Dear Editor,
We would like to thank everyone who played a role in making the first annual “Miss Mal” Memorial Volleyball Tournament a success. All proceeds from this event went toward the “Miss Mal” scholarship fund that her family created to honor Malorie after her tragic death on December 1, 2007. We would like to thank the Oregon Park District and its employees, without whom our event would not have been possible. It was a sincere pleasure to work with Erin Folk, her compassion and high level of professionalism was greatly appreciated by our family. Debbie Leffelman, Jena Grover and Mike Guzman were awesome organizers who never missed a beat in the work that it took to put this event together. A very special thank you to Andy Egyed and his crew for so beautifully constructing Malorie’s memorial bench area. Thank you to John Barnhart for taking such care and respect in mounting her memorial plaque on the beautiful stone donated by Rick Canfield.
A huge thanks to all our volunteers – you made it all come together: Roxanne and Todd Bauer, Roy and Cathy Snyder, Kevin and Cheryl Barringer, Cayla Barringer, Alyse Vickers, Amber McWethy, Christy Powell, Cory and John Jarrett, Joe Hanlin, Lindsay Hanlin, Caitlyn Wolber, Jordan Pontnack, Braden Barton, Austin McCourt, Penny Reber, Jessica Reber, Sarah Younglove, Alyssa Marchetti, Lannon Noble, Shirley McPhillips, Cathy Grover and Jordan Yount. Our food booth would not have been successful without donations from the following local businesses: The Ogle County Pork Producers, Super Value, Sullivan Foods, McDonalds, Jays Drive-In, Alfano’s, Dogwood Inn, Oregon/Mt. Morris Jr. Tackle Football Program, Chile Pepper Cafe, Star Incorporated, Oregon High School and Frito-Lay Company. It was a beautiful day, as well as a very hot day and we can’t thank our team members enough for all their effort, enthusiasm and sportsmanship they showed throughout the tournament. Eleven teams participated and were such a joy to watch! Congratulations to Team “I’d Hit That,” for coming in first place. We hope to see everyone back again next year – you’re all winners!
If you were unable to attend this event and would like to support the “Miss Mal” Memorial Scholarship Fund you may do so by sending your donation to the Community Bank of Oregon located at 101 South 4th Street, Oregon, IL 61061. Checks can be made payable to the “Miss Mal” Memorial Scholarship Fund.
Our family thanks each and every one of you who made this event a success, and all who have shown support in keeping our daughter’s memorial scholarship going for years to come!
Sincerely,
Lou and Deb Wehmhoefer, Clayton, Meagan and Jeffrey
