The 6th Annual Home Plate Gala for the Crescent Cove Hospice and Respite Home for Children
The new home of the Crescent Cove Hospice and Respite Home for Children in Brooklyn Center, MN.
I had the honor of donating my photography services for the 6th Annual Home Plate Gala for Crescent Cove. This magical event was held at the Minneapolis Marriott Northwest in Brooklyn Park, MN on Saturday, January 27th, 2018.
Megan Newquist and Glen Fladeboe
The Home Plate Gala was emceed beautifully by Megan Newquist from KSTP 5 Eyewitness News. In addition to the 6th Annual Home Plate Gala for Crescent Cove, Megan emcees many events for other groups and organizations across the Twin Cities. For years, Megan has volunteered with Shriner’s Hospital for Children, taking part in Camp Achieve and the Shriner’s Prom.
Auctioneer Glen Fladeboe from Fladeboe Auctions and event emcee Megan Newquist from KSTP 5 Eyewitness News.
Glen Fladeboe returned once again as the live auctioneer. With more than 20 years of experience as a professional auctioneer, his company, Fladeboe Auctions is one of the largest benefit auction companies in the nation. In addition to The Home Plate Gala, I’ve photographed alongside Glen at the Cystic Fibrosis Gala in past years too. Glen as good as it get’s when it comes to charity auctions!
Only The Third Hospice and Respite Home for Kids in America
The Home Plate Gala is now in its 6th year. It celebrates all the love, innovation, and teamwork that will culminate in the opening of the new facility in just the next few weeks! All of that hard work is finally coming to fruition!
This was an evening filled with wonderful stories, laughter, and some tears. When it opens for real in a few weeks, it will be only the third Hospice and Respite Home for Kids in the entire country. It is very much needed.
The goal all along has been the building and operation of the Midwest’s first children’s hospice and respite home. The camaraderie shared on this special evening was truly inspiring. It deepened the commitment to provide care, comfort, and support to thousands of families who have children with shortened life expectancy.
Baseball Legends
Several members of the Crescent Cove Dream Team and legends of baseball were in attendance. Newly elected Major League Baseball Hall of Famer Jack Morris and his wife Jennifer, Nita Killebrew, Tony and Gordette Oliva, Clyde Doepner, and Anita Oliva were all on hand. This was a wonderful evening of joy because, in 2018, we are finally “Heading for Home”!
Members of the Crescent Cove “Dream Team”. Jack Morris and his wife Jennifer, Anita Oliva, Tony Oliva and his wife Gordette, Nita Killebrew and Clyde Doepner, Team Curator for the Minnesota Twins Baseball Club.
Paul & Destini Molitor were unable to attend this year. They were in New York City so that Paul could accept the American League Manager Of The Year Award. Jack Morris said that that was an acceptable reason for them not to be there!
Our connection with this wonderful event stems from our friendship with the late Harmon Killebrew and his wife Nita. I am so honored to continue helping with one of Harmon’s favorite causes, The Harmon Killebrew Hospice Home for Kids Fund.
“Honorary Nonni”
As a surprise, Nita Killebrew was recognized as “Honorary Nonni” of Crescent Cove. She received a hand-tied blanket from Tana Wall that had a picture of her and Harmon on it. It was a surprise to both Nita and also to me as well! The photograph on the blanket of Nita and Harmon was one that I had taken of the two of them at Target Field back in 2010. I’m told that it is Nita’s favorite photo.
Nita Killebrew is now the “Honorary Nonni” at Crescent Cove. She received a hand-tied blanket from Tana Wall. Jack Morris and Katie Lindenfelser made the announcement.
The Harmon Killebrew Hospice Home for Kids Fund has now changed. It is now an endowment fund to help families to use this facility at no cost to them. Harmon would be very proud.
Below, there’s a little highlight video I put together that sums up this wonderful evening. More than $263,000 was raised on this special evening. All funds will go towards getting this much-needed home open in the next few weeks. It is nearly ready for these kids and the many families that need it so badly.
Please donate to this great cause if you can. Thank you! – M&J
“The 6th Annual Home Plate Gala For Crescent Cove” – © 2017 Michael Anderson Photography.
1/29/2018
“Dear Michael, You always do the most amazing job & your support means the world! Thank you for taking photos & for all you do for this mission for kids & families!
Thank you, Katie Lindenfelser” Founder & Executive Director, Crescent Cove