From food, to music to gaming to singing and auctioning, the evening was a smile-feast. At one point I stopped and looked around, pinching myself, not to wake up, but to imprint how blessed Stef and I are

We enjoyed a cornucopia of real relationships. In one evening we were joined by new friends, old friends, immediate family, extended family and extended in-laws with future in-laws! (Ah the wonders of institution of marriage in the modern age)

Everyone there helped to cheat time, as each of you conspired to join us for a single present moment, regardless of the point in time that our relationship began. Of course, there were others who could not be there, yet their presence was felt all the same.

Music Highlights: Mark Romero, Harold Payne, Avery Burdette, and Mark Woods graced us with beauty, wit and harmony. Each is a powerful, successful, professional entertainer with their own business. What they shared, beyond music, were huge hearts that were willing to share their talents for this evening. They treated us to a custom song and a shared jam at the end of the evening that was unforgettable.

MC Highlights: Steve Buckler did a fantastic job as MC. Not only did he display his natural “front of the room charm and grace”, but he slipped in a real human moment of compassion that reflected what we all were feeling. Yes, I was too. The moment of simultaneously feeling love and happiness and unbounded uncertainty is not a human experience even the most experienced gambler in the world can mask.

Beating the Odds: Having Susan (Zach’s Mom) put this event together was such a testament to her character and to Love always beating the odds. We went our separate ways over 16 years ago, but have stayed steadfast in raising Zach. In that, Love transformed and tempered us into good friends and parents. As Steve said we are a large family that would not have been possible without his and her open heart.

During the evening I learned of others that were facing or had faced the Cancer Free challenge of beating the odds. (their privacy is respected and no association with pictures here) I was deeply touched by their stories and by their presence. And there were others not there, due to their treatment process. They were missed, but we will hope to see them at the next festa gathering.

Winner Highlights: Simone Moore won the two nights to Las Vegas by amassing over 32,000+ in chip winnings. An amazing win, given a starting point of 1,000 and only a few hours of playing time! Simone… what happens at our Fund Raisers doesn’t stay there, but what you do in Vegas is all yours!

Silent Auction Highlights: Simone Moore blessed us with being the dominant bidder for a number of items as well. We were so blessed by donations from so many people in the room and from others that could not attend. There were over 20 items on display. For Stef and I the joy came in seeing Leigh Abraham’s pottery capture its rightful level of respect with winning bids by two highly generous and loving men- Jim Smith and Fred Adams.

Our Gratitude: In attempting to note what people do in such a large and diverse group, you always run the risk of failing to say thank-you to someone, or noticing their efforts. Space and time on blogs is always an issue. The fact that you have been with us in person, by cards, by donation or via whatever role or form of relationship continues to be the best gift that we received. Just know that your gift is deeply appreciated. We are very Grateful for YOUR love and care. Please keep those positive prayers and thoughts flowing… Stef and I have a lot of liven’ still to do.