Blog 24: The Fourth of July MLB 4 ALS Barbeque!

Take me out to the ball game, take me out to the park, buy me some peanuts and cracker jacks, I don't care if we never come back 'cause it's root, root, root for the home team ( sing along)....... it's Hot dogs, apple pie and baseball for our 4th of July picnic that was also held through out the U.S. to honor Lou Gehrig and to raise money for ALS research. Mayor Muffi Hannemann officially proclaimed July 4th as ALS Awareness Day. Our picnic was held at Keehi Lagoon Beach Park. The day was beautiful, sunny, and breezy. The tents waved and shimmered in the wind but we payed no attention and continued the day's festivities of food, games, and softball.

Although there were many other 4th of July events happening through out Oahu, we managed to have at least 100 people come to celebrate this event. Every one of our volunteers found their place and made this event successful. The barbie was cooking and smoking with hot dogs and Teri- burgers! Everyone came with an appetite and enjoyed the barbeque and the pot luck dishes that everyone brought and shared.The day opened with Kathy O's introduction with a Hawaiian chant and hula dancer. Jan followed with a talk about Lou Gehrig and then the day continued. Games such as tug of war and water balloon toss were played before the softball game. Most everyone thought they were too out of shape to go about jumping around but once out there, they had no fear and had a blast!! Prizes were given to all winners of the games. Every ten minutes, Natalie announced at least two raffle winners winning such prizes as T-shirts backpacks, shoes, watches, paintings, gift certificates, surfboard and water bottles. Thank you to all of the generous donors.

By the end of the day most of the food was eaten and a lot of juice water and soda quenched the thirst of all. Everyone left the park happy, filled, and with a prize in hand. And I myself watched the whole happy event from my power chair. Living vicariously through those around me with their running and jumping hitting and throwing and pulling the tug-of-war rope. It made me very happy to see all having fun and being more aware of ALS. Thank you to the ALS Support Group for all the hard work put into this late bloomed effort. Thanks to Devina, Nancy, Tammy, Tanya, Maile, Nicole, Lance, Tom and friends, Kathy, Jan, Glizza, Natalie n Nancy S. and Malia. If I missed anyone, know that I appreciate everyones help. Hopefully we will be able to do this again next year with alot more planning and gusto. Happy 4th of July!!!

Good Night Bella, Good Night Spike, Nanna loves you!!

Aloha, Vi