This years Outdoor Weekend was much different than the past 7 as we took a different route with this years event and expanded it to more than just archery. We did this last year but really focused on this all weekend long this year with not only the different kids events, but also the various outdoor equipment up for auction with the various guns, fishing packages, camping packages, various trips, etc. Each kid that attended an event on Sunday also was entered into a special drawing in which a few kids won some really nice prizes such as a tent, fishing pole, and BB guns!!!

The weather may have turned many away but you should have ignored it, because I promise you we never got more than sprinkles Saturday night! While storms could be heard and seen all around us, we stayed dry all weekend and at any point could look up and almost see Frank and Amy pushing the stormes all around Huron Pointe and helping us out! Thank you guys!

Yes it was HOT and HUMID all weekend, but that didn't change the focus and purpose of those who attended. MANY special moments and memories are etched into my memory starting off with being asked to shoot one of the first 6 arrows to kick off the weekend on Friday. Along with me were Linda Gehringer, Lacey Mason, Mark Golden, Bethany Reifert, and Alex McIntosh. As people began to fill in for the weekend, I soon met up with some of those who traveled the furthest to help us and show their support for Benefit4Kids such as Barry from Arkansas (Papa Bear), Dale and Deb from OH, Jim and Gerry from Canada, Boo from CT, as well as many other local familiar faces.

The weekend didn't go perfect for some though as Dale decided to try the Wendy's "Finger In my chili" trick while cutting his finger pretty bad while preparing Saturday's feast! While a trip to the local hosipital was needed, many others stepped up including Dave and Terri Dalton as well as Dave Atherton, to finish the food on time, and boy was it ever delicious!!! We had plenty of food to feed 400 people, but with the low turnout, we were able to provide a nice piggy sandwhich lunch on Sunday! Soon after feasting Saturday, an emotional but much deserved 21 gun salute was done in Franks honor, and then we began our special auction which went very well, altough much like John, after a great deal of money was spent on trying to get a Dream arrow, it has eluded me again! Saturday ended with a another special log dedication around the fire.

While many people continue to thank me and tell me this wouldn't have gone off as well without me around, I have a hard time beleiving that. I just did what was needed to be done, and don't really feel I did anything special. Even with a low turnout, a whole lot less target sponsors, and a great deal of extra expenses this year, with your help we were able to Net just over $15,000 to help kids!!!! That is amazing and I never would have thought that would have been possible and didn't until last night when all the figures were added up!!!

Thank you everyone who came out to support B4K and enjoyed another great weekend while helping kids! I thank all those who traveled from other states and countries to help us! Without people like you who attend these events and support us, we wouldn't be able to do what we do!

Al Baggett
Vice-President Benefit4Kids