Okay back for a brief bit but for a good reason, been getting a ton of emails and I appreciate them all. It may not be long before I am back for good and have been having people sending numerous emails each day. Again, it is appreciated. I did want to give some information about an upcoming event, The Tyler Graebner Benefit Golf Tournament. Now to some they may say that I am off peddling my goods again, I won’t tell you what I think of those individuals. After spending a good deal of time with the Graebners the other day, I told them that I would make the announcement here on the board. This post will be somewhat lengthy but I ask individuals to read through it, spread the word and let’s help promote Kansas wrestling and opportunities for our kids who don’t have as much as others.
Please feel free to email or call me for information regarding obtaining flyers and information. For those who think I peddle to much on the internet, note I am again, actually loosing money on this, I nor the Graebners will make a dime. Every penny will go to the Tyler Graebner Foundation. I think it is time that some who do a lot of complaining stand up and be counted starting this next year. A lot of folks actually talk a lot about trying to help Kansas Wrestling, some actually try and do something about it. Here goes:
The Tyler Graebner Benefit Golf Tournament
September 17, 2005
Links At Pretty Prairie, In Pretty Prairie Kansas
4 Person Scramble, 18 Teams Maximum $50 Per Person (Prizes Awarded) Trophies for winners, closest to pin award, longest drive award, and more.
Shotgun Start 9:00 AM
On March 18, 2005 at approximately 8:30 PM 8-year-old Tyler Graebner left his shoes on the mat and retired from his long battle with cancer. As a wrestler he inspired Olympic, World, and NCAA Champions. In December of 2004 he was named The USA Wrestler of the Week for the inspiration he had provided so many. The legacy that he has left because of his battle will inspire and motivate many for years to come.
As a tribute to Tyler Graebner we have established The Tyler Graebner Foundation. The TGF is presently seeking 501- C3 status. This non-profit organization will work to keep Tylers love of sport alive.
We are currently looking for companies and/or businesses to sponsor holes in this annual benefit golf tournament. The cost of sponsorship per hole is $50 - $100. We also need prizes to raffle off. Those contributing will have their names displayed throughout the tournament.
The Tyler Graebner Foundation
Mission Statement
The Tyler Graebner Foundation exists to provide opportunities for the promotion and involvement of youth in sport. It also desires to provide emergency financial assistance for families and/or athletes facing unexpected financial burdens.
If wishing to make contributions to the Tyler Graebner Foundation you may visit his web site at
http://www.tylergraebner.com or send your contribution to The Tyler Graebner Foundation, Attention/ Mike Furches, 2404 Crawford, Wichita, KS 67217. for more information you may contact James or Christina Graebner at 620-474-2208 or 620-966-1292 or Mike Furches at 316-945-8485 or 316-841-5814 or email mike@furches.org
(1st 18 teams to sign up, pre register via contact information and/or at tournament between 7:30 AM – 8:30 AM. We do expect this tournament to fill up.)
Those sponsoring holes so far:
Bishop Carroll Kids Wrestling Club
Brawlers Wrestling Club
Matt Eck Real Estate
The following is a letter recently put out describing the Tyler Graebner Foundation:
The Tyler Graebner Foundation
Mission Statement
The Tyler Graebner Foundation exists to provide opportunities for the promotion and involvement of youth in sport. It also desires to provide emergency financial assistance for families and/or athletes facing unexpected financial burdens.
On March 18, 2005 at approximately 8:30 PM 8-year-old Tyler Graebner left his shoes on the mat and retired from his long battle with cancer. As a wrestler he inspired Olympic, World, and NCAA Champions. In December of 2004 he was named The USA Wrestler of the Week for the inspiration he had provided so many. The legacy that he has left because of his battle will inspire and motivate many for years to come.
As a memorandum to Tyler Graebner we have established The Tyler Graebner Foundation. The TGF is presently seeking 501- C3 status. This non-profit organization will work to keep Tylers love of sport alive.
The Tyler Graebner Foundation will serve various purposes. The Tyler Graebner Foundation will provide emergency, financial assistance to athletes or family who are going through unexpected financial burdens. This may include getting a loved one in for a funeral or helping supplement a parent’s salary who has run out of sick or vacation leave. The TGF will work with various business and individuals at assisting in airfare, accommodations, and more.
Tyler loved sports, and the International Wrestling Community supported Tyler and his needs in a unbelievable way. Tyler loved wrestling and he fought for his life with the skills learned from wrestling. In appreciation of the love shown, Tyler by the International Wrestling Community the TGF will provide assistance to wrestlers and their families who are in need of financial assistance. While the TGF hopes to eventually provide assistance to youth in all sports, the initial phase of support will come to those in the wrestling community.
The Tyler Graebner Foundation will assist in providing equipment for wrestlers and their families who have financial difficulty. Working with various tournaments and clubs to obtain non-claimed lost and found items, as well as local businesses the TGF will work at providing shoes, headgear, singlets, and other items. These items quickly add up in cost and this assistance can save families hundreds of dollars.
The Tyler Graebner Foundation also seeks to provide opportunities for youth to wrestle. Among the ways the TGF can do this is with the purchase of a USA Wrestling Card for individuals who have financial difficulties. This card provides not only membership to allow wrestling at various tournaments, it also provides base supplemental insurance. The TGF will also assist in providing those with financial difficulties some entry fees to local and national tournaments. Tyler loved to wrestle and through his memory from working with local and state organizations, we hope to provide numerous scholarship opportunities to wrestlers of all ages who seek to have the opportunity to do something they love.
Currently the Tyler Graebner Foundation is forming with the formation of a Board of Directors and an Advisory Board of Directors. We will do various fundraisers through out the year and provide opportunities for wrestlers of all ages. Tyler loved life, and he loved wrestling. We hope you can help in keeping his memory and love alive. If wishing to make contributions to the Tyler Graebner Foundation you may visit his web site at
http://www.tylergraebner.com or send your contribution to The Tyler Graebner Foundation, Attention/ Mike Furches, 2404 Crawford, Wichita, KS 67217. for more information you may contact James or Christina Graebner at 620-474-2208 or 620-966-1292 or Mike Furches at 316-945-8485 or 316-841-5814 or email mike@furches.org.
There is a lot in the works and we are trying to get a head start on the upcoming season. We hope to provide assistance to as many wrestlers as possible but we can’t do that without your help. We hope to be sending something to each club in the state of Kansas educating them about the program and our desire to help out wrestlers who may need equipment and/or assistance with USA fees and tournament entry fees. It is our desire that every wrestler in Kansas that wants to wrestle will be able to despite inability to pay. I would also strongly encourage each club to contact me regarding ways that you can help the TGF and ways that we may be able to help you. The first thing that clubs can do is donate used head gear, shoes, singlets and the like to provide wrestlers equipment that they may not be able to afford. You can send those items to the address listed above and we will provide that equipment and other services, free of charge to individuals that go through an application process. Thanks again, and hopefully those in our state can get behind the Tyler Graebner Foundation.