Hello everyone! It sure has been awhile and we apologize for not keeping you up to date with all that is going on. Needless to say, things are busy….in a great way!
First of all, lets take a look back at our June event. Our volunteers worked tirelessly teaming to prepare starting Wednesday stuffing a goody bag that had to be one of our best ever! The Elk’s Lodge was decorated on Thursday and the golf course was setup on Friday as banquet time quickly approached.
Once again, the atmosphere in the banquet facility was electric. It is a cross between a class reunion and wedding reception in my eyes and the hugs, handshakes, and laughs were far too many to count.
David Robinson put together an amazing video as always, capturing the multiple events and the busy year this charity always enjoys. If you haven’t seen it or didn’t get to, please go to18forelife.com and check it out-send family and friends as well!
Bill Pippins Jr. captivated the audience with his testimony of love, courage, and care. His emotion from the perspective of a caregiver was felt throughout the audience. This was followed by Dave Draveky’s story. Dave’s powerful words kept everyone on the edge of their seat as he motivated and inspired us all. He epitomized just what our charity is all about. If you would like to learn more about him, go to endurance.org and also check out his many books available at amazon.com!
The annual auction was a hit once again, raising money and allowing the crowd to get their hands on some cool memorabilia. The BUZZ closed out the night with some good ole Rock n Roll with the help of Addie Kruse, who sang Drops of Jupiter.
The golf event filled Hidden Trails Country Club as all 386 golfers seemed to enjoy un unusually cool June day. With the help of Birdies for Breast Cancer, the gals from Beta Sigma, Montgomery Bank’s 17th Hole, and our volunteers on #14-the atmosphere was just terrific. Kyle Christian, Matt Christian, Ryan Jacques, and Jake Barge won this year’s event and the Not So Famous Tan Jackets! Can’t wait to see what they have embroidered on these for next year.
At this time, we have given away $138,000.00 in love offerings during 2012, by far our biggest year ever and a wonderful sign that this charity is ONLY growing. We can even do more and we will thanks to your support, the support from a giving community, and with the help of a huge team of volunteers.
What do we have going on????? PLENTY!
The Ben Kruse Crappie Tournament
The 2nd annual Ben Kruse Crappie Tournament was another huge success. $8,500 raised by pulling off the largest fishing tournament in Lake Wappapello’s history. Bruce and Amy Christian, Dane Bess, and a crew of helpers have already made this one of the most well organized fishing events in the Midwest. Be on the lookout for bigger and better things from them as they grow this with national sponsorships coming on board. Also look for a new fishing tournament tab on the website to keep up with this event.
This Run’s For Vaughn
This Run’s For Vaughn was another big success. We remembered a great man, Vaughn Wright, and celebrated a wonderful morning together, running/walking the streets of Dexter while raising money for families in the area fighting ALS. This fall event is a great time for all involved.
Hits For Hope
Dexter vs. Puxico on October 1st will be this year’s Hits For Hope game at DHS. Look for Bloomfield, Bernie and Richland to also host these events. The home team will wear specially made PINK uniforms, a PINK ball will be used, PINK whistles used, the gyms will be PINKED OUT and money will be raised for 18 FORE Life. What an honor it is to be the focus of these events and what a great thing it is to see so many young people find out just how good it feels to do something good.
Thanks for taking the time to read this announcement! We promise to be better at keeping you up to speed. Your support of this charity is appreciated more than you know.
With love
Scott
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Posted: February 6, 2019 by 18 FORE Life
8th Annual Larry B. Jones H.O.P.E. Campaign Fundraiser
2019 H.O.P.E. CAMPAIGN FISH FRY FLYER
2019 T-SHIRT ORDER FORM
2019 H.O.P.E. CAMPAIGN FISH FRY FLYER
2019 T-SHIRT ORDER FORM
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Posted: February 6, 2018 by 18 FORE Life
7th Annual Larry B. Jones H.O.P.E. Campaign Fundraiser
2018 H.O.P.E. CAMPAIGN FISH FRY FLYER
2018 T-SHIRT ORDER FORM
It’s that time again! Â 7th annual fundraiser for the H.O.P.E. Campaign. Â We hope you can join us for the community fish fry on Friday, April 6, 2018. Â Please see attached flyer for more details. Â Mark your calendars now! Â Please help us spread the word. Â We’d love for you to forward this e-mail, share our Facebook post, print the flyer and post in your places of work and worship. Â Please share with anyone you think might like to attend and support this cause. Â Pre-selling tickets now.
