2008 Woodie Awards
Player's Piece
MICHELLE GOODING<>ARBITER JOURNALIST
Issue date: 10/13/08 Section: Sports
The past week has been an exciting one for the women’s golf team, even though we did not have any tournaments.
Five of us (including myself) were granted the amazing opportunity to participate in the 6th Annual Make-A-Wish fundraiser. Our goal for the evening: raise as much money as possible for the kids.
The kids who benefited from this dinner have a harsher reality than most people will ever have to experience.
They are children with life-threatening illnesses. Our child was Danea. She has frequent seizures and a severe case of cerebral palsy.
When we read her story, we were determined to make her wish come true, and raise as many wish bucks as possible.
The wish bucks (purchased by the guests) were given to us in support of our child.
Each team was assigned a wish child and their goal was to raise enough money for the child’s wish to come true. The approximate cost of a wish for one child is $6,500.
The evening started off with a bang as the Boise State drum-line lined the Stuekle Sky Box Suites. Each team was introduced, and met with their appointed dinner guest tables. Then the money earning began.
Basically we did anything (within regulation, of course) our guests asked to earn money. If they wanted to here the song “You’ve Lost That Lovin’ Feelin,’” well, that is what they heard. This is one of the tasks the golf team did perform, I might add.
A dance impersonation of Michael Jackson, handstands by the gymnasts, splits by the wrestlers, a rap by the women’s golf team, back massages and even a revised performance of *NSYNC’s “I Want You Back” provided more entertainment.
So many different talents, but one key focus on the mind: money for the kids.
It was a very unique experience that showed the true colors of each athlete present. Everyone kept the goal in mind and had a wonderful time.
As the night came to a close the auction took place. Donations ranged from a football tailgate package to a diamond necklace. In total 13 items were auctioned off.
Individual team members represented the items and one package was even auctioned off by two of the wish children the event supported.
In conclusion, the dinner was an enormous success.
Approximately 400 guests and 150 athletes attended.
When all was said and done, the grand total was approximately $220,000, giving the opportunity to grant 30 wishes. This was nearly $57,000 more than last year’s amount.
This is the only fundraiser the Boise State Athletic Department participates in.
From an athlete’s point of view, it was amazing to see how the athletes responded to the needs of children.
Knowing that you can give someone hope in the midst of turmoil is a gift.
In my opinion, each individual was truly touched by the dinner and left forever changed.
Five of us (including myself) were granted the amazing opportunity to participate in the 6th Annual Make-A-Wish fundraiser. Our goal for the evening: raise as much money as possible for the kids.
The kids who benefited from this dinner have a harsher reality than most people will ever have to experience.
They are children with life-threatening illnesses. Our child was Danea. She has frequent seizures and a severe case of cerebral palsy.
When we read her story, we were determined to make her wish come true, and raise as many wish bucks as possible.
The wish bucks (purchased by the guests) were given to us in support of our child.
Each team was assigned a wish child and their goal was to raise enough money for the child’s wish to come true. The approximate cost of a wish for one child is $6,500.
The evening started off with a bang as the Boise State drum-line lined the Stuekle Sky Box Suites. Each team was introduced, and met with their appointed dinner guest tables. Then the money earning began.
Basically we did anything (within regulation, of course) our guests asked to earn money. If they wanted to here the song “You’ve Lost That Lovin’ Feelin,’” well, that is what they heard. This is one of the tasks the golf team did perform, I might add.
A dance impersonation of Michael Jackson, handstands by the gymnasts, splits by the wrestlers, a rap by the women’s golf team, back massages and even a revised performance of *NSYNC’s “I Want You Back” provided more entertainment.
So many different talents, but one key focus on the mind: money for the kids.
It was a very unique experience that showed the true colors of each athlete present. Everyone kept the goal in mind and had a wonderful time.
As the night came to a close the auction took place. Donations ranged from a football tailgate package to a diamond necklace. In total 13 items were auctioned off.
Individual team members represented the items and one package was even auctioned off by two of the wish children the event supported.
In conclusion, the dinner was an enormous success.
Approximately 400 guests and 150 athletes attended.
When all was said and done, the grand total was approximately $220,000, giving the opportunity to grant 30 wishes. This was nearly $57,000 more than last year’s amount.
This is the only fundraiser the Boise State Athletic Department participates in.
From an athlete’s point of view, it was amazing to see how the athletes responded to the needs of children.
Knowing that you can give someone hope in the midst of turmoil is a gift.
In my opinion, each individual was truly touched by the dinner and left forever changed.
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