A user inputs event information into a data processing system which is stored in an application memory of an application. Message information contained in each incoming message received by a messaging service is compared to the event information. In the event that the message information corresponds to the event information a notification of the event is sent to a short-range wireless transmitter. The wireless transmitter transmits notification of the event to a remote receiver. Upon receipt of the wireless signal, the remote receiver triggers an alert notification notifying the user that data processing system has received the specified event.