Rewind to March and I can tell you, we did not foresee any hint of a Ben Kruse 18 FORE Life Charity Golf Event. Hunkered down and levels of fear mounting, the events seemed doom and highly unlikely. As the days and months went by, we became more optimistic about the outdoor golf event taking place and realized the indoor, packed room at the Elk’s Lodge would be impossible, and even reckless. When emails started coming in asking if we would have the golf event and a call from HTCC Course Manager Matt Thurmon came in mid-April, we made the decision to have the tournament and began thinking of new ways to operate, providing distancing for those concerned and fearful. Â
We couldn’t be happier with our decision. Â
The event kicked off on Friday, June 5th with a Virtual Banquet. Mathis Funeral Home allowed us access to their facility and technology. Aaron Mathis was instrumental, and working with David Robinson-our technology pro, we came up with some fun video to show as we recapped the 2019 year. 2019 saw us send out $250,000 in love offerings, bringing our total since 2000 to just under $2.8 MILLION! Robinson’s highlight video did not disappoint, recapping the previous year’s events with photos taken by him and Amy Ellinghouse. This is always a big moment at the annual banquet and it lived up to expectations-even with short notice. Â
Next up, Elizabeth Kruse detailed her fight with breast cancer as our love offering recipient testimony. Her story was and is powerful, inspiring, and emotional. She and her husband, Lubin, are avid supporters of 18 FORE Life and her words left everyone laughing and crying, as she told of her diagnosis, treatment, and recovery. After Elizabeth’s testimony, professional cellist Jenn Cornell paid tribute to ALL love offering recipients and cancer fighters with a performance and incredible arrangement of the popular song Rise Up. As she played, the names of every recipient could be seen as thousands of names scrolled down the screen. The annual Toast to Ben was a video pulled from the archives. The first-ever video tribute to Buzzman from 2005 the first banquet-was shown and loaded with great pics capturing the spirit that guides the charity this day. And finally, shoutouts to folks who were not able to attend were played. These included family, friends, supporters, and former guest speakers John O’Leary and John Mabry! Â
The June 6th golf event was as big as ever and was one of the smoothest we have had. The weather was dialed in and the sun was shining from 7 AM till dusk. The morning round went well, ending right around high noon. The transition to the afternoon was seamless, with the PM golfers teeing off just minutes after 1:00. Fun was had by all and the winners of the NOT So Famous Tan Jackets were Shawn Guethle, Chris Guethle, Brett Hale, and Corbin Eaton with a score -15 under par. Â
We learned some things this year with the implemented changes. The Silent Auction was moved outside, only one golfer was asked to pick up the gift bags, carts were disinfected/cleaned in between rounds, and all food was cooked and served outside. These changes were beneficial to those wanting to distance and will carry on in the future. We had four prominent doctors either play and/or attend the tournament, complimenting us on a well run and responsible event. The excitement surrounding this year’s event was obvious and all involved did their part to be safe and responsible. Â
In the end, our mission was to be able to send out $52,000 in love offerings, helping all of the families on our waiting list. MISSION ACCOMPLISHED! It was great being able to bring people together to do some good, the very reason we started this charity, at a time when our country is in need of good. We all have faced some level or some kind of fear in the past months, but I am not sure how that fear compares to the fear a person and family feels when they are given a cancer diagnosis. We stepped up, did our part, and helped comfort and support these families during this tough time. For that, I will forever be proud and grateful to the community of supporters, sponsors, and volunteers who made the 2020 event a memorable success. This was, is, and always will be MORE THAN A GOLF TOURNAMENT!
Lookout 2021, we are coming at you hard with a passion and love that will hopefully allow us to surpass the $3 MILLION mark. Until we are told there is a cure, we will march on and do our thing. Love and respect everyone…..and again, thank you for supporting 18 FORE Life. Â
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Posted: June 19, 2020 by 18 FORE Life
2020 Virtual Banquet Video
The 2020 virtual banquet video is now available to view here. Enjoy!
