Episode 39: Boots, Bingo and Blood Cancer Awareness

Send us Fan MailThis week on So THIS Happened, we’re recording live from Home2 Suites in Delano with the incredible Jamie Seipel, Director of Sales for Home2 Suites Delano and 2026 Visionary of the Year candidate for Blood Cancer United.What starts as a conversation about fundraising quickly becomes something much deeper—about saying yes before you feel ready, stepping into something bigger than yourself, and discovering just how powerful community can be when it rallies around a cause.For Jen, this episode is especially meaningful—a full-circle moment reflecting on her own candidacy back in 2016… and what it looks like to now sit across from someone stepping into that same journey.And yes… we also talk about:Bitchy BingoAdult Prom (with DJ Panda 💃)A dunk tank situation that feels mildly unhinged (in the best way)💃 In This Episode, We Cover:Jamie’s journey from Visit Wichita to Home2 Suites DelanoWhat drew her to Blood Cancer United—and why she said yesThe emotional moment it became realThe unexpected confidence that comes from asking for supportThe power of community (and Wichita showing UP)Behind-the-scenes of planning multiple fundraising eventsHow this experience is already changing herWhy this campaign is about so much more than fundraising🎲 This or That: Fundraising EditionWe kick things off with a themed round of This or That, including:Silent auction vs. live auction chaosBingo night vs. trivia nightBoots & Buckles vs. Adult PromPlan the event vs. show up and enjoySpoiler: strong opinions were formed… and defended 😄🎉 Jamie’s Event Lineup (aka The Tour 👏)Jamie is not playing small—she’s bringing the entire city along for the ride.Here’s what’s coming up:⚾ Baseball Game (April 3) Featuring a powerful first pitch moment from Honor Hero Zach🎱 Bitchy Bingo (April 9) A little sass, a lot of fun🤠 Boots & Buckles @ WAVE (April 19) Country vibes, live music, and big energy🏃‍♀️ Run for Blood Cancer (April 25) 5K + 1-mile fun run at Exploration Place🧠 Wichita-Themed Trivia Night (April 30) Come for the fun, stay for the unexpected facts🍷 Adult Prom @ The Boathouse (May 14) 90s/2000s theme + DJ Panda = absolute chaos (the good kind)💦 Poker Run + Dunk Tank (May) Dive bar crawl meets “who are we dunking today?” energy❤️ Why This MattersBlood Cancer United supports patients and families right here in Wichita—and every dollar raised stays local.Last year alone:💰 $264,000 raised by Visionary candidates💰 Over $500,000 given back to local familiesThis isn’t just about events. It’s about impact, advocacy, and showing up when it matters most.🙌 How You Can Get InvolvedAttend an eventDonate directly to Jamie’s campaignShare with your networkShow up however you canBecause every little bit truly does count.🥂 Favorite Moment“I thought people liked me… but would they actually show up for me?” Turns out… they would. And they did.✨ Closing ThoughtsThis episode is a reminder that sometimes the most powerful thing you can do… is say yes before you feel ready.Because you never know what kind of impact is waiting on the other side. Support the show