This year was the 8th Annual Bryce William Mitchell (my brother!) Memorial Golf Tournament. For those of you that don't know, my brother was killed in a car accident in 2002....one-tenth of a mile away from our house. My dad was driving when a dump truck (going approx 45 mph) ran a stop sign and hit the car my dad, brother and sister were in. My dad and sister had serious injuries, and Bryce was killed. My mom, youngest sister and I actually witnessed the efforts to safe Bryce, but unfortunately it was his time to go.
Not soon after he passed, (a few months I'd say) some of my dads best friends and golfing buddies approached him and said they wanted to hold a Memorial Golf Outing in memory of Bryce to help raise money for the "Fund." Now the fund was sort of created because people were sending us money, to show their condolences....but we weren't going to just spend it on gas or groceries! This money had to go to good place, or places, SO we decided to set up a scholarship fund (which really we call them GIFTS). So....once dads friends approached both mom and dad, the rest has become HIStory.
When we first started out it was an extremely long day (years 1-4). They started golfing at 11ish (am) and we waited for every single golfer to come in, then we had a dinner and an auction to raise even MORE money for the "Fund." Mom, Dad and the committee, did some research and found that a lot of tournaments have the dinner the night before, and have had better results. So they decided to make it, sort of, a weekend event! So 4 years ago, we tried it and it has become quite the HIT!! We have an amazing dinner with all of the golfers, and our close friends and family. We have had a different speaker every year, we give away at least 3-4 "gifts" to students that apply for the scholarship, we have a silent auction, we have a raffle contest, and we enjoy a perfect evening with all of the amazing people who make it all possible!! This year the speaker was Purdue Basketball Coach, and a good friend of Dads, Matt Painter. He was hilarious and was the last person, with the exception of (some of) our immediate family, out the door. He signed autographs and took pictures, with anyone that asked. He is one of the most generous, awesome, humble human beings I have ever met. We were lucky to have him this year!! We gave away 4 "gifts," and donated money to the Peyton Manning Childrens Hospital. We auctioned off 2 trips to Martha's Vineyard, a trip to Alaska, Brickyard tickets...that included a ride around the track a few times in an Indy Car, a Pacers Suite, some fancy schmancy driver (that Stephs Brother bid on and got!), some signed stuff from Eric Gordon, and a few other things. I could be mistaken, but I think I heard we made more money this year than previous years! Mom picks the menu every year and never fails us! This year, I definitely think was the best food by far!! We had Crab Cakes (which are a demand from my Dad), some type of BBQ Grilled Chicken, Veggies, Mashed Potatoes, Twice Baked Potatoes, and really yummy Salad...with brownies and cookies for desert! It really was just an awesome night!!
Mom, Dad, and the "committee" start meeting at the end/beginning of each calendar year and start the planning. It is an amazing event and so much fun!! Every Golfer always gets a "goodie bag" full of awesome stuff...this year it was awesome "north carolina blue" jackets, a coffee mug, a water bottle with the Bryce Logo on it, and I think maybe a gift certifiate (don't hold me to that, I am not sure). Also every golfer recieves a raffle prize that is randomly selected for them.
Then the shotgun start was at 11.....then they golfed on the worlds most gorgeous, perfect day....they came in at 6pm...announced the winner and we went home! It was the most amazing, perfect weekend.
Saturday-Mom, Morgan, Steph, Joelle, Payton and I stuffed the goodie bags. Linda (as always!) organized the raffle prizes for the golfers.
Sunday-Dinner!!!
Monday-Golf!!!!
Uncle Shorty and Nancy were able to make it in town to golf and volunteer and hang out...It is always so awesome, fun and exciting when they come to town! WE are sooooo lucky to have them in our lives!!
Eli and Izaak didn't participate much, but I got some MUCH NEEDED, Mommy/Adult time!!! Eli and Izaak both hung with my Nana and Aunt Kari while we stuffed bags, on Saturday. Then both boys went with Zach's mom and dad on the night of the dinner (that was tough having no babies....yet exhilarating at the same time!), then Izaak joined us on the day of the outing, while Eli enjoyed the Zoo and spending time with his Daddy (it was Zachs birthday). Next year I think I want both of them there, I think they will have fun!! :)
Here are your pictures!!!
Stuffing bags-Joelle (Payton's best friend!)
Morgan, Payton and Joelle stuffing bags!
Steph and I left to pick things up and Payton, Mom and Joelle had a photoshoot. You should see some of the pictures I found on my camera upon my return.
Mom and Linda
Door prizes for each golfer
my awesome mama
:)
me and my bestie!
sisters with uncle shorty and nancy
coffee mugs each golfer got!
the awesome jackets!! can't wait for fall to wear these!!
THE DINNER!
Brian with the driver he bought at the auction
Morgan and Joelle being silly at the end of the night!
I'm pretty sure this should be next years Christmas card!
Coach Painter, Grandma and Dad
signing autographs!
Mom was off being social, so she missed out on this picture!
Warren-the chairman of the outing :)
So glad Amy made it :) She was one of Bryce's greatest friends.
Tyanne, Aunt Tootsie, Grandma and Aunt Gerry
Amy, her hubby Josh and her mama Jackie!
cousin Jaymie and her husband Todd
cousin Danielle and Aunties Terrie and Kari
Mom talking to our guests!
Joelle striking a pose
Ms. Payton Mae
Payton and Joelle selling raffle tickets
Grandpa Petty and Uncle Tom! (Yeesss..I have an Uncle Tom Petty :) )
Me and B
Cousins
Sisters :)
Morgan and her boyfriend JB
THE OUTING
Dad and Uncle Shorty being silly
i.love.this.picture.
nana and Izaak
cousin nick
one of our views from where we sat on the beverage cart
Steph and I on the beverage cart! We had a ton of fun.
towards the end of the day, the time btwn teams coming to get beverages was longer.....we figured out the timer on my camera and had a little too much fun posing. hahahahaha.
Our 'butler blue' volunteer shirts! we've had a different color every year. white, black, orange, red, highlighter yellow, north carolina blue, light pink, and now butler blue!
Thank you to everyone who golfed, participated or volunteered! It is so much fun every year!! :)
xoxo
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