ALS- “Hunting For A Cure” Banquet

Eric Sullivan, Matt Sullivan, Brent Stoner, and myself attended the “Hunting for a Cure” banquet on March 20th, 2010.  This banquet is a fundraiser for the Ky. Chapter of the ALS Association.  ALS stands for Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, also referred to as Lou Gehrig’s disease.  This disease affects the nerve cells in the brain and spinal cord, eventually leading to muscle weakness, twitching, and paralysis.  Mitch Ensor, who was diagnosed with ALS in 2006, wanted a way to raise money to help find a cure for this disease.  With help from his family, friends, and numerous sportsmen and women, Mitch began this banquet a few years ago to raise money for the ALS Association.

What a humbling experience this banquet was for all of us.  The generosity of everyone was amazing.  Without a doubt, there was a lot of money raised through games, live auctions and silent auctions.  However, it was the compassion and caring for others that struck me.  Sportsmen and women are incredible.  Whenever someone is in need, they are always the first to offer a hand.  Derby City will continue to help fight ALS with donations for future banquets.  The Ensor family opened our eyes to the struggles of fighting ALS, how to remain positive in times of adversity, and how to be proactive in the this fight.  Our thoughts and prayers go out to Mitch and his family.

I think the last line of Lou Gehrig’s speech about his diagnosis of ALS says a lot about his character.  He says, “So I close in saying that I may have had a tough break, but I have an awful lot to live for.”  I don’t know Mitch Ensor well, I met him for the first time at the banquet.  However, watching him throughout the evening, I believe he would say the same thing.

Mitch: keep fighting, keep hunting, keep believing.

-Jim Dawson, Derby City Game Calls

You can keep up with Mitch Ensor’s “Hunt for a Cure” by checking out their Facebook page.

Derby City welcomes Pro Staffer Rachel Shipley

Derby City is proud to welcome Rachel Shipley as the newest member of our Pro Staff! Rachel is a volunteer with local National Archery in the Schools Programs and is the organizer of Annie Oakley Day, a ladies-only range day focused on introducing women to Archery, Firearms, and Hunting. The first event in 2009 was a huge sucess with nearly 40 women participating, most of which had never fired a gun! We look forward to following Rachel’s success and thank her for her support of Derby City Game Calls!