final donation update

As I stated in all the medals presentations this year, everyone knows the saying ‘when life gives you lemons, make lemonade.’ This year, WE made $27,268 worth of lemonade in honor of Ms. Ryan Grace! INCREDIBLE!! 

(Full disclosure: we are giving Midwest Transplant Network $350 in additional funds made out to them directly from the event. Those totals are not included.) Also, a part of the total amount comes from a very generous donation given to ​us by one of Ryan’s organ recipients!! 

I am immeasurably humbled by everyone’s generosity. Whether you’ve given time, resources, or finances, I cannot thank you enough for your kindness and contribution. 

How did we get here?! From 26 teams in 2019, to SIXTY SEVEN this year 🤯😬😁😍 our donation has increased from $10k last year to this unbelievable amount! 

I’ve always been transparent about the business; this year is no different. The bigger the event, the bigger costs; roughly $18,500 in expenses were paid out this year in total. However, each year we learn a little bit more about where/how to allocate resources. I’m fortunate to work with amazing vendors, starting with Capitol Federal Sports Complex and my umpiring crew. While they are certainly my 2 most expensive costs, they make it all possible. The move to Cap. Fed. gave us the ability to even HAVE an event this year. The rain on Sunday would have most definitely cancelled any plans on grass/dirt. KC Bleacher Mom was tremendous in the handling of shirts (221 sold this year!!) Kona Ice, Cowtown Mini Donuts, and our newcomers, KC Ice Shack and Silver Linings KC, were also fantastic in assisting towards our donation as well by giving a portion of their sales to our total. 

Where do we go?? NOWHERE but UP!! We wash, rinse, and repeat. As I’ve said, you don’t simply survive, you THRIVE. While I’m not sure we’ll look to get bigger, we’re certainly going to work on getting better. I asked for and received critiques and suggestions from both coaches and volunteers to ensure we put together as good a product as any other event you’ll go to...with one difference. The Ryan Grace Memorial Tournament is a celebration and a reminder. This event has a WHY, it has a PURPOSE, it has a CAUSE, and it honors a hero and shows you that if one little 3 year old girl can give hope to so many people, why can’t you as well?? 💚💜

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