RUEGY’S READERS ROLLS INTO VEGAS, BABY!
Take one NFL vet dedicated to seeing kids enriched by books. Add an amazing go-getter spouse who puts the Energizer Bunny to humiliating shame. Sprinkle in a hefty network of friends, family and teammates whose support has them traveling from all over the country. Blend in generous amounts of donations, volunteer time, and corporate sponsorships. Mix thoroughly, bake on high for three days in a scintillating desert environment, and whaddaya got? The 3rd Annual Ruegy’s Readers Bowling For Books.
The NFL invades the Suncoast Casino's Bowling Alley
A couple of months ago we interviewed Grey Ruegamer about his charitable foundation, Ruegy’s Readers, (RR), which supports library programs for elementary school children. Fast-forward to the last weekend in April, as the organization’s annual fundraising shindig descends upon Grey’s hometown of Las Vegas.
The festivities kicked off on Thursday evening with a private party at New York New York Hotel’s uber-hip nightclub, ROK Vegas. In the lowlit, high energy ambiance, images of Grey hanging with kids from the RR program and some awesome gridiron shots flashed across the 360-degree screen high above the crowd to classic rock tunes. Paying tribute to the RR cause were roving models fully decked out in colorful storybook character costumes. (I actually bumped into Snow White, Goldilocks, Little Red Riding Hood, the Big Bad Wolf, and Scheherazade).
Snow White waits for her prince
Friday saw the group gather at the main venue for the weekend, the Suncoast Casino. A luau-themed pool party made for a fun and relaxing time for players and friends to bag some rays and catch up on each other’s lives before Saturday’s bowling bash.
Volunteers sport some Super Bowl bling
A silent auction preceded the tournament, featuring coveted goodies like airline tickets and travel packages, designer handbags, NFL game tickets and killer sports paraphernalia. When the auction wrapped, it was time to get serious…bowlers grab your balls!
The gleaming lanes at Suncoast
The bowlfest, which raised just shy of $90,000–woo hoo!!–was all fun and good vibes, with food and drink as rampant as the biceps…and camaraderie just as thick.
A young bowler is bowled over as retired NFLer Joe Andruzzi lends him one of his (three) Super Bowl rings
NY Giant Jonathan Goff wears a smug smile after blasting some pins to smitherines
Man of the hour Grey Ruegamer flanked by teammates...wife Laurie and mom Lynne
Incredible time had by all. The Ruegamers are the real deal: generous, warm, hospitable, fun-loving; in short, the kind of people where you hope that some-of-what-they-got rubs off on you. Their energy is contagious and their efforts inspiring. Congrats to all involved…and to the lucky kids who will reap the rewards!
Me and the big guy. (With a full foot and a half height difference, I'm not sure he even knew I was in the shot.)
Lisa,
You’re amazing! Did you make a strike? Great article once again…..
Love Jackie
Great! Makes me want to get out there myself and try to make a difference!