~Sharing from my post earlier today: {My mother gifted my sister and me with matching t-shirts at some point after she battled cancer the first time in 1998/1999. I still have the purple, teal and metallic grey shirt. It reads, “I hope that I will have the courage now and always to stand and fight until there is a cure.” The message on this shirt inspires me to continue this work year after year. My mother never gave up, and she’s still a very big part of this work. She, my dad, my sister and their stories~ their lives~ their memories inspire me daily. I was challenged recently to have the courage to share my story. I tied this theme of courage together, and realized that part of telling our stories is being brave enough to move forward in our own lives and help make our own little corner of the world better~ even just a little bit.}
~Thank you all for helping us raise over $93,000 since 2011 to help others who are battling cancer and other life threatening illnesses. It’s about so much more than the money. I’ve experienced it in my own family and have heard it from so many other recipients of H.O.P.E. Campaign and 18 FORE Life love offering gifts… the love, support, encouragement, prayers and hope that come with the gifts are what truly mean the most.
Thank you for all of your support. Sincerely, Lora Jones Galati and Family
2018 H.O.P.E. CAMPAIGN FISH FRY FLYER
2018 T-SHIRT ORDER FORM
Or you can use the following link to order from the Larry B. Jones H.O.P.E. Campaign online store – http://mkt.com/larrybjoneshopecampaign
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Posted: February 9, 2017 by 18 FORE Life
6th Annual Larry B. Jones H.O.P.E. Campaign Fundraiser
2017 CAMPAIGN T-SHIRT ORDER FORM
In memory of our beloved parents and our sister, Sara, as well as all who’ve battled cancer themselves or have fought alongside a family member or friend.
This is our small way of giving back! We celebrate H.O.P.E. ~ Healing, Optimism, Prayer and Example.
Since March of 2011, our charity has raised over $83,000 for area cancer warriors and individuals faced with life-threatening illness.
The H.O.P.E. Campaign is a division of 18 FORE Life, a 501(c)(3) charity, with a shared mission of benefiting area cancer warriors and individuals faced with life-threatening illness.
To date, 18 FORE Life has sent out over $1,900,000.00 in love offerings to families all over Southeast Missouri. The generous donations and support to the charity have truly made a difference. But, there’s “more work to do!â€
Thank you for your support!
You may e-mail us with questions at:
larrybjoneshopecampaign@yahoo.com
Call us at: 314-402-7777 or find us on Facebook!
We thank you very much for your continued support,
Lora Jones Galati, Kyle Jones and families
2017 CAMPAIGN T-SHIRT ORDER FORM
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Posted: February 11, 2016 by 18 FORE Life
5th Annual Larry B. Jones H.O.P.E. Campaign Fundraiser
It’s that time again! We’re excited about the 5th annual Larry B. Jones H.O.P.E. Campaign fundraiser!
This year, we’re raffling TWO $500 Wal-Mart gift cards! Tickets are on sale now through 4-27-16! Please see the attached flyer, and pass it along to others!
In memory of our dad, in honor of our mother, and for all who’ve battled cancer themselves or have fought alongside a family member or friend! This is our small way of giving back! We celebrate H.O.P.E. ~ Healing, Optimism, Prayer and Example!
Since March of 2011, our charity has raised over $60,000 for area cancer warriors and individuals faced with life-threatening illness.
The H.O.P.E. Campaign is a division of 18 FORE Life, a 501(c)(3) charity, with a shared mission of benefiting area cancer warriors and individuals faced with life-threatening illness.
To date, 18 FORE Life has sent out over $1,750,000.00 in love offerings to families all over Southeast Missouri. The generous donations and support to the charity have truly made a difference. But, there’s “more work to do!â€
Thank you for your support!
You may e-mail us with questions at: larrybjoneshopecampaign@yahoo.com,
Call us at: 314-402-7777 or find us on fb!