Posted: June 16, 2020 by Scott Kruse
2020 Virtual Banquet/Charity Golf Event Recap
Rewind to March and I can tell you, we did not foresee any hint of a Ben Kruse 18 FORE Life Charity Golf Event. Hunkered down and levels of fear mounting, the events seemed doom and highly unlikely. As the days and months went by, we became more optimistic about the outdoor golf event taking place and realized the indoor, packed room at the Elk’s Lodge would be impossible, and even reckless. When emails started coming in asking if we would have the golf event and a call from HTCC Course Manager Matt Thurmon came in mid-April, we made the decision to have the tournament and began thinking of new ways to operate, providing distancing for those concerned and fearful. Â
We couldn’t be happier with our decision. Â
The event kicked off on Friday, June 5th with a Virtual Banquet. Mathis Funeral Home allowed us access to their facility and technology. Aaron Mathis was instrumental, and working with David Robinson-our technology pro, we came up with some fun video to show as we recapped the 2019 year. 2019 saw us send out $250,000 in love offerings, bringing our total since 2000 to just under $2.8 MILLION! Robinson’s highlight video did not disappoint, recapping the previous year’s events with photos taken by him and Amy Ellinghouse. This is always a big moment at the annual banquet and it lived up to expectations-even with short notice. Â
Next up, Elizabeth Kruse detailed her fight with breast cancer as our love offering recipient testimony. Her story was and is powerful, inspiring, and emotional. She and her husband, Lubin, are avid supporters of 18 FORE Life and her words left everyone laughing and crying, as she told of her diagnosis, treatment, and recovery. After Elizabeth’s testimony, professional cellist Jenn Cornell paid tribute to ALL love offering recipients and cancer fighters with a performance and incredible arrangement of the popular song Rise Up. As she played, the names of every recipient could be seen as thousands of names scrolled down the screen. The annual Toast to Ben was a video pulled from the archives. The first-ever video tribute to Buzzman from 2005 the first banquet-was shown and loaded with great pics capturing the spirit that guides the charity this day. And finally, shoutouts to folks who were not able to attend were played. These included family, friends, supporters, and former guest speakers John O’Leary and John Mabry! Â
The June 6th golf event was as big as ever and was one of the smoothest we have had. The weather was dialed in and the sun was shining from 7 AM till dusk. The morning round went well, ending right around high noon. The transition to the afternoon was seamless, with the PM golfers teeing off just minutes after 1:00. Fun was had by all and the winners of the NOT So Famous Tan Jackets were Shawn Guethle, Chris Guethle, Brett Hale, and Corbin Eaton with a score -15 under par. Â
We learned some things this year with the implemented changes. The Silent Auction was moved outside, only one golfer was asked to pick up the gift bags, carts were disinfected/cleaned in between rounds, and all food was cooked and served outside. These changes were beneficial to those wanting to distance and will carry on in the future. We had four prominent doctors either play and/or attend the tournament, complimenting us on a well run and responsible event. The excitement surrounding this year’s event was obvious and all involved did their part to be safe and responsible. Â
In the end, our mission was to be able to send out $52,000 in love offerings, helping all of the families on our waiting list. MISSION ACCOMPLISHED! It was great being able to bring people together to do some good, the very reason we started this charity, at a time when our country is in need of good. We all have faced some level or some kind of fear in the past months, but I am not sure how that fear compares to the fear a person and family feels when they are given a cancer diagnosis. We stepped up, did our part, and helped comfort and support these families during this tough time. For that, I will forever be proud and grateful to the community of supporters, sponsors, and volunteers who made the 2020 event a memorable success. This was, is, and always will be MORE THAN A GOLF TOURNAMENT!
Lookout 2021, we are coming at you hard with a passion and love that will hopefully allow us to surpass the $3 MILLION mark. Until we are told there is a cure, we will march on and do our thing. Love and respect everyone…..and again, thank you for supporting 18 FORE Life. Â
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Posted: May 17, 2020 by 18 FORE Life
Scott Kruse on BiGGs GOLF TALK podcast – 05/16/20
Huge thanks to Biggs Jon Vic and the GolfFather, Bill Cuebas, for having us on!
