Saturday was a big day

Two months ago my good friend Amie Hackworthy was diagnosed with breast cancer. The Hackworthys have been friends for a long time and are a GREAT family. Shortly after Amie was diagnosed, her twelve year old daughter Tess came up with the idea of having a walk to raise money for the local cancer center and to show support for her mom. Tess thought that it would be really cool if she could get 75 people to show up. What began as an idea six weeks ago came to life on Saturday morning in Maple Bluff when over 600 people showed up for Tess’s first Walk for Courage. Simply amazing! That Tess could come up with an idea and six weeks later have 600 people show up was incredible, not to mention over $50,000 was raised for the cancer center.

 

A few of my favorite memories from this event in no particular order:

1. Tess knocking it out of the park with her welcome. A 12 year old girl standing on a picnic table in front of 600 people telling the story of her Mom was inspirational.

2. The UW Marching Band. Yep, the University of Wisconsin marching band showed up! 14 members strong. Why did they show up? My daughter Courtney called them up and asked. The band played their favorite hits before the walk and then formed a tunnel for all the walkers to go through as they pounded out On Wisconsin.

3. Me working. I actually did physical work! I got up at 5:30 and went to the Trek Travel warehouse, loaded up all of the tables, took them to the beach park, and set up. I even wrapped the tree in pink paper.

4. Amie walking with Howard the dog.
5. The post-party complete with mimosas, bloody marys, and beer at 10 am. I drank diet Coke. I am not a one beer kind of a guy.
6. The person who had the idea that we should celebrate Kentucky Derby Day later that evening and dress the part. My horse got second...to last.