We thank you very much for your continued support,
Kathy Jones, Lora Jones Galati, Kyle Jones and the entire family of Larry B. Jones
2016 Campaign Fundraiser Flyer
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Posted: February 2, 2015 by 18 FORE Life
Larry B. Jones H.O.P.E. Campaign Fundraiser
In memory of our dad, in honor of our mother, and for all who’ve battled cancer themselves or have fought alongside a family member or friend! This is our way of giving back! We celebrate H.O.P.E. ~ Healing, Optimism, Prayer and Example!
Since March of 2011, our charity has raised nearly $40,000 for area cancer warriors and individuals faced with life-threatening illness.
The H.O.P.E. Campaign is a division of 18 FORE Life, a 501(c)(3) charity, with a shared mission of benefiting area cancer warriors and individuals faced with life-threatening illness. To date, 18 FORE Life has sent out over $1,212,000.00 in love offerings to families all over Southeast Missouri. The generous donations and support to the charity have truly made a difference. But, there’s “more work to do!â€
Please see the attached flyers, and pass them along to others!  We’re selling t-shirts this year ~ available for order now through 2-20-15!  The H.O.P.E. Campaign is also hosting a fish fry in Bloomfield on March  20, 2015!  Pre-selling fish fry tickets 2-6-15 through 3-17-15!
Thank you for your support!
You may e-mail us with questions at:Â larrybjoneshopecampaign@
Call us at:Â 314-402-7777Â or find us on fb!
We thank you very much for your continued support,
Kathy Jones, Lora Galati, Kyle Jones and the entire family of Larry B. Jones
Campaign Fundraiser Flyer
T-Shirt Order Form
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Posted: November 10, 2013 by David Robinson
5th Annual Claus for a Cause
The 5th annual Claus for a Cause will be November 24th from 3:00-5:00 pm. Please see more details below.
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Posted: June 7, 2013 by Scott Kruse
Drive FORE $1 Million – We Did It!
Drive FORE $1 Million – We Did It!
One of our goals for 2013 was to raise enough money to give away our 1 MILLIONTH dollar in love offerings. We were well over $900,000.00 at the start of the charity golf weekend and all of our team felt we could get close with a good effort at The Ben Kruse 18 FORE Life Charity Golf Event. After totaling figures, paying the minimal bills we have, and sending out $65,000.00 in love offerings on June 6th, we reached $999,000.00 in love offerings sent out!!!! ONE AWAY. On June 7th, we sent out 3 more love offerings and breaking the goal of giving away $1,000,000.00! WE DID IT! We thank all of our sponsors, supporters and volunteers for helping us reach this milestone. Until there’s a cure, we’ll strive even harder for our next $1 Million.
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Posted: June 7, 2013 by Scott Kruse
2013 Charity Golf Event Weekend Recap
Charity Golf Event Weekend Recap
Needless to say, this year’s event was special. From Wednesday throughout the remainder of the week, you could tell this event was going to be great. Our team stuffed golfer bags loaded with nice items on Wednesday and on Thursday we took over the Elk’s Lodge, setting up for the banquet. Friday’s banquet was a wonderful night, beginning with Pastor Mike Williams giving a fitting Invocation to the crowd of right at 500.
David Robinson received the night’s first standing ovation for his work on our tribute video, which you can see here. If you get a chance, go back and check out all of his work over the years. Becky Dennington amazed the crowd with her candid, emotional testimony. She is a true WARRIOR with a passion for inspiring others with her attitude, compassion, kindness, and determination. Ed Hearn was our keynote speaker and was introduced by former 18 FORE Life speaker Brian Holman, who joined us once again. Ed’s message silenced the crowd as he told of being a World Series Champion as a rookie in 1986, only to find himself on dialysis two years later. His personality could be felt from the front row to the back row. His joy for living this life in a faithful way was obvious. His positive attitude and ability to inspire others jolted the room. Chad Gaylord was introduced next and gave the annual Toast to Ben. One of Ben’s best childhood and adult buddies, Chad did a terrific job of smiling, laughing, and sharing with our folks. Ben, needless to say, would have loved every story. Becky, Brian, Ed, and Chad: You all were amazing and left this organization and its supporters proud!
