Every year, it seems almost impossible to feel as if the next year can be better. And every year our volunteers, sponsors, golfers, and new faces deliver! This summer was no exception and after the weekend of June 5-6 concluded, 18 FORE Life had raised $115,000.00 with donations and memorial funds still coming in, enabling us to help out 86 families to date. That is $86,000.00 you have helped raise and distribute to area families fighting cancer, in need of not only financial assistance, but the feeling that we are here thinking of them, pulling for them to WIN their battles. Now that our 9th event has come and gone, we look ahead to next year’s 10 Year Anniversary Celebration which will be held June 4-5. We are pulling out ALL the stops in Celebrating what we all have worked together to create. But for a moment, lets look back at what a wonderful weekend it was this past June in Dexter, MO!
The Ben Kruse 18 FORE Life Charity Golf Event Banquet held June 5, 2009 at The Elk’s Lodge
What a beautiful, fun filled evening once again kicked off with an Invocation by Vaughn Wright. Vaughn is a hero himself, battling ALS with a spirit and attitude that inspires us all. Kerri Kruse introduced Vaughn and praised him for leading The First Christian Church Disciples of Christ for the past 18 years. As usual, The Elk’s prepared a wonderful meal and served 4 long lines of hungry folks in record time. They are a wonderful partner in all we do and support this cause with pride in everything they do. Scott Kruse gave a welcome and recognized the John Brehmer family for their support and attendance on what was surely a “bitter-sweet” time for Marilyn, JT, Monie, and John’s grandkids. Kruse also recognized several ideas that were acted on since the 2008 banquet. Ideas like Ten Pins for Ben, Jim Rainey’s plan to raise money for St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital. Ideas like the gals of Beta Sigma and Montgomery Bank who hold successful fundraisers during the golf event. Ideas like Cory Blocker, Marcus Norden and company who, along with their buddies, hand crafted a professional grade poker table to be auctioned off later in the evening. Ideas like Loyd Rice and his team of area basketball officials who band together during the week of Coaches V. Cancer to raise money for 18 FORE Life through their Blowing the Whistle on Cancer fundraiser. Ideas like Josh Rodgers whose friends at Smiley Riley Trailers in Sikeston made the donation of a golf cart trailer to go along with the 2009 Club Car to be auctioned off later in the evening. These ideas elevate our charity and help it grow each year. And finally, Ben’s great friends Andy Niedert and Chad Gaylord raised money by floating the Mississippi in a canoe from Jefferson City, finally giving in North of Cape Girardeau! The pair raised money by drawing awareness and getting the folks at Missouri Farm Bureau, where Chad works, to make donations at their send off! The ownership, freedom, and teamwork these folks find in their efforts is inspiring and full of passion, encompassing what this charity stands for and is all about.
General Clyde Vaughn was introduced and brought with him a video message from Dale Earnhardt Jr. and Jeff Gordon. Both NASCAR superstars thanked 18 FORE Life for their work in helping families fighting cancer! Vaughn, a 3 Star General at the Pentagon, is friends with Jack Rausch, Earnhardt Jr., and Gordon. He also brought with him autographed memorabilia that was a big hit later in the evening. General Vaughn, a Dexter native and former football coach, played golf the following day and was able to catch up with many old friends.
Gary Rhine was our 2nd speaker and what a fine man he is. Everyone found out just how focused he was when he got up and said, “I didn’t come here to speak, I came here to raise money for this cause so get out your checkbooks and lets have some fun!” Rhine was talking of his idea of hosting a live auction, donating his services and with the help of his friend Jimmy Miles, giving all of us the opportunity to get our hands on some incredible country music memorabilia. Items signed by George Strait, Alan Jackson, Tracy Lawrence, Kenny Rogers, and Charlie Daniels. Gary, a love offering recipient and cancer survivor, was determined to give back “10-fold” and pay forward what 18 FORE Life did for him in his time of need. As an incentive, Scott Kruse agreed to allow his head to be shaved if Gary’s goal was met! Check out the photos to see proof that Gary’s idea was a beautiful success, raising $19,000 and creating a fun atmosphere for everyone.
