18 Fore Life marks 10 years of giving

Noreen Hyslop photo In a 10th anniversary tribute to the Ben Kruse 18 Fore Life Charity, nearly 100 people gathered in the Bearcat Event Center recently. All came to show support for the organization that raises funds each year to help lessen the financial burden that comes with a cancer diagnosis.

The distinguished group was called together to commemorate the 10th anniversary of the Ben Kruse 18 Fore Life Charity event upcoming in June. The event that came about through the efforts of two brothers and a couple of close friends in 2000 has developed into one of the largest of its kind and certainly the largest in the region.

"It's been 10 years since we signed up 27 teams to play golf and raised about $6000," says event organizer Scott Kruse of Dexter.

Those 25 teams increased in number to nearly 90 teams by 2009; and last year the group raised $115,000 at the charity banquet itself. Over $109,000 was distributed to cancer patients in the area in the past year through 18 Fore Life.

"It's a labor of love," Kruse says, "and it's very much a team effort."

Those who gathered at the BEC last week came with grateful hearts for Kruse and his team of volunteers. They numbered near 100 strong; and all, it seemed, had been affected personally by the disease or had played a part in making 18 Fore Life the success that it has become.

Some in the crowd held photos of loved ones whose battle was lost to cancer--some as recently as weeks ago. There was Shirley Tucker, widow of Glen Tucker, whose valiant fight with the disease ended on April 12. She was there in a show of appreciation for the help that came to them through 18 Fore Life.

By her side was Marilyn Brehmer, who came with her grandchildren to mark the occasion on behalf of her late husband, John, who served as an inspiration to a multitude of area cancer patients as he battled the illness himself for more than 20 years.

There was Katherine Rodgers, whose daughters proudly escorted her to the gymnasium to stand proud against the disease and in gratitude to the organization.

Thirty-five-year old Brett Carrier was on hand with his wife and children. His presence reminded all that cancer is blind to age.

In her usual classic grace, Lynda Lovins, who completed chemotherapy just days ago, says she wouldn't have missed the gathering for the world, and Donna Mofield was there to honor the memory of her late husband, Chris, whose courageous fight with cancer was witnessed by an entire town.

Betty Overfelt, who lost a long, brave battle against cancer in March, was there in spirit with friends displaying her photo in tribute.

There were young and old and in-between. There were many whose pace has slowed over the years---the result of the disease having taken its toll; but they stood proud and saluted the many whose efforts have enabled them to have a better life in spite of their diagnosis.

Present too were dozens of the people who make the annual event possible--the golfers, the musicians, the organizers, and those who pay the ticket price to attend the annual 18 Fore Life Banquet to hear an inspirational message from a renowned sports figure.

All gathered as a tribute to the hometown organization that has touched hundreds of lives over the past decade.

"I know these folks have been touched by what we do," Kruse says, "but they touch our lives tenfold; and they inspire everyone around them as they so valiantly battle this ugly disease that has claimed so many."

It's an honor, Kruse says, to be a part of something that reaches out a hand to those in need. This year, he says, promises to be the biggest and best charity event yet. On tap as keynote speaker at the June 4 banquet will be John Mabry, former St. Louis Cardinal.

"John Mabry is sure to bring the banquet crowd an inspirational message," says Kruse. "We were extremely fortunate in securing him for this year's event."

The annual banquet, held at the Elks Lodge, also traditionally features an address from a previous love offering recipient. This year that speaker will be Kristi Whitehead who is battling a rare colon cancer at the young age of 36.

Over the past decade a total of $380,000 has been given to cancer victims in the area through 18 Fore Life. Additionally, $26,000 has been donated to St. Jude Children's Research Center in Memphis through a related effort of 18 Fore Life, Ten Pins for Ben.

Ben Kruse, brother of Scott and son of Charles and Pam Kruse, lost his life in a tragic accident in 2004 at the age of 28. With is brother, he was one of the founders of the original charity event that now carries his name.

"Ben would be so proud of this charity and this community as a whole," Scott Kruse said following the BEC gathering last week

"My brother and others who are no longer here in person are blessing us each day and helping us grow this charity in so many ways."

The 2010 Ben Kruse Charity Golf Event will take place June 5-6. Parties interested in being a part of this year's 10th anniversary event should contact Scott Kruse at 573-624-8751 or visit 18ForeLife.com