Matt Krueger Benefit Ping Pong Tourney

Friday evening the Watertown High School reminded me of when the world moved a little slower. Families were seen spending time together and friends were able to hangout without the use of game controllers and other electronic entertainment. What started as an idea to raise money for Matt Krueger and his continued battle over cancer ended in a social event not soon forgotten! New friendships as well as rekindled ones were many. A ping pong tournament (see link) was held to offset costs associated with Matt's cancer treatments.

Advertisements hit the high school a week before Christmas break, probably not the best time, however it was a start. A week after break, the hallways were filled with smack talk on who the winner of the tourney would be. I think in some small way, I may have fueled the fire on the talk (lol). You seemade that up, even peasants can spike or place a wicked spin that is next to impossible to return on this little ball. It's a game that doesn't require fancy equipment, a table, paddle, ball and just about anything that resembles a net will do. Students started pre-registering before the break and donations started to trickle in before the first ball was served. My goal was to raise $200.

The Event finally came and players arrived early. With the help of our volunteers, we were able to start a few minutes early. Raffle prizes included two IPod Shuffles (J&L Tire), two Balls of Fury Movie Baskets (Wal-Mart) and two prizes consisting of 12 cases of Arizona Ice Tea (River City Distributing). Concessions included popcorn, home baked desserts, cookies, candy, hot dogs, soda and water. Triana's Trophies donated six nicely engraved trophies for both 1st & 2nd place finishes. The School District provided the venue and custodial staff as well as two of the four ping pong tables. The other tables were donated by the Jacobson and Henriksen families. Members of the Tourin' Hawgs Motorcycle Club, Fire & Iron and Rhonda Nachtigall's marketing class worked at the registration, concession and raffle ticket areas. Our son Andrew and his girlfriend took care of the DJ duties, music and bracket boards. I would really love to list each person and family that donated money or time, but there were so many and not wanting to forget anyone I won't.

Remember when I said my original goal was to raise $200? After cleaning up, returning one of the two borrowed tables and sitting down for a drink or two, the donations were tabulated. The total prior to adding the receipts was a tad over $1000! This is truly amazing in such economic unrest. Watertown, you have once again come together to support a cause. The money raised will be turned over to the Krueger Family.

I hope to continue this ping pong phenomenon as a high school club activity during the remainder of the winter months. Stay tuned for more information! Thanks again to everyone that helped and donated! It is the volunteers that define the success of such an event. Click on Matt Krueger to see and read his blog and follow his path as he continues to be strong. He is overcoming the odds with the help of God, his family and so many friends (old & news)!