The bittersweet arrival of June beckons hearts to remember the passing of Cousin on June 14, but also calls the spirit to plan for the yearly celebration of his life at our 22nd Annual Horseshoes for Cousin AIDS Benefit! This year’s tournament is Saturday, July 26, from 10:30 a.m. to mid-afternoon with the culmination of the Recreational and Competitive Leagues Championships!
Prior to Cousin’s death on June 14, 1995, his main concern was “Who will care for Darlene (his mother), Cory, and Colby (his six-year-old nephews)?” Cousin was their source of emotional and financial security and stability for years. Nyaka’s Grandmother’s Program, a true reflection of Cousin’s spirit, partners grandmothers with children orphaned by AIDS. Nyaka believes that “Every child deserves a family. That’s why 23,037 Nyaka Grandmothers dedicate themselves to caring for 92,148 orphaned Nyaka children.” Their mission fits perfectly with Cousin’s final wishes for his own family.
Our family lost a cornerstone figure with the passing of my sister Vickie on August 6, 2024. A creative, nurturing, nonjudgmental soul, Vickie left us with an appreciation of the beauty in what we nurture: a rescue kitty, a flower garden, a listening ear, and a helping hand. In her memory, we donate proceeds to the Ray of Hope Cancer Foundation. The story of the Ray of Hope Foundation’s beginning speaks to Vic’s empathy for the marginalized.
When our family discussed stories of loss in the past year, Ty thoughtfully shared his friend Doug’s loss of his mom, Kristine, to ALS. Ty’s voice reflected compassion for Doug’s family in their loss of a cornerstone figure. Working to make every effort to hold Kristine in a space of loving comfort and connection, Kristine’s family accessed Team Gleason. Steve Gleason, a former pro football player diagnosed with ALS in 2011, created Team Gleason, a nonprofit “dedicated to helping individuals with ALS lead purposeful and fulfilling lives….” and “has provided over $55 million in adventure, technology, equipment, and care services to ALS patients and their families, while also advocating for the resources and research necessary to end the disease.” In speaking with Doug, Team Gleason played a crucial role in supporting Kristine’s quality of life.
Here are the key details:
Register online by midnight Thursday, July 24, in either the Competitive or Recreational division.
Practice and check-in begin at 10:30 a.m. Saturday, July 26. You will register in either the Competitive Division or the Recreational Division. If you have a partner, please share their information; if you need a partner, we will help you find one. If you won in the Recreational Division, you MUST move to the competitive division, unless you are playing with a "new" partner.
Sloppy Joes, chips, fruit, and The Cookie Company cookies are served between noon and 1:00.
Bring your own chairs and preferred drinks. We will have water and cups available.
Make your tax-deductible donation via PayPal, cash, or checks made out to Horseshoes for Cousin.
Above all, we have FUN while FUNDRAISING!
Also check out other Sports events in Parker, Nonprofit events in Parker, Trips & Adventurous Activities in Parker.