The recording is now on the BiGGs Golf Talk website – https://www.biggsgolftalk.net/episodes/bgt051620
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Posted: May 6, 2020 by 18 FORE Life
2020 Charity Golf Event Announcement
We are excited to make an official announcement letting everyone know the 2020 Ben Kruse 18 FORE Life Charity Golf Event will take place at Hidden Trails Country Club on Saturday, June 6th. The response from our golfers, volunteers and sponsors has been incredible and we are hoping that despite big adversity and challenging circumstances, our event will be as impactful as ever. We are working with Matt Thurmon and HTCC to be sure we have as many safety measures in place as possible and have plans for extra distancing in and around the clubhouse. We want this to be safe and fun!Â
The Friday evening banquet will not be able to take place and will instead be a virtual banquet. We will let you know more details about this part of the weekend closer to time!Â
Here is the MISSION and the GOAL: We have approximately 40 families on our waiting list. These folks are fighting a fight against cancer. They are waiting and hoping to get some assistance, the love offering many of them have heard about. THEY are the reason we are hosting the event. We were blessed to give away $249,000.00 in 2019. Since 2000, we have sent out over $2.7 MILLION. In 2013, we faced a total rainout with a 5″ monsoon shutting us down….and yet 2013 was the year we gave out the most money in our 20 year history! We know, with your help, we can make 2020 a big year as well.Â
GOLFERS! I need you to message, email, or call with details about your team. Names, shirt sizes, carts needed have to be turned in. We will ask that you send in the entry money ASAP. Forms can be found at 18forelife. com/Events and are at HTCC. If we don’t hear from you, we will assume you will not be golfing and fill your spot.Â
SPONSORS! We are recognizing you regardless of whether you are able to send in a sponsorship donation at this time. Many are not in a place to sponsor, but have been with us for many, if not ALL, of the past 20 years. If you are able to sponsor, obviously your donation will help us accomplish our MISSION! As always, thank you for any level of support you are able to give. We are selling flags which will go on the course for donations/sponsorships of $500 or more.Â
DONORS! If you are able, we will certainly accept your donations and add them to the total. ANY amount helps and all money adds up to see that we impact area families fighting cancer. See the MISSION stated above!Â
VOLUNTEERS! We look forward to seeing you on the course. If you would like to help in any way, message me! It takes an Army and we are blessed with the BEST!Â
Thank you to all supporters. Spread the word and help usÂ
CELEBRATE/GIVE/REMEMBERÂ
Love and respect….
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Posted: January 31, 2020 by 18 FORE Life
9th Annual Larry B. Jones H.O.P.E. Campaign Fundraiser
Hello all! We’re excited to announce this year’s fish fry will be on 3-27-20! Please mark your calendars now and plan to join us! T-shirt and fish fry ticket sales begin 1-31-20. Please help us spread the word by forwarding this information to anyone you think might be interested in supporting the H.O.P.E. Campaign this year!
We continue to honor our parents’ memories and that of our dear sister, Sara, through this campaign. We are honored that with your help, we are able to bless others who are in the fight of their lives.
The H.O.P.E. Campaign is a division of 18 FORE Life, a 501 (c)(3) charity, with a shared mission of benefiting area cancer warriors and individuals faced with life threatening illness.
Since March of 2011, the H.O.P.E. Campaign has raised over $114,000, and 18 FORE Life has sent out over $2.6 Million in love offerings to families all over Southeast Missouri and beyond. The generous donations and support to the charity have truly made a difference. But, there’s “more work to do!”
We keep going as there is such a need. It truly means so much to the families on the receiving end of a love offering. And, just so you know, more than not, these gifts arrive at just the right time for these families. It’s beautiful to see God working through our awesome community. I wish you could hear some of the stories I hear. I respect the privacy of each cancer warrior, so you’ll just have to trust me. With your support, love and prayers, you’re doing HUGE things! Thank you, from the bottom of our hearts.
A quick link to purchase fish fry tickets and/or t-shirts may be found here: http://mkt.com/larrybjoneshopecampaign
Thank you for helping us spread the word,
Lora Jones Galati, Kyle Jones and families
2020 H.O.P.E. CAMPAIGN FISH FRY FLYER
2020 T-SHIRT ORDER FORM
Posted: February 27, 2019 by 18 FORE Life
H.O.P.E. Campaign 2019 Video
H.O.P.E. Campaign 2019 Video from 18 FORE Life on Vimeo.
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Posted: February 6, 2019 by 18 FORE Life
8th Annual Larry B. Jones H.O.P.E. Campaign Fundraiser
2019 H.O.P.E. CAMPAIGN FISH FRY FLYER
2019 T-SHIRT ORDER FORM
2019 H.O.P.E. CAMPAIGN FISH FRY FLYER
2019 T-SHIRT ORDER FORM
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Posted: February 6, 2018 by 18 FORE Life
7th Annual Larry B. Jones H.O.P.E. Campaign Fundraiser
2018 H.O.P.E. CAMPAIGN FISH FRY FLYER
2018 T-SHIRT ORDER FORM
It’s that time again! Â 7th annual fundraiser for the H.O.P.E. Campaign. Â We hope you can join us for the community fish fry on Friday, April 6, 2018. Â Please see attached flyer for more details. Â Mark your calendars now! Â Please help us spread the word. Â We’d love for you to forward this e-mail, share our Facebook post, print the flyer and post in your places of work and worship. Â Please share with anyone you think might like to attend and support this cause. Â Pre-selling tickets now.
