2006 Event Recap

Speaking from the perspective of a person on the planning committee, I'll say that, every year, the run-up to our event is fast and furious - from planning logistics for the day itself to making sure we get some high quality silent auction items for everyone to bid on - but then it's somewhat saddening when the day comes and goes as fast as it does, and now we need to wait another 365 days until the next one. This year was particularly touching for our committee, as we're losing an integral part of our planning team in Chris Dewey. The picture below is David saying a few words about our various roles as we presented Chris with a small token of our appreciation for all she does for our annual event - Chris, as David said the other day, you'll be sorely missed but we'll still look forward to seeing you in the years to come!!!

As far as our recap this year, first things first - we have a preliminary total of $28,760 raised this year, which brings our 4-year cumulative total to nearly $112,000. If someone would've asked me (or I'm sure anyone in our small group) 4 years ago if we'd have reach this level 4 years later, I probably would've laughed out loud. But it goes to show what an unbelieveable "community" of friends, family and supporters can do when we all come together. Again this year, we had some very interesting auction items - from the Mercedes-Benz S-Class for a week (that Dave & Carol Busta, the high bidders on that item, will certainly enjoy on an upcoming vacation) to the beautiful quilts and sports-related items, we can't thank those responsible for donating all of the items enough for their continued support. We sure couldn't do what we do without your help.

The basketball tournament was a great success again this year too. It continues to amaze many of us just how intense some of the games are, but yet that everyone remembers the real reason we all gather, causing the level of sportsmanship to be kept top of mind. Team Cowley, defending champions the past two years, made it into the final game for what was a very spirited contest with Team Ganske, but the younger Ganske team prevailed to win their first men's championship, with Terry Donovan out of Eau Claire memorial (and a former UW Platteville teammate of Miah Ganske's) taking home the MVP trophy. In the women's bracket, Tara Sandkam's team took the championship in another narrow victory - the three ladies teams brought a tremendous amount of energy to the event this year, and we'll look forward to having them again next year!

Finally, as the 4th annual David Busta Basketball Tournament & Silent Auction saw another great year of success and growth, we all want to thank our sponsors, auction item donors, players, spectators, volunteers again for everything you all do to make this possible. A special thanks to Dave Sugar, Developmental Consultant from the Waisman Center on UW-Madison's campus (our benefactor of the event), for driving nearly 4 hours each way to come to Chetek for our event. It was great to have someone from the Waisman Center with us, and hopefully Dave will be able to share some personal insights about what our event is all about with his colleagues at the Waisman Center and the UW Foundation.

Happy Holidays,

- The Busta Planning Committee

Dave Sugar, David Busta, and Carol Busta