The Sixteenth Annual Angel Golf Spectacular was held on the largest and fastest 18-Hole course in the Northwoods of Wisconsin – the amazing St. Germain golf course. It was a tremendous success with over 150 golfers who came out swinging to support those living with or affected by cancer.
We couldn’t have done it without each and every one of our sponsors, golfers, volunteers-ALL involved in making this outstanding event a great success. Angel On My Shoulder THANKS YOU for your remarkable support and participation.
The beautiful White Tail Inn in St. Germain was the setting of our traditional Cocktail & Hors d’oeuvre Reception, Awards Ceremony, Dinner and Silent Auction and Angel’s Signature Live Auction which followed a festive day of golfing and intriguing golf course experiences.
We gratefully acknowledge the gracious hosts of our celebration dinner, Jeff and Joy Sievert of the Whitetail Inn and the above and beyond presenting sponsors of our Spectacular, Trig and Tula Solberg and Lee Guenther.
The “Super Six” former “Green and Gold” Super Bowl greats, Gilbert Brown, William Henderson, Santana Dotson, Marcus Rivera and Craig Newsome graced us with their presence as our “Spectacular” celebrity guests. The unique opportunity of receiving autographed team photos with these Packer legends were afforded each of the golf teams.
And it gets even better . . .this year’s Golf Spectacular Ice Breaker- Angel’s “Party With The Pack” preceding the golf event the night before was hosted at the Penalty Box in Eagle River where the “Super Six Packers” mingled with the participants, signing autographed pictures and other Packer items. The event was hosted by our very own Angel Board member, Molly Ahlborn and her husband Woody along with their outstanding Penalty Box staff and team of volunteers. The Packers arrived in style via parade on a Packer decorated float along Wall Street in Eagle River. Fans lined the route to cheer on and welcome the Packers to the area.
The evening included a brat and hamburger cookout prepared and served by members of the Northland Pines football team. An exclusive silent auction was available that included signed pictures and other sports memorabilia.
Before heading off for the day of golf, the teams were given the chance to bid on “Breakfast With The Packers” with the highest bid receiving the honor of joining the “Super Six” for breakfast at the award winning Wolf Pack Café. Hats off to Joe and Kathy Lass, owners of the Wolfe Pack, for their huge serving of generosity and providing this complimentary opportunity again this year.
A variety of on course “incentives” captured the interest of the golfers including a putting contest and top shelf hole in one “take the prize” opportunities at designated golf holes. Tantalizing food offerings lined the greens which were provided, prepared and served by area business establishments. These enticing prizes included a new 2013 Chevy Silverado at the tailgating hole serving Trig’s famous smokehouse brats; the Wolf Pack Hole . . . a trip to the Kenai Peninsula of Alaska; The Whitetale hole . . . A Yellowstone National Park Experience and the Riverstone Hole . . . a five day, four night stay in beautiful Napa Valley, California.
Golfing completed – let the celebration awards banquet begin:
We enthusiastically welcomed our new Master of Ceremonies . . . Mark O’Connell, Executive Director of the Wisconsin Counties Association. He is a true friend of Angel On My Shoulder and has been a staunch supporter of this foundation since its inception. Mark, always eager to help, has been actively involved with the Golf Spectacular for many years.
Presiding over our signature live auction was auctioneer and comedian, Sean Kelly. After returning home from a combat tour in Operation Desert Storm, he embarked in a very successful sales career followed by pursuing his lifelong dream of becoming a standup comedian. One day a fellow comedian asked him if he could cover a charity auction. To Shaun’s surprise he was a natural and an instant hit. Shawn says it gives him a great thrill to know that his eighteen years of sales experience and ten years of standup comedy experience enable him to raise tons of money for outstanding causes. Shaun considers it the highest honor and pleasure to be known as the “Charity Auctioneer”.
Lolly Rose proudly named her brother-in-law, Ron Rose (brother of her late husband, Dick Rose and the inspiration for Angel On My Shoulder) our 2012 Honoree in recognition of his above and beyond giving and generous spirit to support those in the cancer community.
