Yesterday, we were recognized at the Illini game as the founding members of the Orange Krush Foundation Board. The Foundation was the brain child of Dr. Michael Raycraft. It’s crazy to think that I was a part of the foundation in its infancy,… operated out of a small cubicle, overseen by one staff member, Michael, and a few college kids, Chris Tuttle, Chip Jorstad, Alex Marks, and myself, has to date raised close to $3 million dollars. Amazing!!!
Having lunch with ‘the crew’ and reminiscing of the good ole days, sharing stories providing lots of laughter… picking back up right where we left off was so good for my soul.
We got a tour of the new State Farm Center which blew me away. I had no idea how extensive the renovations beyond the arena area were. The Orange Krush are now treated like royalty with pre-game events held at Memorial Stadium and their very own club at the State Farm Center complete with massive TV’s, private bathrooms and their own concession stand. It’s a wee bit different than our Orange Krush pre-game parties in the 90’s at Kams Champaign. ha!
I loved being able to share this opportunity with my middle boy. His dream is to be able to put his passion for photography and philanthropy (such as mission trips and raising money for people in other countries to have clean water) together as he gets older.
He couldn’t believe I hadn’t ever told him about something that I helped get off the ground that has raised so much money. He actually said, “You started a foundation that has raised millions and you didn’t think this was important enough to share with your kids!?” He was truly baffled that I never told them. My boy was so proud of me. He was amazed at how big the foundation has become and loved knowing his mom was a part of it on day one all those years ago. It was fun to share a piece of my ‘past’ (pre-kids) with him and see his excitement for it all.
I’m hopeful that hearing the stories first hand about a few people in a little cubicle who had a great idea and a passion to see it through amidst challenges will inspire him. We persevered and laid the groundwork for Michael’s vision that continues to make an impact 20 years later.
You don’t have to be someone ‘important’ to make a difference. If his mom can do it, so can he. 🙂 Let it be an encouragement to him as he continues his journey in life to help others with the gifts God has given him.
So thankful to Chris Tuttle and the entire UI Athletic department for organizing a reunion that got most of us back together again. Sure hope we do it again in a few years so Alex can make it as well. It was fun reliving college memories and my days as the Orange Krush advisor when I worked at the DIA in the marketing department right after college. Sure hope we don’t wait another 20 years to get together again.
Oskee Wow Wow!
XOXOXO,
Heather
Heather is the owner of Sweet Lemonade Photography and co-owner of Sweet Darling Weddings located in central Illinois (Mahomet). Life gave her a bunch of lemons (you can read a little more here) and by keeping her focus on God, finding the positive in each day, and surrounding herself with supporting, loving and encouraging people she has turned those lemons into the sweetest lemonade. This blog has been created to share her heart, her adventures and find ways to bless others. You can contact her at heather@sweetlemonadelife.com.
Membership in the Orange Krush is open to any student who is a member of Illini Pride, the school-wide student athletic boosters.