Rage in the Cage 2011

Another sunny success!
64 teams total and 300+ guest at the Tent Party .
This was one outstanding Day.

The Winners:
Championship – Mark & Dana Parsons defeated Randy Vigmostadt & Keri Delmonico-Stulac.
A Draw – John Cerga & Betty Martin defeated Brian O’Connor & Beth Jennings
B Draw – Paul & Lori Sperry defeated Brian Weigand & Diana Holden

Both the Tournament and the Tent Party went incredibly well. Thanks to our Hut Captains (Jim Healy, Norma Tslentis, Elaine & Jim Hoolahan and Barbara & Marty Dehler) for keeping the draws running on schedule. One of the beauties of “The Rage” is the events ability to attract so many different people. The Tournament showcases Nationally ranked players from all over the country to the willing novice. In our Championship draw we had the pleasure of watching Mike Stulac and Mark Parsons who had just won the APTA Men’s National title the previous weekend. In the B Draw we had 5 out of 32 teams on the “ Newbies” list – needless to say they are now hooked!

On the other hand, the Tent Party gathers a range of folks of all ages from players to volunteers, to partiers; all supporters of the the mission. Thanks to the Cancer Center For Kids for bringing all your helping hands to run the Tent Party. This event could not survive with out the assistance of Linda Sweeney and Elizabeth Urbanski.

Highlights of the evening were Garden City’s own, Bobby Menges (14yrs) playing electric guitar with the “Cover Junkies” band. Bobby did two songs, first was Santan’s, “Smooth” and the second he rocked out to Eric Clapton’s, “After Midnight”. Both songs encompass difficult guitar solos but our Bobby grooved them out with poise, perfection and hard core presence. Basically – the kid ROCKED!. John Schmitt kicked off the Rage’s presentation with a gracious “thanks” to all for participating. Another highlight was the showing of The Cancer Center For Kid’s “JOURNEY” video. This is a most compelling display of kids from the Center that have beaten cancer or currently being treated for cancer and their experience of adversity in life. Under the direction of Glenn Schiffano, Music Therapist at CCFK, and the Music Therapy Program, one of many programs that Charlie’s Champions is proud to fund, these kids wrote, composed and performed the song. The end result is an artistic, intelligent, heart-warming expression of some deep feelings and growing pains of these kids. It’s beautiful. Look for it on the Charlie’s Champions website.

The evening carried on with a laughter filled “Live Auction” and raffles drawing, and the Cover Junkies band had the dance floor filled. Cheerfulness and success was abound. Together over $60,000.00 was raised. These funds will be donated to the Cancer Center For Kid’s Cogg Research Programs , Psycho Social Programs and Music Therapy Program.

Way to go RAGERS!