Sitting here enduring the turn in the weather gives me the opportunity to reflect on the summer that has just passed. From an organizational standpoint BAM continued to break new ground which we can all be proud of and will all reap the rewards of our efforts. Let me address a few of the achievements that occurred this summer -
Reservoir Swims
Now in their third year, the reservoir swims have turned into a huge hit not only with the BAM swimmers but with the larger swim community. We had nearly 400 swimmers (both member & non-member) visit us out at the Reservoir. Cumulatively, they swam over 2400 hours during our 36 swim series. The ability to swim in an open water environment is unique. Many visitors marvel that we are able to have these swims.
Special thanks to the all-volunteer contingent. Their tireless dedication and willingness to help out make these swims possible. Our guards all have been certified by the Red Cross for lifesaving, first aid, and open water rescue. They are: Jiri Mracek, Stan Benson, Lauren Wenzl, Anna Carvill, Tanya Saarva, Kat Leitzell, James Gray, Melissa Iverson, Larry McKeogh, John Gratz and Carolyn Roche. Know that your safety is their first concern when you swim at the reservoir. Course setup and admission was handled by Johan Erasmus, Fiona Garvin and Paul Rapinz.
Talk to any of these volunteers about their experience and consider joining the elite Rez Crew next year. We will need more volunteers.
Bare Bones Swims
In our second year we have expanded to a second Bare Bones swim. The combined swims drew over 300 people out to the reservoir. BAM’s sponsorship of these swims and the cult t-shirts that have resulted are getting us some notoriety. The swims have become some of our best advertising. Again thanks to all the members that have made these swims possible through their volunteer efforts. This cannot be said enough.
Fundraising
A few years ago BAM was in a tough financial situation. The above events and other activities have helped alleviate this enough that we were able to have a fundraiser. A couple of BAM families have been challenged by children with cancer. Given their past participation and support for the BAM organization, now seemed to be the time for BAM to help them out. Three year old, Cullen McReynolds is being aggressively treated at Children’s Hospital. Cullen’s parents Laura McKeever, a BAM coach, and Chip McReynolds met through BAM. Six year old Klaus Heiman, with BAM parents, Tracy and Tim Heiman, have been tackling another rare cancer.
Proceeds from the Bare Bones Swims were pooled with a silent auction that was held as part of the BAM Summerfest. We are very proud to say that BAM will be donating approximately $6,300 to each family to assist with their mounting medical bills. This is a huge turnaround for the BAM organization. It also speaks volumes about the BAM community. During one of the most severe recessions in memory the swim community has pulled together to provide a generous donation to a couple of families in need.
Reading their posts about the highs and lows of the treatments is almost unfathomable for an adult much less two children. The BAM contribution is but a drop in the bucket for what these families are or have faced. For the latest information check out http://www.caringbridge.org and visit cullenmcreynolds or klausdragonheiman. Also, they can use more blood donations. The Children’s Hospital Blood mobile will be at Monarch K-8 on Oct. 29 from 9 - 1. Anyone can donate blood for Cullen.
Looking back on the achievements of the summer I hope that everyone in BAM takes some pride in our organization. We have gathered some very positive momentum and doing great things in our community. The remainder of the year is shaping up to build upon this summer’s success. More on that in future articles though. Stay tuned.