I attended my first Tailgate event in 2016 as a newly matched mentor with the program. While there, my mentee Kiara and I met Darrell Thompson for the first time and was impressed by how generously our community supported this incredible program. We volunteered together for part of the event, enjoyed meeting the other phenomenal celebrity athletes, played games with fellow mentoring pairs, ate awesome food and perused the silent auction. We were both inspired by alumni pairs speaking at the event about their growth together and ongoing journey. We decided right then and there to follow in their footsteps!
Many years have passed since our first Tailgate experience, and like those inspiring pairs who spoke that evening, our journey together has been rewarding and impactful. I loved that Kiara was open to trying almost anything at least once. We did Zumba on the plaza, went to yoga classes, tried rock climbing, and participated in alumni trips to Montana and to the Boundary Waters Canoe Area (BWCA). My commitment to helping Kiara experience new adventures opened me up to new experiences as well.
We graduated from the one year program in 2017 but are still in regular contact. Kiara is on her way to earning her college degree (so incredibly proud of that lady!!!), and I am grateful to have joined Bolder Options’ staff. When we see each other now, we often go out to dinner to catch up on life and then I invite her to one of our program activities so we can keep trying new things together.
And this year, we are heading back to Tailgate again, me as a staff member and Kiara as an event volunteer. We are excited for the new location (Mayo Civic Center), the great band (Incognito) and to see all of YOU at this now FREE, family friendly event. Tailgate is an opportunity for everyone to come together, enjoy a great evening of fun, food, friendship, entertainment, and most importantly show your support for this much needed and highly impactful program. We hope you can all join us!
Tailgate
Saturday, July 13th
5:00 - 7:30 PM
Mayo Civic Center- Ballroom 1
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