Monster comes through...sort of

Countdown - 53 days

I don't want to be too excited, and I also don't want to appear ungrateful at the same time. So is that 'fine line' that I'm always being told I cross too easily?

Here's the deal: Monster Energy drink got two sponsorship proposals from me.

The First - I asked them to make a monetary donation of their own choice (in terms of how much) to the CCFA. I also asked if they wanted to give me any swag to give away and/or any clothing items that they would want me to wear for publicity purposes. Yes, I will pimp myself out to raise money on this trip.

The Response to the First - 'Thanks, but we aren't able to make a monetary contribution at this time.'

Undaunted, I immediately replied.

The Second - This time I send another copy of the first proposal (to remind them of who I was) along with a cover letter and stressed that I understood that times are tough and they probably can't give money to everyone who asks. However, I still offered to act as an unofficial, unpaid and completely biased spokesperson for them. I offered to give away whatever swag they wanted to provide. I suggested coupons or certificates for free Monster Energy product. Again, I suggested that I would wear (within reason) anything clothing wise they wanted to provide.

The Response to the Second - I got a visit from the UPS man (otherwise known as 'Brown Santa') and a package that contained:

• A sheet of Monster Energy stickers
• A wrist sweat band, with Monster logo
• A lanyard, with Monster logo
• 10 coupons for free Monster Energy drink
• A business card from Lori Esler-Jung, a customer relations representative.

Now, I was overjoyed that I got any kind of response. It wasn't the kind I was looking for (I could give away 10 Monster coupons at my first fuel stop), but it was something, and that's better than no response at all (isn't that right, Choice Hotels International?).

So I hereby officially thank Monster Energy for their support and response. Perhaps seeing this post may cause them to reconsider and donate some sort of money to CCFA. And/or perhaps they'll want to send me more swag (that I can actually give away) and get people just as hooked on Monster as I am (remember, the first one's free!). But no matter what, it was nice of them to respond in any fashion and I'm thankful for that.

Thank you

Now, onto more and different sponsors!