We were blessed to have Sandy Lardinois-Social Worker of Froedtert Hospital in Milwaukee, take the stage to personally acknowledge our donors for their enormous support and generosity which greatly benefits those living with or affected by cancer.
Following the event, we received a warm and deeply appreciated message from Sandy.
It read in part: “It truly was my pleasure to be with you! An amazing spirit was present in the room. Angel On My Shoulder has inspired a village of committed individuals. Thank you for providing me with the opportunity to thank them”.
Special features of the evening were The Treasure Chest Raffle (containing $1,000 in gold coins), the Rose Raffle, a precious jewelry piece and the Apple iPad2 Raffle.
An endless array of silent auction items filled the room to the brim showcasing many gift baskets arrangements and other bid item opportunities. The selection included: Eagle River Roasters/AOMS Coffees/Teas; Sprecher Tour and 4 pack of Sprecher soda, Romantic Escape at the Pfister Hotel; Capital Brewery Tour (10 people) in Madison; Pyrex-5 piece insulated food carrier set; Gift Card Extravaganza; Life Fest Full Event Tickets; Sip N’ Grin Party for 20 at Captain’s Walk Winery; Smok’n Spice Grilling Package and the list goes on . . .
High energy and excitement prevailed at our signature “Angel” live auction. A sampling of these “priceless” items to name a few: A Hand Crafted Wooden Harley Davidson Motorcycle Rocker autographed by Willie G, Grandson of the Founder of Harley Davidson; A dinner for four at the new Ryan Braun/Aaron Rodgers Milwaukee Restaurant, 8-twelve with 4 Packer Tickets and 4 Milwaukee Brewer Tickets (all games of choice); 3 nights stay complete with airfare for 2, chauffeured limo, VIP seats to LOVE Cirque du Soleil show, brunch buffet every day and dinner each night at the all new ARIA Resort in Las Vegas; and an exclusive Canadian Fishing Excursion.
Angel’s own, Bruce Krier, once again generously graced the live auction with the highest bid for “Vincent Bunny”. This Spectacular Angel (he also named and co-created the Angel Golf Spectacular) is seven time highest bidder and current record holder of this inspirational bunny. The audience showed their beyond grateful sentiments to this kind and caring man with a well-deserved standing ovation and over the top applause. Bruce always donates this meaningful and special Bunny back to raise more monies for the next year’s live auction.
Another meaningful annual tradition created by Bruce and carried on at our Spectacular awards banquet is the charm bracelet presentation. Each year one of Angel’s Angels is selected by the recipient from the previous year and presented with this “charmed” bracelet with another precious charm added. Angel’s Kathy Mathie possessed and wore this coveted bracelet for 2011, selected and added her charm which she proudly presented for 2012 to Jane Hunter, a dedicated supporter and friend of Angel On My Shoulder. Jane’s husband, Mike, fought a brave and courageous battle with cancer until making his heavenly transition in 2006. Mike and Jane were with us since the inception of our golf spectacular through Volm Bag’s Masters Level sponsorships and front line bidding at the silent and live auctions. Jane and her family actively carry on their support and participation each year and Mike is always with us in spirit. Others past recipients of this special bracelet to pass forward were Molly Ahlborn and Lolly Rose.
The phenomenal Angel Golf Spectacular has become an enormous success through the support and efforts of each and every one involved. We absolutely could not do it alone! Angels can’t fly with one wing. Together we are making a positive difference to those living with or affected by cancer. On their behalf and ours – THANK YOU!.
Angel On My Shoulder hopes that you will join us for our 17th Annual Angel Golf Spectacular. Please mark June 7, 2013 on your calendars!!
Please contact Angel On My Shoulder at 800-860-3431, e-mail us at info@angelonmyshoulder.org or fax us at 715-542-4500 if you are interested in sponsoring a team, golfing, or would like to attend the auctions and award banquet. Donations are tax-deductible. More details are available on our website at www.angelonmyshoulder.org as well as registration forms to download.
