June 9 was a beautiful Colorado night. I was in the festively decorated Pro Rodeo Hall of Fame for the 19th Annual Cameron Memorial Golf Tournament’s Pre-Tourney dinner and auction. When Shane arrived, his wide eyes betrayed him as a first timer. Asked why he had chosen to participate, he said, “Well, the opportunity to play the Broadmoor’s pristine West Course tomorrow will be a treat – and, I’m here to learn more about your organization.” Given that entrée, I was glad to fill him in! Shane was seated at a linen covered table with new friends enjoying music by the talented Jeffrey Alan Band. Soon, he was sharing both stories and plates of wonderful food from the Texas Road House; beverages and conversations freely flowing. Continuing to up his bids on fabulous silent auction items donated by area merchants, Shane was pleased to snag some great deals.

As Maggie Moo’s delicious desserts were served, KXRM Fox 21’s Joe Cole began the program portion of the evening. He shared about the growth of RMHC’s cornerstone programs -- that between the Ronald McDonald House (now in its 24th year), the two Ronald McDonald Family Rooms (located in Memorial and St. Francis Hospitals) and the Ronald McDonald Care Mobile, the Charities served over 4,600 children and families just last year fulfilling the organization’s mission of “lifting children and families in need to a better tomorrow.” Shane learned of how the House serves as a home-away-from-home for nine families concurrently who have critically or seriously ill children.

The audience’s focus was turned to two giant screens set up by J&S Audio as a video played showcasing our families. Upon its completion, Joe asked past and current families to stand, allowing the 250 guests to applaud their

courage. Josh Bailey reached down and scooped his beautiful six year old daughter, Elizabeth, from her wheel chair. Holding her tightly, her toothless grin revealed her delight. Shane leaned in, “the gentleman holding the little red haired girl – weren’t they just featured on the video?” It was my pleasure to personally introduce Shane to Josh and Elizabeth. Staff and volunteers have learned about tenacity and hope, strength and love from this little girl who doesn’t let her inoperable brain tumor stop her from anything – even re-learning to walk for the fourth time.

After the silent auction closed, the Davis family was featured in a video showing their journey after the premature birth of their daughter, Serenity who is now a thriving 8 year old. Mom, Treasure, spoke of how the Ronald McDonald House Charities literally saved their lives; there wasn’t a dry eye in the hall as we stood and applauded.

Children at the family-friendly event were invited to join Ronald McDonald for a magic show as the evening picked up with a fiercely competitive live auction.

The auctioneer’s rapid fire chant and guests’ laughter filled the room. Bidding was fast and furious; the top winning prize was $8,000 for a trip for two to play Pebble Beach during the Lexus Champions for Charities Tournament in December. Following the live auction, the Jeffrey Alan band again took the stage, turning up their brand of country.

Friday morning, bright and early, I again saw Shane at the Broadmoor. He said our event was so well organized, from volunteers directing traffic to the proper parking lot, to the always helpful Broadmoor employees, running shuttles and taking golfers’ clubs to their carts.

After playing 18 holes, Shane joked, “While the provided complimentary breakfast was fabulous, we sure could have used more birdies!” Although his team struggled a bit, they all agreed it was a fun day of golf on a great course, even getting a visit on the 18th hole from Ronald McDonald, who posed with them for a team photo.

A delicious awards luncheon followed, with great prizes presented to the winners and others who were lucky enough to have their raffle numbers drawn. The day ended with Ed Bauer from Kuni Lexus presenting Beth Alessio, Executive Director of the Ronald McDonald House Charities of Southern Colorado, a $10,000 check.

When leaving, Shane said, “You know, it was a really fun two days, even more than I expected. Next year’s fundraiser can’t arrive too quickly.” Asked to say more about that, he replied, “Golf was initially the reason I got involved. But, after meeting the families personally and learning more about all you’ve done in our community, for so long -- I’m signing up again next year. Any way I can help your non-profit, I will. And, I’m going to encourage others to do the same. I had no idea of how many you’ve helped. Great work!” We’re looking forward to seeing Shane again soon.

To learn more about Ronald McDonald House Charities of Southern Colorado, visit our website at rmhcsoutherncolorado.org or phone 471.1814. We’d love to schedule a tour of our facilities, bring a presentation to your organization or group or give you information on ways you can get involved, from volunteering to assisting with special events.  pictures courtesy of Lynn Boutte