Our keynote speaker was Jon Sundvold. Sundvold was an All-Conference and All-American at the University of Missouri playing for Norm Stewart. He went on to average 11 points per game in the NBA. Sundvold shared stories of growing up and playing HS ball at Blue Springs, gave insight into Stewart’s coaching and leadership, and tales from the NBA. He wrapped up his talk by telling of his dog, 24/7 who as he put it, lives life everyday and enjoys every minute.
The Toast to Ben was given by Brian Becker. Becker’s toast can be heard on this site here. We thank Brian for coming to us the previous year and saying, “if you ever need anyone to give that toast to Ben, I would love to!” What a gift this was and a perfect way to celebrate and remember Ben’s beautiful spirit.
Nelson Ringer won the 2009 White Club Car. The BUZZ 4 was our fourth cart given away and looked good out on the course the following day.
Following the Live! Auction and some hair cutting, Addie Kruse sang 3 songs and entertained the crowd. Her versions of See You Again, Just Like Jesse James, and Love Story were a hit and her team of dancers added to the spectacle. Scott Porter played a short acoustic set before The BUZZ took the stage to play into the night. Dancing, sweating, singing, and a true celebration took place until after mignight.
The Ben Kruse 18 FORE Life Charity Golf Event on June 6 at Hidden Trails Country Club
What a great day for golf! The event was the smoothest one to date, finishing up just as the sun went down. The Beta Sigma ladie’s had jello shots on the front nine, Montgomery Bank had a ring toss on the back nine. 344 door prizes were given out as golfers arrived. Our annual Silent Auction was a big success, with an Albert Pujols autographed jersey bringing in $1000 on its own. Hole prizes were given out and winners of the 5 flights received prizes of shoes, pullovers, and golf balls. June 6th was just a perfect day for golfing and catching up with old friends.
So, as you can tell, the charity event was a real success. The thing that always comes to mind is how much Ben would love all of this. He was all about the fun this charity embodies. The old friends he might only see once a year. The stories and laughs. The great golf shots and the horrible duffs. Ben’s spirit is alive because of all of you who cherish what this charity is about. Those of you who support the cause each year. I know Ben has some sort of 18 FORE Life event in Heaven. I see him gathering others to look down upon us, saying “watch this” or “check this out”. And I can still hearing him saying “hit you a good one!”
Thank you so much for supporting what we do. Your teamwork means so much to all of us who have fun working to make this a success. Cancer isn’t going away and families need our help. Remember to keep us in mind throughout the year as a way to memorialize and honor individuals. Make sure and mark your calendar for June 4-5, 2010 as we Celebrate/Give/Remember!
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Posted: October 1, 2009 by Scott Kruse
National Breast Cancer Awareness Month
As with most diseases, early detection is key. Â When breast cancer is diagnosed early, it is easier to treat and treatment is much more likely to be successful. Â Research shows that survival rate is more than 95 percent if breast cancer is caught at an early stage. Â The National Cancer Institute encourages women 40 and older to have a mammogram every 1-2 years. Â And the American Cancer Society recommends women in their 20s and 30s get a clinical breast exam as part of their regular physical exam at least once every three years.
For more information, please visit the NBCAM website – http://www.nbcam.org
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Posted: September 29, 2009 by Scott Kruse
Ozark Wellness Monster Dash October 31st
This Run’s For Vaughn was a HUGE success for our community. The fun surrounding the 5K walk/run has hopefully spread and will allow the folks at Ozark Wellness to succeed in hosting their own 5K run on Halloween Day! If you have never participated in something like this, go for it! You will find you are more than capable and the atmosphere surrounding an event like this is very fun.
Ozark Wellness has stepped up and designated 18 FORE Life as the recipient of any proceeds made from this inaugral event, so come out, have a fun little workout, and support 18 FORE Life as we continue to add to our 2009 total and help as many families fighting cancer as we can.
