"We hope that person by person you will pass it on" stated Keith Zimmerman. "And because of all you we are making it happen and hopefully finding a cure." Ryan Zimmerman's father was accompianed by his wife, Cheryl. Both were on stage in front of nearly 300 attendees at the 4th ziMs Foundation Gala in Virginia Beach, Virginia. The now annual event to help raise awareness and, hopefully, find a cure for Multiple Sclerosis.
The disease that has afflicted Cheryl Zimmerman since 1995.
This ever popular grass roots get together is now finding its legs and reaching out across the Mid-Atlantic States. Norfolk Southern, Walmart, Anheiser Busch, Pittsburgh Forest Products, Gordan Biersch Restaurants & Breweries, The Colonial Athletic Associaton, Our Washington Nationals and yes, even Nats320 are just a few of the 38 Sponsors for this yearly effort to fight MS.
"I can't thank all of you enough for coming," stated Ryan Zimmerman. "This means a tremendous amount to my family. We hope that one day we will can say we found a cure." The Z-Man again playing host, wanting to be there at The Wyndham Oceanfront Resort in Virginia Beach, Virginia this Friday night, November 6th. The President of The ziMS Foundation hosting and letting everyone know how appreciative his family and friends are over the concern that many have shown.
This is no small affair any longer. A private VIP Meet & Greet beginning at 5PM with Ryan. A silent auction partitioned into two separate parts going into full force at 6PM. The first ending at 7:30PM. The second at 8:30PM. The entire time spent while chatting and mingling with the many guests enjoying Hor d'oevres, drinks, card tricks & piano entertainment.
Nothing like chatting with Our Number 11 in a informal setting. Just having a good time and supporting a cause so close to his heart. Enjoyable also to not only talk with Ryan, Keith and Cheryl, but their many family friends along with Joel Hanrahan, Craig Stammen and John Lannan. All three baseball players on hand to support their colleague and his family--then play a round of golf on Saturday.
There were some very nice auction items tonight. Not only The Ryan Zimmerman Complete Autograph Package which Sohna and I were outbid on at the final moment this evening--but autographed jerseys from Ryan Howard, Chase Utley, Derrek Lee, Ichiro and Ken Griffey, Jr. Game Tickets and Autographed Jerseys and Memorabilia from The Washington Redskins and The Washington Capitals. Adam Dunn signed cleats, lunch with Ryan including a year's supply of beer from Gordon Biersch, four Presidents Club tickets, field passes to batting practice, two Zimmerman signed Jerseys to any game in 2010 (except for Opening Day). And the big ticket item of the night--a Yorkshire Terrier Puppy which was, by far, the the most enticing auction of the evening.
Never one's to go home empty handed, Sohna and I won an auction for a special Kellam High School Lot. The very school which Ryan Zimmerman attended in Virginia Beach. Included along with a four day Baseball Camp for next June (which The African Queen and I will donate to a needy person) were three Kellam Baseball Caps, one long sleeve Kellam Tee-Shirt and one Kellam Ryan Zimmerman Bobblehead.
Yeah, a Bobblehead. A giveaway to also EVERY SINGLE ATTENDEE. But in this freebee case was Our Washington Nationals version. The Nationals Park Giveaway from 2008 depicting the Z-Man in his red "DC" Jersey. Gifts which also included a ziMs Foundation Tote Bag, Cup and Pen.
We had a great time and really enjoyed the stage entertainment from the so-called "Educated Redneck". Don Ellison was, at times, absolutely hilarious. And kept the crowd rolling for a good 20 minutes.
Much, much more coming tomorrow as we attend the Golf Tournament. But it's never too late to donate to the ziMS Foundation and support Ryan Zimmerman's mother--Cheryl. Just click on this link and see how you too can participate.
Sohna and I will be back tomorrow evening with the Golf Tournament Wrap-Up.
All Photos Copyrighted--Nats320--All Rights Reserved
The African Queen is ABSOLUTELY GORGEOUS!!!!
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