Kyle and I are planning a pasta dinner fundraiser for February 16th at the Knights of Columbus Hall on Providence Street here in Putnam, CT. from 5:00-7:00 pm. We are raising funds for a very special program the Hole in the Wall Gang Camp has. It's called the Milmoe Fund.
This fund was set up by a very special family who lost their son some years back. The Hole in the Wall Gang Camp and the counselors were very important to this boy. After his passing the family set up the fund so when a child was in the hospital a distance from home, camp would send a counselor to be by the side of the camper. You can't believe how important this is to both the child and the parents.
When Kyle was in Cincinnati for his spinal surgery, camp sent two of Kyle's favorite counselors to be by his side. Abby Gross was there a week early which gave Kyle the person he needed to have fun with. We went to a amusement park with her and she was the one who went on the fast rides with Kyle, because of his surgery, he will never be able to do those ride again. Abby was the one who was Kyle's date when we went on a Riverboat Theater to see the female version of the Odd Couple. Abby was there to make Kyle laugh.
A couple of days before Kyle's surgery, Father Dom came to be Kyle's spiritual leader. He was there just before they wheeled Kyle in the operating room both times. He conducted a circle prayer with everyone in the room, including nurses and doctors. I watched Kyle's face during this special moment, and I saw first hand how his face went from being scared beyond words to being totally at ease and ready to go.
Kyle flat lined during the second surgery, but we all know what kind of fighter he is. The doctors have said there is no scientific reason Kyle is still with us today. Kyle told them it was because of his angels Father Dom came with. The doctors agree.
Without the Milmoe Fund at the Hole in the Wall Gang Camp, we believe and so do the doctors, Kyle wouldn't be here today. I can't even begin to tell you how important this fund means to us and because of this, I just had to do something to give back so other families can experience the wonder and magic of what this fund can do.
Besides the pasta dinner, that same night, we will be having a celebrity bartending night. Former WWWF superstar Ox Baker and current WWE superstar Mick Foley have agreed to be celebrity bartenders. And if I hear back from Chris Milmoe, the brother of the boy who lost his life, he will hopefully agree to be the third bartender. Jimmy Canton, You can be the fourth if you like....
What I need from any of you now is your help serving the dinner, or helping in the kitchen. A local caterer, JoAnn Faghen agreed to donate her time cooking, we need help everywhere else.
If any of you can volunteer your time, please reply to this email or call me at night at 860-928-5422 or at my store at 860-963-7664. My goal between the dinner and bartending events is to raise over $3000 for the Milmoe fund. Also, spread the word about this event.
I hope to hear from all of you soon.
Thank you in advance for your generosity in helping.
Sincerely,
Sandy Ouellette
sanmar@snet.net