View/Print/Download the Monster Dash entry form here –
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Posted: September 15, 2009 by David Robinson
This Run’s For Vaughn
This Run’s For Vaughn is a 5K Walk-Run taking place this Saturday, September 19th at 10:00AM. The start/finish line is at the First Christian Church parking lot, registration is $20, and all participants will get lunch and a FREE Tshirt. This is NOT a race, but a journey through the streets of Dexter. The course goes by Vaughn’s window 2 times so he will be able to see the support and love we all have for him. A Bake Sale will begin at 9:00AM the same day, so there is something for everyone and we hope to see you out there. It promises to be a GREAT day.
If you are interested in donating and/or participating, contact Scott Kruse @ 614-0503 or Kenny Pope @ 421-2535
If you would like to mail in a contribution, you may do so with a check payable to: This Run’s For Vaughn
Bank of Advance
c/o This Run’s For Vaughn
Bus Hwy 60
Dexter, MO 63841
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Posted: August 14, 2009 by Scott Kruse
We Still Miss You Ben
Five years ago today Ben was called home, and those of us who knew him and loved him have never, and will never, be the same. We lost a son, a husband, a brother, a friend, a buddy. He lived 28 years and 7 days to the very fullest, treating each one as a gift and making all of our lives better for having been around him. We all know he is very proud of the way we team together each June to Celebrate, Give, and Remember through the charity that his name helps to represent.
I think the song lyrics below are fitting on a day like today.
I came by today to see you, I had to let you know
If I knew the last time that I held you was the last time I’d ‘ve held you and never let go
Its kept me awake nights wondering
Lying in the dark just asking why
I’ve always been told you won’t be called home, until its your time
I guess Heaven was needing a hero
Somebody just like you
Brave enough to stand up for what you believed
And follow it through
When I try to make it make sense in my mind
The only conclusion I come to
Is Heaven was needing a hero like you
Jo Dee Messina/Heaven Was Needing a Hero
Love you Buddy!
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Posted: August 12, 2009 by Scott Kruse
Your Donation DOES Make a Difference!
My wife recently came across a great magazine article. After 9 years of being around our charity, it is easy to see that it is run on all types and amounts of generous donations. Often, it is a simple $10 donation that touches your heart and shows you what true generosity and compassion is ALL about.
Here is a summary of the article entitled ‘Small Change, BIG Results!’
What use is that forgotten $5 you found in the pocket of your old coat, or maybe the $10 you won on last week’s lottery scratch-off ticket? Don’t instantly assume these little amounts are meaningless to foundations dedicated to helping people and the community. Quite the contrary, in fact: It’s a steady stream of comparatively small donations that enable many institutions to do their good works. And, no, you won’t get a new building named after you for a $20 gift, but you’ll make a profound difference in the lives of others.
“Most institutions definitely know how to put small contributions to very good use,” says Steve McSwain, author of The Giving Myths. “Everyone can make a positive difference. Small gifts are so important.”
But there may be still more good that happens when that spare $5 or $20 is donated to a good cause. That’s because, as McSwain explains, the giver benefits too. “We all feel better when we give-when we find it in ourselves to help another-and the truth is that very often small gifts are given because the donor really wants to help another person.
“The more we share,” McSwain says, “the happier we will be.”
We have given away over $87,000.00 to date thanks to donations of all sizes. Don’t ever feel your gift does NOT make a difference. It is the beauty of 18 FORE Life, seeing everyone team up to help others in need. Hope your day is a good one and remember, NO ONE ever became poor from giving!
2 Comments
Posted: August 10, 2009 by Scott Kruse
BK184Life 2009 Recap
Every year, it seems almost impossible to feel as if the next year can be better. And every year our volunteers, sponsors, golfers, and new faces deliver! This summer was no exception and after the weekend of June 5-6 concluded, 18 FORE Life had raised $115,000.00 with donations and memorial funds still coming in, enabling us to help out 86 families to date. That is $86,000.00 you have helped raise and distribute to area families fighting cancer, in need of not only financial assistance, but the feeling that we are here thinking of them, pulling for them to WIN their battles. Now that our 9th event has come and gone, we look ahead to next year’s 10 Year Anniversary Celebration which will be held June 4-5. We are pulling out ALL the stops in Celebrating what we all have worked together to create. But for a moment, lets look back at what a wonderful weekend it was this past June in Dexter, MO!
