What a great day!! This was our first time attending the fundraiser. The boys were super excited and had been for weeks beforehand. Gianna didn't care what was going on as long as she got to see her Papa and her best friend, Bella. The day was full of so many emotions, both good and sad.
This year's fundraiser was on the 6th anniversary of Mark's funeral. It was also a Saturday the year we buried him. That fact made it hard for me, but with so many friends and family around it was easier to handle. The day was perfect, even with the rain.
There were so many helping get the courts ready for the volleyball tournament.
MESSY!!
There was lots of food for a reasonable donation. Cormac attempted to break a candy intake record.
Blase worked super hard all day. He only took about 15 minutes off through the day. I hope we are able to go back again. He had a great time and did a wonderful job.
Gianna with her cousin, Becky. Love those two blondies!!
Train rides for the kids!
Watch out for that crazy driver. I think we should check his license next year.
We had a rain delay during the tournament.
Just a "little" rain.
Many of the players helped to clear the courts off. Thanks to everyone who helped.
Beautiful Bear Butte!
The top two teams played an amazing championship game.
The locals corner.
After the rain, the train gave a few more rides. Those little kids had some soggy bottoms after that.
The winners were: Team Rose!! Yah!!!
My brother, John, and his sweet daughter. John, like all my brothers, worked very hard to make the fundraiser a success. He earned that nap!
After most the volleyball was over they did a quick horseshoe tournament.
The winners were: Paul Bestgen and John Gross.
I would like to personally thank all of you who came, donated, and participated in the fundraiser events this year. Our family couldn't make this Mark Park possible without all of you!! Thanks to those who made the trip from other states just for the fundraiser. You will never understand how much that means to us. We are humbled by your continued support in so many ways. God bless all of you!
P.S. Mark would have LOVED every minute of the fundraiser. I have to remind myself that without Mark's death there would not have been a Mark Park. Just another blessing that came from a sad situation.
