I often struggle (seriously struggle) with how to best present this thing we call "The Make CF History Charity Classic". And with that, I often question/challenge myself as to how I can be more effective at making sure that the Make CF History Charity Classic is an event that everyone - from the players to the volunteers - feels proud and energized to be a part of. And in doing so, I keep coming back to this fundamental question: Why are we doing this?
In considering that question, which at times haunts me, I wanted (needed) to be sure that the answer to this question is far beyond the incredible willingness and generosity of the organizing committee and players to support me and this event, which I conjured up over a coffee and doughnut with my good friend Chuck Scott at a Tim Horton's one Sunday afternoon (Seriously, that's how this idea was hatched).
Then, this week, I received this video from my sister Sarah, who has two daughters who were born with CF. And, bingo, there was the answer - right there, plain as day. Seven minutes and 8 seconds later, as if a calculator reminding me that two plus two still equals four, I was reminded of "why":
This video is courtesy of the Chicago chapter of the CF Foundation. It features my sister's husband RV, and their daughter Gabby (my God Daughter, and the younger of my two nieces with CF), among others who are effected by CF. Their message, so simple yet so powerful: our efforts are making a difference, and with drugs like Kalydeco we are close...so close to finding a cure.
And now I know (again) why, and for whom, our "Make CF History Charity Classic" exists. This video reminds us that we are making a difference. It reminds us that because of our efforts, we will be a part of the generation that finds the cure - and when the cure is found, we will have been "on the ice" when the winning goal is scored. We are that close!
THANK YOU to everyone who supports our Make CF History Charity Classic and the CF Foundation, and for making a difference in the lives of those affected by CF.
The 2013 Make CF History Charity Classic is off to a great start, with 12 teams already registered for this year's event. Our goal is to host a total of 16 teams, and we are prepared to expand the divisions if needed.
A new twist to this year's event requires our players to raise a minimum of $125.00 in order to participate. In prior years, we simply required a flat team entry fee. Involving the players in the fund raising efforts was an idea suggested by the players in last year's post-event player feedback survey.
With the players now actively participating in our fund raising efforts, we've added some fun and friendly competition to the process as well. This year we will be giving away great prizes to the top individual fund raiser, as well as to the top team fund raiser. And with our new and improved event website on cff.org, each player will have their own personal fund raising page to help promote their efforts to friends, family and colleagues. All donations can be processed online, and the players and teams can track their progress leading right up to the event. It doesn't get much easier than that! All donations go directly to the CF Foundation of Central Ohio.
As for me, I am not exempt of the fund raising requirement (as the Event Chair and Tournament Director), and I have set a personal goal of raising $1,500.00. My personal fund raising page is ready go, and I plan on exceeding my goal (of course)!
Our total fund raising goal this year is $50,000, and with the growing number of teams and players we expect nothing less than to achieve our goal. We want to thank the players, and especially the team captains, for their support and participation!
Happy fund raising, everyone!
ABOUT THE 2013 MAKE CF HISTORY CHARITY CLASSIC
What: Men's and Women's Adult Amateur hockey tournament (USA Hockey sanctioned), including:
- Kids' Pond Hockey Tournament (for Mites and Mini-mites)
- Skills Competition for the adult players
- Silent and Live Auction
- Public Skate
- Stick-and-puck for kids with Blue Jacket Mascot "Stinger" (TBA)
- Blue Jackets Autograph Session (TBA)
When: Friday June 7- Sunday June 9, 2013
Where:
Chiller Easton Ice Rink
3600 Chiller Lane, Columbus Ohio 43219
614-475-7575
www.thechiller.com
Why: To benefit the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation and cystic fibrosis research
Join us on Facebook and follow us on Twitter (@MakeCFHistory)
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