As you may know, we lost our son, Ethan Michael, on October 1, 2009. Ethan was a happy and healthy boy who loved laughter and smiling. Ethan was found dead in his car seat. We lost our little guy to Sudden Infant Death Syndrome.
Our family had no idea where to go or what to do. We found a wonderful organization who sent us literature and talked to us. We were comforted in knowing that we weren't alone. First Candle is a national non-profit organization who helps more than 13,000 families a year through SIDS, SUIDS, and stillbirth. They offer education and awareness and work with the Children's Hospital Boston on crucial SIDS research. We chose to take a proactive step in our grief by helping First Candle raise crucial funds for SIDS research and education.
We are holding several events over the next year. The first is the Tee for E Golf Tournament held at Senica's Oak Ridge in LaSalle on July 10. We are proud to say that Illinois Valley Community Hospital is our presenting sponsor. This is a four man scramble event with a $10,000 hole-in-one challenge sponsored by Kevin Derossett Country Financial. We will also have an open to the public golf ball drop sponsored by Perry May Country Financial.
Tickets and registration are available at Streator Onized Credit Union, Carbo's Sports Bar, Senica's Oak Ridge, Perry May Country Financial, Shaw's Appliance. You can also register online at www.FirstCandle.org or visit us at our booth at Park Fest in Streator Park over Memorial Day weekend.
Preregistration is limited. Advanced registration cost is $65 per person or $260 per team. This includes green fees, cart, sandwich, two drinks, and the hole-in-one challenge. Raffle tickets for the golf ball drop are $10. First prize is $500, (4) $100, and (2) $50. Odds are 1/450.
We wanted to give Central Illinois' News Center the opportunity to do a story on our Ethan’s life and legacy. He’s touched so many lives and we’re hoping he can help bring countless families hope.
Thank you in for sharing our belief that every baby deserves a first birthday.
Sam and Kelly Ratliff
Gallery
Promise for Ethan's Tee for E
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