When we lost our baby Sophia in July 2009, our journey towards healing began at Faith's Lodge. As a result, we felt compelled to not only honor our daughter in a special way, but to also support the very place that has helped us through the toughest time in our lives. We initially thought Swing for Sophia would be a small golf outing. However, as we rolled up our sleeves, it evolved into something more considerable. On July 30, 2010, more than 200 friends, family and Faith's Lodge supporters participated in golf, dinner and a silent auction at Deer Run in Victoria, MN. Through their incredible generosity, Swing For Sophia was able to raise $60,000, which greatly exceeded our goals and expectations. However, the most profound aspect for us was that Swing for Sophia occurred a few days after what would have been Sophia's first birthday. We could not have imagined a better way to celebrate and honor Sophia's life.
One of our favorite parts of the day was our balloon release. All of Sophia's aunts, uncles, cousins, grandparents, Great Grandma Lorraine and even some of her great aunts and uncles were there to share a special moment remembering her on her special day.
Sophia's Aunts & Anna Stier, Executive Director of Faith's Lodge, ready to check in the Golfers!
Our Silent Auction was set up and open as the golfers arrived!
Golfers enjoying lunch before Golf!
Almost ready to head out on the course!
Finally, after a shot gun start the golfers head out onto the course!
Jack had a blast and did a great job handing out Door Prizes!
And...he took a few breaks to show off his swing!
And so did his Dad!
Swing For Sophia's 1st Annual Golf Champs!
Time for Cocktails!
After Cocktails & the close of the Silent Auction, we enjoyed a delicious dinner & announced the winners of the tournament, golf contests and the raffle!
Happy Flip Video Winner!
Very excited iPad winner!
Flash Mob very generously donated their time to perform at SFS! They were AWESOME!!!!!
We especially would like to thank our Event Sponsor, MARS Candy, for their very generous donations and participation in the event! It was SO fun to meet all of you! We cannot thank you enough :)
We are so very grateful for our babysitters! Thank you so much girls!!
Finally, Thank you SO much to Deer Run and Tom Abts. The entire event was so perfect!
