**At the end of the blog is the all important contest information and address**

When my career started, I told myself there were two things I would never do with any money I made.  Spend over $30,000 for a new car or spend over $30 dollars for a tie.  So far, I've kept that promise.

The cars I buy may come and go, but each tie I collect stays with me always.  I usually buy five to ten at a time.  Most of my ties come from Boston Store, Macy's and occasionally TJ Maxx because they discount so drastically.  However, a few months ago I searched a new place and made a terrific discovery.  I took my 11 year old daughter to drop off old jeans and shirts at St. Vincent De Paul on Williamson Street.  She walked by the clothes area and found me 10 designer ties in excellent condition for two dollars each!?  She even picked them out.  Crazy huh?

I have saved every necktie I've purchased over the years, along with every one received as a gift.  My tie collection currently stands at 442:  that's four hundred and forty two strips of cloth to practically choke yourself daily just play the male version of dress up.  Some are thin and out of style.  Others may have a design that just doesn't seem right until another decade zips by.

Tip to the guys out there:  When eating do one of three things...take the tie off, undo one button and tuck tie into the shirt or throw the tie over your shoulder until the meal is done.  If food gets on the shirt, the tie should cover it after the meal.  I started doing this trick after I stained a few garments.  I've never gotten a stain out of the silk fabric and the cleaners can't get it completely out either!

Below is a photo of some of my more bizarre selections:

Now I look at a few of my current favorites:

You can help me wear a different tie each day while even helping those that may need assistance.  I'm asking you to send me a tie that you may no longer need or want.  Please make sure it is free from stains, wrinkles or creases.  Each tie that I choose to wear on NBC15 News at 10, Kraft/Oscar Mayer will donate $15 in your name to NBC15's Share Your Holidays campaign to eliminate hunger.  The monies go to Second Harvest Foodbank of Southern Wisconsin.

In addition, all donated ties will be donated to Porchlight, Inc. which helps the homeless with shelter and work assistance programs.  About $4,000 dollars will be raised by December simply by wearing two of your ties each week.

For any success though I need your help.  My work address is below.  Send away and give me some feedback while you're at it.