St. Michael Family's Tournament Helping Strike Out MS

Big hearts can mean big fun, and in the case of the Hegg family of St. Michael, it can mean big money as well.

Recently, Christine and Rob Hegg, and more than 50 of their closest friends and family, gathered to raise over $1,300 for Multiple Sclerosis via a full day of softball tournaments that ended with a party with a purpose. This year was the Heggs’ fifth year of hosting their softball tournament and each year it grows. The last two years, Rob and Christine decided to capitalize on the success of the day, and turn the event into a fundraiser for causes close to their heart.

In 2010, Christine walked in the Susan G. Komen 3 Day Walk For the Cure and raised more than $1,000 towards her personal goal just from tournament proceeds. Christine was walking in honor of her aunt who was battling breast cancer.

This year, the Heggs chose to sponsor a personal friend living with MS, Kelli Marsh. The money the softball tournament raised went to sponsor Kelli in an upcoming MS Society Challenge Walk in her home state of California. Last year, Kelli’s team raised $54,000 for the MS Society. Kelli is hoping to raise $100,000 this year, and the Heggs’ softball donation will put Kelli that much closer to her goal.

The Heggs don’t just toss some balls, then toss some brats on the grill, and call it day. This is an event. Planning starts months in advance, as Rob and Christine start calling local businesses to sponsor the event financially or donate items for the silent auction.

Businesses are eager to step up and donate.

“Oh, yeah! Every business I approached was happy to help. It was great. Everyone stepped up” Rob said.

The Heggs send out online invitations to play, requesting early RSVP’s as spots fill quickly. Teams are formed and decked out in matching colored team shirts. Rules are sent out in advance and referees brought in.

Three full games are played on a local ball field – reserved special for the day. The day is all about fun and fundraising – but the game is serious! Many of these players play on leagues around town and past years have even seen some professional Minnesota Swarm Lacrosse players participating.

After the game – all the players and spectators returned to the Hegg home for a long night of celebration. Tents and tables adorned the yard and driveway and the garage was filled with silent auction and raffle items. The Heggs run their event like a well oiled machine and make certain everyone enjoys the day.

Later in the evening, the guest of honor Kelli Marsh, gave a speech thanking everyone for putting their efforts and dollars to battle her disease.

“I felt so honored both by Rob and Christine’s friendship, but also that they would do this for me and my MS walking team. It meant so much to me that Rob chose my cause to support with his friendship and kindness. They day was super fun – they were super serious about the game – but what a great day! I am so thankful to everyone!” Kelli shares.

The event has grown from a few dozen people to the current situation where they actually turn away interested players. Always the last weekend in July, folks know to leave the weekend open.

This year ran four full teams with each team playing three full games. Rob and Christine intend to continue this event into the future.

Five-year tournament veteran Megan Spaulding summed up why she returns each year.

“It’s great to see returning players and meet new ones," she said. "Getting to play with different people every year keeps it fun and new. Plus it’s for a great cause. It’s the first date to go on our calendar every year.”

Christine shares what motivates them to keep this tradition alive.

“You know life gets so busy, everyone has so much going on you really want to see everyone but it doesn’t always happen. This is a way we can see many of our friends, and do a great thing at the same time,” she said.

Christine and Rob wished to recognize all the local businesses and individuals that went out of their way to donate to help support the fight against MS.

Local businesses that donated were as follows:

• Sportsman’s Basket donated by Rev’s Gunsmithing & Supply
• Two $50.00 gift certificates donated by Albertville Car Care Center
• A $25.00 Gift Card donated by St. Michael Hardware Hank
• Gentlemen’s’ Package donated by Westside Liquor, Albertville, Minn.
• Rapala Fishing gear donated by Dustin Butler and Rapala
• $100 Non-prescription sunglasses and a gift certificate donated by Cheri Butler and Eye West Vision Clinic in St. Michael and Rogers
• 2 cases of bottled water and gift certificates donated by Magic Water of St. Michael
• 18 holes of golf at Cedar Creek donated by Cedar Creek Golf Course
• Buffalo Wild Wings gift basket donated by Courtney Casey
• Massage and chiropractic care donated by Great River Spine and Sport
• $30.00 gift card donated by Axle’s Tavern in Loretto
• Two $50.00 Mobil gift cards donate by Jen Spaulding at Oconto Mobil
• 1 weekend nights stay and breakfast for two donated by the Crown Plaza, Plymouth Minn.
• Margarita Basket donated by Chop’s Bar in Hanover
• Coffee Lover’s Basket donated by Rob & Christine Hegg
• Movie Night Basket donated by Rob & Christine Hegg
• Wine Lovers Basket donated by Tim & Terri Casey
• Wave Armor and 10’ Impulse Kayak with paddle donated by Innovative Outdoor Solutions
• Aprilair Whole House Humidification System donated by Apex Heating & Air
• Cut, Color, Conditioning Treatment donated by Toni Casey & Coalee Carlson
• 4 tickets to the Little River Band, one night at the Medina Inn and $25.00 gift card to Robert’s Bar & Restaurant donated by the Medina Entertainment Center
• St. Paul Saints Package (two packages to be raffled off) donated by Cbeyond.
• Ladies Day at the Salon Package donated by Jon Doll Studios Salon in Roseville