The Auction was a big success with items going for $4600 and $3800! Gary Rhine and Jimmy Miles once again put on a great show for the audience while raising money for our cause. The BUZZ had many special guests join them later in the night, including The Kruse girls, The Parker Twins, Ashby Robinson, Larry Gilbow, and Brian Becker! It was a terrific and complete night.
When this many people come together for a common cause, anything can happen and anything is possible. 500 people in one room celebrating this life, giving to a terrific cause who is focused on helping families fighting cancer, and remembering all who are no longer with us. It is a great feeling to know Ben is proud of all of this fellowship and all the good that comes from that. He thought we had already dreamed big just by putting on a golf tournament. We didn’t realize it could be so much more than a golf tournament like it is today.
The golf was an entirely different story the next day! 5 inches of rain early Saturday made the decision to call of the golf tournament an easy one. Rivers flowed down fairways and the greens visible from the Clubhouse looked like tiny ponds. We want to thank our golfers for being so patient and understanding, as well as so generous in allowing us to keep entry fees (in exchange for their goody bag). Please note, if there is anyone who did not either get their goody bag or their entry refunded, please contact us so we can get this settled up and have you fired up about coming back next year. Many golfers made extra donations and the Clubhouse remained full for most of the day and early evening.
We did hold a silent auction and a lunch was served around 1:00PM for anyone who could stick around. Shane McClintick, an annual golfer from Nixa, MO, won the BUZZ 9 golf cart. He thought we were playing a joke on him and was stunned to have to figure out a way to get his new jewel pulled back home! Congrats Shane! The day ended on an incredibly bright note. Semytra Tour Pro Chelsea Bach and her family had joined us for the weekend in hopes of helping Cory Blocker, and his Birdie’s For Breast Cancer Crew, raise extra money on Hole #4. Her parents were going to play in the event. When this didn’t happen, they still stuck around and Chelsea played local golfer Chance Holden in a 5 hole Fun Match while 35-40 folks walked the soggy course to watch. It was a great friendly battle of two impressive golfers and was a happy ending to a day that started off anything but. Thank you Chelsea and Chance!
Drive FORE $1 Million – We Did It!
Our goal in all of this was to raise enough money to give away our 1 MILLIONTH dollar in love offerings. We were well over $900,000.00 at the start of the weekend and all of our team felt we could get close with a good effort at The Ben Kruse 18 FORE Life Charity Golf Event. After totaling figures, paying the minimal bills we have, and sending out $65,000.00 in love offerings on June 6th, we reached $999,000.00 in love offerings sent out!!!! ONE AWAY. On June 7th, we sent out 3 more love offerings and breaking the goal of giving away $1,000,000.00! WE DID IT! We thank all of our sponsors, supporters and volunteers for helping us reach this milestone. Until there’s a cure, we’ll strive even harder for our next $1 Million.
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Posted: October 25, 2012 by Scott Kruse
Drive FORE $1 Million
After giving away over $150,000.00 in love offerings this year, it is obvious we are charging towards a date when we will give away our ONE MILLIONTH dollar. We are currently right at $900,000.00 which has been sent to families fighting cancer since our charity began in 2000. Needless to say, our efforts have made an impact and we all know we still have more work to do.
The Granite Desk Plaque Project
Kerry Gilbow, Jim Rainey, and Mark Booker have taken on a granite desk plaque project. The idea came about when Gilbow came to us and wanted to sell PINK bricks with the 18 FORE Life logo on them, and literally put them in people’s homes in place of a normal brick! This idea proved to be a bit much to undertake, but led to the idea of selling granite desk plaques for $1000.00. The person buying the item will have the opportunity to give us a name of a person fighting cancer and know that this donation will end up in their hands as they battle this disease. The boys have already sold 20+!!! The idea has jump started a drive to raise more money and give away our 1 Millionth dollar by our June 2013 golf event! We know we can do it.
So, we are officially making it our mission to ask for donations of all amounts as we speed towards this goal. Our website will be keeping track with where we are in this endeavor and we’ll be updating our Facebook timeline with our organization’s many milestones to commemorate our biggest milestone so far. We hope you share some stories with us! This year’s video will also feature a great display showing this intense drive!
