Skate For Losh: So Much Fun!

The Information Table.

Sunday was the big night: our first community fundraising event for Aloshua, and we weren't at all sure how it would turn out. We got notice about an hour before the event that the weather was supposed to get really bad. Tornadoes, hail, strong winds, torrential rains, flood advisory... in other words, a typical January storm in Arkansas. Despite the incoming storm, we loaded up and headed to Thrills on Wheels for Skate for Losh.

Aloshua and his brother, Kaia, were excited all day about getting to skate. Kaia, protective brother that he is, informed us as we were preparing to leave that he was going to push Aloshua around first, and he was going to tell everyone that they couldn't play with him unless they used hand sanitizer first. While the adults got things ready to go, he and Aloshua practiced telling people to, "Please use hand sanitizer or don't touch my brother." Perhaps not the most diplomatic way of asking, but you have to give him credit for trying, right? :)

Kaia, excited to get to the rink!

Excited to get to Skate for Losh.

The event started at 4:30 and ended at 6:30. Despite the weather, about 55 people were in attendance. We raised $514.47, which was completely awesome. At the end of the night, the amazingly generous Barry Vuletich approached Aunt Fallon and informed her that he wanted to match whatever was donated, bringing the night's total to an amazing $1,014.47. Way to go, Team Losh!!!

Poster and photos of Aloshua announcing the event

Thrills on Wheels was completely amazing through the entire event. We honestly cannot say enough about how great they were to everyone in attendance, and how helpful they were to those of us working the event. If you haven't been to Thrills on Wheels yet and live in the area, you definitely need to check it out.We would love to go back and do another event sometime later this year, and are thrilled to work with the organization in planning this.

The kids played games for door prizes such as a prize pack, and free ice cream, and the lucky winners were Tony, Carly, Jaedyn and Trinity. At the end of the night, all of the adults in attendance lined up so Aloshua could randomly select a winner for an estimated $40.00 worth of prizes, including a gift certificate donated by KJ's Family Restaurant in Judsonia, Arkansas. He did not support this plan and tried to choose himself. Everyone got a good laugh about that, and then we decided we'd probably have more luck if Aybra handed out the goods. She selected Sean as the lucky winner. Congratulation, guys!

Azariyah and Rob getting ready to skate

Azariyah and Aybra playing arcade games.

Fallon and Courtney, posing for a picture at the event.

Some of the kids having a blast

Aloshua posing with Barry Vuletich, who matched the night's total.

Aloshua posing with Tony, one of the prize winners, and his family.

Aloshua skating with Uncle CJ.

Aloshua posing with Carmen and his great grandma, Lois.

Aloshua posing with winners Carly and Trinity, and their families.

Aloshua and Janice cheating at Skee-Ball.

Michael and Aloshua posing together.

Aloshua and his grandpa Jerry, posing with some of Aloshua's ticket loot.

Aloshua posing with winner Sean and his boys, Azariyah and Aaron.

Courtney, Jerry, Aybra and Aloshua taking a break for a photo.

Courtney trying to convince Losh to pick a winner.

Michael and Tabitha.

Cody, CJ, and Jayden posing for a picture.

A very happy, and sleepy little boy.

As we loaded up, the storm really hit, and it was ferocious. Hail, strong winds, heavy rain. The roads flooded quickly, but we all made it home safely with two very tired little boys asleep in the backseat. We cannot wait until Team Losh's next event, a benefit dinner and concert in Bald Knob next month, and we hope to see all of you there!

A huge thank you to everyone who was in attendance, to Thrills on Wheels for sponsoring the event, and to Barry Vuletich for his generous matching donation. With your help, we've raised over $3,000.00 for Aloshua's medical fund, and have gathered over $1,000.00 worth of prizes. Team Losh is blessed to have each and every one of you on the team!

Until next time, 

Your Team Losh Captains