We All Benefit - Week of Sept. 22nd

"Alone we can do so little; together we can do so much." ~Helen Keller

In our community, there are multiple organizations doing good things.  We feel fortunate to be connected to so many.  Those connections are because of Cam.

Thursday marked the 4th annual benefit for Be Cafe, originally known as Brody's Be Cafe.  It has grown into six locations in the last 5 years! The theme "Good is Growing" was such a poignant title for the coffee shop with a purpose.  Cam has volunteered for the cafe since its inception and Jane has been a board member for the duration.  Semi-formal attire for a garden party was requested for the event.  Cam and his mom were asked to be greeters and welcome all attendees and answer any questions.  Cameron took his role quite seriously ensuring that guests had a bidder number and knew where things were. The chauchetiere table was most impressive along with the delicious food and mini bundt cakes for dessert.  The silent auction and live auctions were lively and fun.  The heartfelt stories of new employees ("Be"ristas) and growth was emotional for everyone in attendance.  A live band and dancing closed out the event.

Next up was a packed weekend of activities.  Early Saturday, Chris was on his way to set up for the Lori's Voice Walk at the Veteran's Park.  Jane and her son arrived before the announcements began.  Everyone who signed up received a shirt and bag of information.  Many sponsors were there and Cam even had time to chat with the founder, Lori Hastings.  Fishbeck colleagues of Chris were present and Cam's dad was proud that his company sponsored the Be Benefit as well as the Lori's Voice Walk!

Jane and her son made their way around the track and talked to sponsors and friends before they exited.  Cam wanted to make it in time for the West Michigan Miracle League baseball game.

We arrived before the national anthem and Auntie Jo was the first one to find us. Since Cam's team had the 11:30 start time, Jane thought there may be some Cam Fans in attendance.  Ms. Cris and her daughter Mary Jo and Ms. Kathy and her husband Kevin were cheering on Cam as well.  They've collectively never missed attending a game in every one of Cameron's seasons.  It was fun to catch up on life with all of them.

That afternoon we welcomed Amanda and her daughter Sally.  They were attending the Lainey Wilson concert that evening with Jane.  

Sunday morning, we said goodbye to our friends as they made their way back to Ann Arbor.  Cam and his parents left about the same time to venture to Newaygo.  The senior class of Forest Hills Northern were meeting at Camp Henry to hang out together.  One of the activities on the agenda was for each senior to paint a ceiling tile.  The tiles are then placed in their high school ceiling recognizing the graduates.  Cam was a little apprehensive about the day, unsure if he'd be able to do everything.

We dropped him off before lunch and picked him up a little after 7pm.  He told us he shouldn't have been nervous at all and declared it was a very fun day!

At the ball game, Cam's former grade school teacher Ms. Kathy, told us she has a special place in her heart for her former student.  She also said something that completely rings true... 

Some of us collect things. Cam collects people.

Camology Quotes:

Cam is always thinking ahead.  Wednesday evening, he asked if he could take his Thursday shower after school.  His parents were a bit puzzled by this until he reminded them that the Benefit may go later than expected and he had school the next day.  Then, he added the following comment:

"Everyone will benefit at the Benefit if I take my shower early!"