|
7.15.06: Albert's Hitters
& Splitters, Bowling Event
The night of July
15, 2006 was one to remember: The Cardinals
had taken the game into the 10th inning in
100+ degree heat, Pujols had hit another home
run and the Cardinals scratched out another
victory! But that was just during the day.
That night Albert and Deidre Pujols hosted
over 100 boys with Down syndrome and their
fathers at the Brunswick Zone Bowling Alley
in Chesterfield, MO for the 1st Annual Father
& Son Albert's Hitters and Splitters bowling
event.
The bowling alley was shut
down at 5:30PM to allow the volunteers to
set up. The Doors opened at 6:30PM and bowling
began at 7PM sharp. "There were some
really great bowlers here tonight." Commented
Brady Nelson, General Manager of the Brunswick
Zone. "We were very happy to be a part
of this event."
Albert and Deidre arrived shortly
after 7PM and greeted each guest. One father,
Eric Mosely, spoke for many when he said "It
was obvious to anyone who attended that Albert
Pujols, as great a ball player as he is, is
an even greater humanitarian. Many of us figured
that if Pujols made an entrance, it would
be quickly in and out, while we bowled. We
couldn't have been more wrong. Deidre and
Albert took their time in greeting everyone
who wanted to see them."
For those fathers and sons
who chose not to bowl, there were a number
of other attractions and activities to keep
them busy for the night. There were father
and son portraits (donated by Gina Kelly Photography),
picture frame design activities (hosted by
the Boy Scouts), free ice cream (donated by
Cold Stone Creamery), free cookies and iced
tea (donated by McAlister's Deli), free Pizza
(donated by Imo's Pizza) and free soft drinks
(donated by The Brunswick Zone). There was
also an Elvis Impersonator (...although some
say it was 'The King' himself) and our good
friend Mickey Carroll from the Wizard of Oz.
"This is what it is all
about." said Albert Pujols. "Just
seeing these young men having so much fun
with their fathers, that is why we started
this Foundation in the first place - to bless
people, strengthen families and honor God.
We are covering all the bases tonight!"
A very special "Thank
you" to our volunteers, especially our
partners from Mercy Ministries, St. Louis
Christian Collage and the St. Louis County
Police.
At the end of the evening,
everyone was given a 'goodie bag' filled with
awesome coupons and gifts. Albert and Deidre
personally handed out each bag and thanked
each person for attending. "The best
part was when we left the premises."
Eric Mosely recalls. "Both Deidre and
Albert Pujols shook everyone's hand as we
exited the building. That was what elevates
them higher than just pretty good people."
Mosely laughs, "The only
less than perfect scene was when my son, Emeric,
hugged Albert for one final picture as we
left. After a short rehearsal, I asked my
son, while he was standing with Albert, who
his favorite baseball player is. To my surprise,
Emeric said, "Ozzie". Everybody
except me laughed. I promised Pujols that
we will have the right answer next year at
his 2nd Annual Fathers and Sons Bowling Night
for Down Syndrome."
Mosely also summed up the night
by saying, "Long after those of us who
attended this function forget that the Cardinals
won today's game in extra innings, we will
remember how warmly Deidre and Albert Pujols
treated us at this event."
Click
here for photo slideshow.
|