The Ben Kruse 18 FORE Life Charity Golf Event Banquet held June 5, 2009 at The Elk’s Lodge
What a beautiful, fun filled evening once again kicked off with an Invocation by Vaughn Wright. Vaughn is a hero himself, battling ALS with a spirit and attitude that inspires us all. Kerri Kruse introduced Vaughn and praised him for leading The First Christian Church Disciples of Christ for the past 18 years. As usual, The Elk’s prepared a wonderful meal and served 4 long lines of hungry folks in record time. They are a wonderful partner in all we do and support this cause with pride in everything they do. Scott Kruse gave a welcome and recognized the John Brehmer family for their support and attendance on what was surely a “bitter-sweet” time for Marilyn, JT, Monie, and John’s grandkids. Kruse also recognized several ideas that were acted on since the 2008 banquet. Ideas like Ten Pins for Ben, Jim Rainey’s plan to raise money for St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital. Ideas like the gals of Beta Sigma and Montgomery Bank who hold successful fundraisers during the golf event. Ideas like Cory Blocker, Marcus Norden and company who, along with their buddies, hand crafted a professional grade poker table to be auctioned off later in the evening. Ideas like Loyd Rice and his team of area basketball officials who band together during the week of Coaches V. Cancer to raise money for 18 FORE Life through their Blowing the Whistle on Cancer fundraiser. Ideas like Josh Rodgers whose friends at Smiley Riley Trailers in Sikeston made the donation of a golf cart trailer to go along with the 2009 Club Car to be auctioned off later in the evening. These ideas elevate our charity and help it grow each year. And finally, Ben’s great friends Andy Niedert and Chad Gaylord raised money by floating the Mississippi in a canoe from Jefferson City, finally giving in North of Cape Girardeau! The pair raised money by drawing awareness and getting the folks at Missouri Farm Bureau, where Chad works, to make donations at their send off! The ownership, freedom, and teamwork these folks find in their efforts is inspiring and full of passion, encompassing what this charity stands for and is all about.
General Clyde Vaughn was introduced and brought with him a video message from Dale Earnhardt Jr. and Jeff Gordon. Both NASCAR superstars thanked 18 FORE Life for their work in helping families fighting cancer! Vaughn, a 3 Star General at the Pentagon, is friends with Jack Rausch, Earnhardt Jr., and Gordon. He also brought with him autographed memorabilia that was a big hit later in the evening. General Vaughn, a Dexter native and former football coach, played golf the following day and was able to catch up with many old friends.
Gary Rhine was our 2nd speaker and what a fine man he is. Everyone found out just how focused he was when he got up and said, “I didn’t come here to speak, I came here to raise money for this cause so get out your checkbooks and lets have some fun!” Rhine was talking of his idea of hosting a live auction, donating his services and with the help of his friend Jimmy Miles, giving all of us the opportunity to get our hands on some incredible country music memorabilia. Items signed by George Strait, Alan Jackson, Tracy Lawrence, Kenny Rogers, and Charlie Daniels. Gary, a love offering recipient and cancer survivor, was determined to give back “10-fold” and pay forward what 18 FORE Life did for him in his time of need. As an incentive, Scott Kruse agreed to allow his head to be shaved if Gary’s goal was met! Check out the photos to see proof that Gary’s idea was a beautiful success, raising $19,000 and creating a fun atmosphere for everyone.
Our keynote speaker was Jon Sundvold. Sundvold was an All-Conference and All-American at the University of Missouri playing for Norm Stewart. He went on to average 11 points per game in the NBA. Sundvold shared stories of growing up and playing HS ball at Blue Springs, gave insight into Stewart’s coaching and leadership, and tales from the NBA. He wrapped up his talk by telling of his dog, 24/7 who as he put it, lives life everyday and enjoys every minute.