~Sharing from my post earlier today: {My mother gifted my sister and me with matching t-shirts at some point after she battled cancer the first time in 1998/1999. I still have the purple, teal and metallic grey shirt. It reads, “I hope that I will have the courage now and always to stand and fight until there is a cure.” The message on this shirt inspires me to continue this work year after year. My mother never gave up, and she’s still a very big part of this work. She, my dad, my sister and their stories~ their lives~ their memories inspire me daily. I was challenged recently to have the courage to share my story. I tied this theme of courage together, and realized that part of telling our stories is being brave enough to move forward in our own lives and help make our own little corner of the world better~ even just a little bit.}
~Thank you all for helping us raise over $93,000 since 2011 to help others who are battling cancer and other life threatening illnesses. It’s about so much more than the money. I’ve experienced it in my own family and have heard it from so many other recipients of H.O.P.E. Campaign and 18 FORE Life love offering gifts… the love, support, encouragement, prayers and hope that come with the gifts are what truly mean the most.
Thank you for all of your support. Sincerely, Lora Jones Galati and Family
2018 H.O.P.E. CAMPAIGN FISH FRY FLYER
2018 T-SHIRT ORDER FORM
Or you can use the following link to order from the Larry B. Jones H.O.P.E. Campaign online store – http://mkt.com/larrybjoneshopecampaign
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Posted: February 9, 2017 by 18 FORE Life
6th Annual Larry B. Jones H.O.P.E. Campaign Fundraiser
2017 CAMPAIGN T-SHIRT ORDER FORM
In memory of our beloved parents and our sister, Sara, as well as all who’ve battled cancer themselves or have fought alongside a family member or friend.
This is our small way of giving back! We celebrate H.O.P.E. ~ Healing, Optimism, Prayer and Example.
Since March of 2011, our charity has raised over $83,000 for area cancer warriors and individuals faced with life-threatening illness.
The H.O.P.E. Campaign is a division of 18 FORE Life, a 501(c)(3) charity, with a shared mission of benefiting area cancer warriors and individuals faced with life-threatening illness.
To date, 18 FORE Life has sent out over $1,900,000.00 in love offerings to families all over Southeast Missouri. The generous donations and support to the charity have truly made a difference. But, there’s “more work to do!â€
Thank you for your support!
You may e-mail us with questions at:
[email protected]
Call us at: 314-402-7777 or find us on Facebook!
We thank you very much for your continued support,
Lora Jones Galati, Kyle Jones and families
2017 CAMPAIGN T-SHIRT ORDER FORM
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Posted: February 11, 2016 by 18 FORE Life
5th Annual Larry B. Jones H.O.P.E. Campaign Fundraiser
It’s that time again! We’re excited about the 5th annual Larry B. Jones H.O.P.E. Campaign fundraiser!
This year, we’re raffling TWO $500 Wal-Mart gift cards! Tickets are on sale now through 4-27-16! Please see the attached flyer, and pass it along to others!
In memory of our dad, in honor of our mother, and for all who’ve battled cancer themselves or have fought alongside a family member or friend! This is our small way of giving back! We celebrate H.O.P.E. ~ Healing, Optimism, Prayer and Example!
Since March of 2011, our charity has raised over $60,000 for area cancer warriors and individuals faced with life-threatening illness.
The H.O.P.E. Campaign is a division of 18 FORE Life, a 501(c)(3) charity, with a shared mission of benefiting area cancer warriors and individuals faced with life-threatening illness.
To date, 18 FORE Life has sent out over $1,750,000.00 in love offerings to families all over Southeast Missouri. The generous donations and support to the charity have truly made a difference. But, there’s “more work to do!â€
Thank you for your support!
You may e-mail us with questions at: [email protected],
Call us at: 314-402-7777 or find us on fb!
We thank you very much for your continued support,
Kathy Jones, Lora Jones Galati, Kyle Jones and the entire family of Larry B. Jones
2016 Campaign Fundraiser Flyer