First Annual Soccer Camp Thank You

June 2009 Camp

Dear Friends,
As we sit now to reflect upon the success of the 1st Annual Ben Elo Memorial Soccer Camp, I wanted to be able to provide for you a glimpse of the power of God in people who choose to be a part of something bigger than themselves. If any ‘cog in the wheel’ were missing it would have been a tiny bit less ‘awesome’ (to quote so many of the campers). Many folks gave of their prayers, some of their money, some of their services and products, some of their cooking skills and others of their time. The impact was amazing and we want to thank you for the role you played in all of it.
In summary:

• We had 84 campers; 27 of which signed up during camp
• 60+ people donated their time in preparing for camp, helping improve the soccer complex and set up on Friday June 19th and helping with logistics during camp
• 20 people, organizations or businesses donated over $6,000
• 10 businesses donated product or services which allowed us to apply more of the proceeds directly to the goals of the BEMF and offer a few ‘extra touches’ that we would not normally have paid to provide
• 11 of Ben’s team mates from CUSC volunteered to spend the week working behind the scenes at camp as well as work as helpers to the coaching staff.
• 11 families or more and Subway provided food and snacks to feed the hungry boys at the Elo house & the coaching staff at lunch during the week
• 3 Professional soccer teams donated items for the raffle with all proceeds going directly to the BEMF.
• 2 families donated ‘scholarship money’ to help offset the cost to families with multiple children attending camp.
• 1 person bought popsicles for the entire camp and gave them out on Wednesday just because ‘it was hot and I thought they’d enjoy it’.
• Each day opened in prayer and we shared a story of Ben that offered insight on his leadership, character, determination and faith. In other words, how he ‘lived his faith to affect change’.
• We offered a “Ball Exchange” program where players donated their old balls for our trip to Calnali Mexico and received $5 off a new ball purchased during camp. In all we collected over 40 soccer balls and sold out of the balls we had for sale. Folks added to that by bringing 12 pairs of cleats to share with campers growing up a size or the people of Calnali. WOW!

Although we don’t have the final numbers yet; because of the generosity of so many that allowed us to keep our expenses low we can safely say that this community of people raised between $10,000-$12,000 for the BEMF which will go toward the Ben Elo Memorial Scholarship beginning in 2012, support the ever expanding Grief Ministry program, allow us to award and charitably donate on behalf of the Ben Elo Character in Leadership Award and work toward providing permanent defibrillators and in servicing to the Mooresville Consolidated School Corporation beginning with the athletic fields and the Soccer Complex this fall.
We thank God every day for Benjamin and for all those that have cared for us and participated with us in creating this legacy of Ben and honoring God. We are astounded at how many people got excited and started pitching in during the week and have offered items and services for next year. It reminds us that you can’t ‘out give’ God. This camp photo was donated by the photographer and we hope you’ll enjoy seeing the ‘fruits’ of your generosity. May you be blessed in your giving and we hope you’ll continue your support in 2010 for the 2nd Annual Ben Elo Memorial Soccer Camp.