We did it.  And we did it big!  All of your efforts and preparation for the Benefit showed on Saturday.  I thought it was very organized and very well run.  Red shirts everywhere!!  Jazzercise was over then the hustling REALLY began!!  When I walked in early afternoon, I saw a roomful of people who hadn't slowed a bit.  Baskets everywhere, gift certificates displayed, so many donations from our area businesses with dedicated family and friends acquiring them.  Formal thanks to follow, after China. 
Despite the weather, people came to show us their love and support for the Queen, Miss Brooke.  People milling through the silent auction and bucket raffles, filling tables sitting with family and friends, mingling, seeing people we hadn't in a long time, 5 deep at the bar, and Brooke in her flashing tiara.  What a sight. 
The music was great, what a fun and talented 4 bands we could enjoy.  Thank you again to Sharp Band and Andrew C. (for you hustle to get them there and joining in!) The Mathew Haeffel Band - definitely need to set a date with Brother Gib and sister in law Missy to see you guys again soon, Velvet Jones - Jamie, you and your guys (and Monica too!) were awesome, thanks for the hat pass too, cousin Ben on guitar does it get much better?  And Cousin Mike, Axel, Dave, Dawn (that was a nice treat, that fiddle playin) and Ed drummin you were all wonderful and supportive throughout the day.  Dave, your sound and electronics expertise was put to good use that day.  Not to mention your bass playin!!  Thank you all for your time and effort for the occasion.  Everyone loved the music, heard that a lot that night and throughout the week.  While people were rockin upstairs, the food was flowin downstairs.  You gals had that place goin like a 5 star restaurant.  Nothing was missed, tables set up and covered, food out, coffee, milk, right down to the homemade cookies.  I need that recipe Kim, I didn't score any of those at the end of the night.  Accustom Catering surprised us with the pasta and garlic bread being their donation!! 
People were happy with their auction winnings and we've only a few items left to deliver.  Weather drove people out earlier than they would have preferred, so we brought some items home to disperse.  It's gone smoothly. 
Again, lots of hands in it.  After all the elves cleaned up the hall and band equipment was loaded, everyone was on their way.  Except Ed and I.  Some of you may have heard, Hwy. 11 West was quite a challenge.  2:30am , a semi, our van, and Ed's van full of prizes and equipment, came to a standstill in the road due to deep snow.  The snow was as high as the underbody of the van, and there we sat.  AAA was helpful.  "Sorry, those roads are closed and we cannot get anybody out there."   Beautiful.  Thanks for the great service.  Still need to call them...
So sit and wait for a plow.  Walworth County saw the importance of plowing Spring Prairie Road which is great, but failed to see us or the importance of maybe plowing a ....main highway!?  So get comfy, we're here til morning.  Finally 6am a plow came, shoveled us out and helped push us to the plowed area and finally, finally, we were on our way home.  Course got stuck in the street out front, but walk home we did.  An ending to an unforgettable evening. 
An evening we couldn't have experienced without each and every one of you out there.  Whether you donated an item, asked for a donation for the auction, bid on something, served food, mopped the floors, set up tables, took down tables again and again, cashed people out with their prizes, shoveled the sidewalk and a path to the van for us, hauled things out, hauled things in, baked cookies, cooked barbecue, sold raffle tickets (about 4500 actually!!) took door money for wristbands, served beer amongst the crowd (many's favorite service!) spread the word, talked with guests, chased to store, chased silent auction deliveries, made the signs, brought food, chased for beer, ran 50/50 raffle, played your music, took a coat, gave a hug, said a prayer, all of your attendance and those who attended in spirit, have all made this journey a reality for Brooke.  For that we thank you, our family is blessed with wonderful family, friends, and I know you all have a place in your heart for Miss Brooke, people who have never met her have offered so much.  I can't begin to express our thanks for the many ways we have seen so many contribute for Brooke's mission.  God bless you all,  Ed, Vicki, Brooke, and Brady Barels