings Since Inception: Over 2500
# of Staff Since Inception: 7 Stay-At-Home Moms
# of Kids Since Inception: 12 Stay-At-Home Kids
# of Flamingos In Inventory: 500
Most Flamingos Ever Rented For 1 Event: 450 (We didn't have more at the time)