Donations can be of ANY amount. Please use the Donate Now buttons for secure online donations or mail your check to the address below. We get so many $10, $20, and $25 donations and they matter…they add up…they make a difference. ALL donations can be made in honor or in memory of friends and loved ones and we acknowledge all of this with the families. This time of the year is a great time to choose ways to give gifts in support of charities. We are a non-profit, 501(c)(3) organization. We thank you for choosing 18 FORE Life and appreciate the teamwork it has taken to help so many families over the years.
Please share this message with friends and family who might enjoy seeing what we do and how we do it. Check out our website, check out our Facebook page – click LIKE!, and follow us on Twitter. Together we will continue to make a difference.
With love
Scott
The Ben Kruse 18 FORE Life Foundation
705 Laurie Circle
Dexter, MO 63841
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Posted: September 19, 2012 by Scott Kruse
September 2012 Update
Hello everyone! It sure has been awhile and we apologize for not keeping you up to date with all that is going on. Needless to say, things are busy….in a great way!
First of all, lets take a look back at our June event. Our volunteers worked tirelessly teaming to prepare starting Wednesday stuffing a goody bag that had to be one of our best ever! The Elk’s Lodge was decorated on Thursday and the golf course was setup on Friday as banquet time quickly approached.
Once again, the atmosphere in the banquet facility was electric. It is a cross between a class reunion and wedding reception in my eyes and the hugs, handshakes, and laughs were far too many to count.
David Robinson put together an amazing video as always, capturing the multiple events and the busy year this charity always enjoys. If you haven’t seen it or didn’t get to, please go to18forelife.com and check it out-send family and friends as well!
Bill Pippins Jr. captivated the audience with his testimony of love, courage, and care. His emotion from the perspective of a caregiver was felt throughout the audience. This was followed by Dave Draveky’s story. Dave’s powerful words kept everyone on the edge of their seat as he motivated and inspired us all. He epitomized just what our charity is all about. If you would like to learn more about him, go to endurance.org and also check out his many books available at amazon.com!
The annual auction was a hit once again, raising money and allowing the crowd to get their hands on some cool memorabilia. The BUZZ closed out the night with some good ole Rock n Roll with the help of Addie Kruse, who sang Drops of Jupiter.
The golf event filled Hidden Trails Country Club as all 386 golfers seemed to enjoy un unusually cool June day. With the help of Birdies for Breast Cancer, the gals from Beta Sigma, Montgomery Bank’s 17th Hole, and our volunteers on #14-the atmosphere was just terrific. Kyle Christian, Matt Christian, Ryan Jacques, and Jake Barge won this year’s event and the Not So Famous Tan Jackets! Can’t wait to see what they have embroidered on these for next year.
At this time, we have given away $138,000.00 in love offerings during 2012, by far our biggest year ever and a wonderful sign that this charity is ONLY growing. We can even do more and we will thanks to your support, the support from a giving community, and with the help of a huge team of volunteers.
What do we have going on????? PLENTY!
The Ben Kruse Crappie Tournament
The 2nd annual Ben Kruse Crappie Tournament was another huge success. $8,500 raised by pulling off the largest fishing tournament in Lake Wappapello’s history. Bruce and Amy Christian, Dane Bess, and a crew of helpers have already made this one of the most well organized fishing events in the Midwest. Be on the lookout for bigger and better things from them as they grow this with national sponsorships coming on board. Also look for a new fishing tournament tab on the website to keep up with this event.
This Run’s For Vaughn
This Run’s For Vaughn was another big success. We remembered a great man, Vaughn Wright, and celebrated a wonderful morning together, running/walking the streets of Dexter while raising money for families in the area fighting ALS. This fall event is a great time for all involved.
Hits For Hope
Dexter vs. Puxico on October 1st will be this year’s Hits For Hope game at DHS. Look for Bloomfield, Bernie and Richland to also host these events. The home team will wear specially made PINK uniforms, a PINK ball will be used, PINK whistles used, the gyms will be PINKED OUT and money will be raised for 18 FORE Life. What an honor it is to be the focus of these events and what a great thing it is to see so many young people find out just how good it feels to do something good.
Thanks for taking the time to read this announcement! We promise to be better at keeping you up to speed. Your support of this charity is appreciated more than you know.
With love
Scott