August 2008

Lacey Ram Hosts 15 Year Old-Grey Bogle, a Make-A-Wish Recipient

Make-A-Wish grants wishes to children with life threatening medical conditions to enrich the human experience with hope, strength and joy. A few weeks ago, I received a phone call from Brett Merrick who is an Employee Benefits Consultant to Ram International. He asked if we would be willing to host Grey and his family. Grey’s wish was a shopping spree at Cabela’s Outdoor Store and a meal at his favorite restaurant-The Ram. I was humbled that The Ram was mentioned as his favorite restaurant. This past Sunday (August 3rd) we hosted Grey and his Make-A-Wish entourage. As you will see below, we made a difference. Thanks to Lacey Ram for going above and beyond!

E-Mail From Chris at Lacey Ram…

We just got done hosting our new pal, 15 year old Grey Bogle and the Make-A-Wish party. It was a great time for our guests as well as our team. It was perfect. We couldn’t have asked for a better day. When they got here in the long Hummer Limo they noticed the welcome sign, with his name on the marquee and took pictures of Grey in front of it.

Our host team, as well as Donna and I, welcomed them at the door. In honor of his visit, our entire team wore lime green ribbons (for his type of cancer). Grey's Mom, Faith, noticed the ribbons right away and thanked us. We escorted the group to the Fireside Room decked out in blue, green and white balloons (Mariners colors). Jessica Reeder was the server for the group and did an excellent job of keeping on top of all of the guests needs. When they got seated I knelt down next to Grey's mom and told her to please feel free to order anything on our menu for her and her guests because the entire bill was on us. She seemed surprised and I told her "please just enjoy your family and have fun".

Grey ordered a bacon burger. The kitchen team made a special full pound patty version on an honored guest plate and was served to the table by Reesie House. They took a picture with Reesie and Grey together. As desserts were ordered and being prepared, we presented Grey with a few gifts. A Seahawks hat and Mariners hat, as well as an autographed jersey signed by J.J. Putz of the Mariners (Grey's face lit up like fireworks on July 4th). Joe Chirhart made a special big chocolate shake and surprised us all with a gift out of his own pocket for Grey- a pair of Mariners shorts. When they were finished with dessert, we gave him the gift from Harley Davidson, a cool shirt with H.D. logos and told him about the special surprise– a ride on a Harley. We then gathered all the girls in the restaurant to take a picture with Grey (he jumped right up and was grinning from ear to ear as our ladies gathered around him). He also wanted a picture with Joe and then one with Donna and I.

Donna and I escorted the entire family over to the Harley store where we were met by Judd with Harley Davidson who told Grey to “pick one out, we are going for a ride". Grey was excited, as well as a little nervous, as the loud bike roared away across our parking lot. We took lots of pictures as well as held back tears for a great young man and a very special family. This was one of the best days I can remember in my time here at the Ram. Our team was so excited and proud to be a part of the Make a Wish day. Donna and I had great pride in our team as well as our company. I hope we can do more special events in the future.

Thank You to all who helped make this day one that I and our team, as well as our special guests, will not soon forget.

August birthday greetings to: Christopher Gombosky, James Cassidy, Mary Wawrin, Cindy Robbins, Rob Lady, Blake Miller, Joaquin Gomez, James Quilter, Marcelino Gomez, Stanley Robinson, Scott Hull, Steisha Anderson, Noelle Olesh, Evan Ault, William Eye, Jose Torres, Jim Davis, John Ewing, Tom Nelson, Jerome Becraft, Michael Cass, Marsha Rosa, Dennis O’ Harrow, Jeremy Huyett, Melchor Tafolla, Ross Katz, Sean DeCosta, Mario Rodriguez, Jennifer Rogers-Dolan, Tom Lubarsky.

A sincere expression of gratitude to the following team members who celebrate significant anniversaries with Ram International this August: Barbara Zieseniss (10 years), Erik Lenderman (10 years), Von Andrews (15 years), Gerard Boyle (11 years), and Ryan Knoblock (10 years).