This past weekend was Jane and Jason Clevenger’s Throwing for the Cure Highland Games in Cherry Valley, Il. This was our second year attending and Matt’s first year throwing. The Games is part of the Cherry Valley days festival and a huge fundraiser for Jane’s cancer walk. This weekend alone put her over $4,400 donated, amazing. Last year, we had to bolt before the last Caber toss to get back home as the Bigg guy was flying out early the next morning for work. Bummer. THIS year we got to hang out until the end which was good cuz the rain delays pushed the events later than planned.
Oh well. Rain. If your season goes so smooth that you don’t get to throw at least once in snow and rain it’s boring. Rain? Pffffffttt…
Prior to the heavens opening up, we were able to get a great group pic. This year’s T-shirts really stood out and our very own graphic designer, Mike Pearce, drew up a new logo for the event and the Pink shirts turned out awesome. You could spot a thrower from far afar (I meant to say that.) I dare you to show me a better group pic. Really.
Jason added a Women’s Masters class this year which is MUCH appreciated! Truth be told, it gets tough throwing against these 20 something whipper snapper former D1 track and field ladies. In reality though, throwing with the likes of Katie, Alissa, Candice, Topaz, and Victoria is a gift. I always walk away a better thrower when I’m with this group and they’ve become our Highland/Summer fmaily. Add in the coaching and great attitudes of Master throwers Sue and Ruth and our new friends Katie and Annie all the way from the eastern seaboard and you have a group of Pink Ladies that kick ass even over Rizzo and her gang (but I still want a Pink Ladies satin jacket. True story.)
Annie is a two-time breast cancer survivor so having her with us, in our group throwing heavy stuff in the rain was not only an honor, but a complete inspiration.
ALSO, part of the day includes a silent auction with items donated that range from a Coach clutch to a new pair of Weightlifting shoes. We hit that hard last year but had to cut ourselves off this year to save funds for our Scotland trip coming up in two weeks. But Oooooo, it was hard. Tables of our very favorite things in life right there for the grabbing. Damn budgets.
Thanks so much to Jason, Jane, Jasmine and all the helpers who put on a great day. No, the rain didn’t ruin it. Not even a little bit. Cuz Highland Games athletes are made of tougher stuff. True story. If you’re anywhere in the vicinity of this one next year, we can’t recommend it enough!
The best thing one can do when it’s raining is to let it rain.
Henry Wadsworth Longfellow
Jane & Jason, we all heart you two:)
tosabarbell 