The Toast to Ben was given by Brian Becker. Becker’s toast can be heard on this site here. We thank Brian for coming to us the previous year and saying, “if you ever need anyone to give that toast to Ben, I would love to!” What a gift this was and a perfect way to celebrate and remember Ben’s beautiful spirit.
Nelson Ringer won the 2009 White Club Car. The BUZZ 4 was our fourth cart given away and looked good out on the course the following day.
Following the Live! Auction and some hair cutting, Addie Kruse sang 3 songs and entertained the crowd. Her versions of See You Again, Just Like Jesse James, and Love Story were a hit and her team of dancers added to the spectacle. Scott Porter played a short acoustic set before The BUZZ took the stage to play into the night. Dancing, sweating, singing, and a true celebration took place until after mignight.
The Ben Kruse 18 FORE Life Charity Golf Event on June 6 at Hidden Trails Country Club
What a great day for golf! The event was the smoothest one to date, finishing up just as the sun went down. The Beta Sigma ladie’s had jello shots on the front nine, Montgomery Bank had a ring toss on the back nine. 344 door prizes were given out as golfers arrived. Our annual Silent Auction was a big success, with an Albert Pujols autographed jersey bringing in $1000 on its own. Hole prizes were given out and winners of the 5 flights received prizes of shoes, pullovers, and golf balls. June 6th was just a perfect day for golfing and catching up with old friends.
So, as you can tell, the charity event was a real success. The thing that always comes to mind is how much Ben would love all of this. He was all about the fun this charity embodies. The old friends he might only see once a year. The stories and laughs. The great golf shots and the horrible duffs. Ben’s spirit is alive because of all of you who cherish what this charity is about. Those of you who support the cause each year. I know Ben has some sort of 18 FORE Life event in Heaven. I see him gathering others to look down upon us, saying “watch this” or “check this out”. And I can still hearing him saying “hit you a good one!”
Thank you so much for supporting what we do. Your teamwork means so much to all of us who have fun working to make this a success. Cancer isn’t going away and families need our help. Remember to keep us in mind throughout the year as a way to memorialize and honor individuals. Make sure and mark your calendar for June 4-5, 2010 as we Celebrate/Give/Remember!
3 Comments
Posted: June 19, 2009 by Scott Kruse
Brian Becker’s Toast To Ben – 2009
We’re starting something new that we hope to be able to do every year. Â We’ve posted the audio from this year’s banquet of Brian Becker giving the toast to Ben.
Click on the link below to open the player.
Brian Becker’s Toast To Ben
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Posted: June 17, 2009 by Scott Kruse
Team Photos and More!
We just added the team photos. Â There are a few “casual” golf day photos mixed in as well as a new set of photos from the banquet. Â We want to thank Lisa Musgrave for these great photos. Â Enjoy!
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Posted: June 11, 2009 by David Robinson
2009 Banquet & Golf Event Photos
We’ve posted over 200 photos from last weekend. Â Be sure to click on one of the thumbnails under Photostream to the right to view the 18 FORE Life Flickr site. Â Team photos will be posted soon.
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Posted: June 9, 2009 by Scott Kruse
Quick Post Event Update
First off, we want to thank everyone who came out to the banquet and golf event this year.  What a time!  What a success!  We’ll have an in-depth recap of the weekend posted on the site very soon!Â
We’ve already started uploading photos from this year’s event.  We thank David Robinson for truly capturing the atmosphere of the weekend in his shots. Be sure to click on one of the thumbnails in the Photostream to the right to view pre-event and banquet photos.  Golf photos will be posted soon, as well as each team photo.  We also posted the NASCAR/National Guard video from the banquet.  Click on the Video link above to view that clip.
Finally, it’s come to our attention that the Associated Press has picked up the Gary Rhine story written a few weeks ago by Noreen Hyslop for the Daily Statesman and it has been re-published in several online newspapers throughout Missouri!  Folks the word is spreading about 18 FORE Life.  We feel, with the help of each and everyone of you, the coming year leading into our 10th anniversary celebration is going to be bigger than ever.  Thank you!