25 Years Of Giving Continues As Lori Craven Memorial Presents Cheques

Rainy skies couldn’t dampen the spirit at Lloydminster’s Statue of Hope on Monday, September 7, as members of the Lori Craven Memorial Ball Tournament committee, supporters and families gathered for one of the most meaningful parts of the annual event; giving back to those facing serious illness.

The gathering followed the 25th annual Lori Craven Memorial Ball Tournament, with funds being distributed to more than a dozen recipients to help ease some of the financial burden that can accompany illness and other setbacks. Not all recipients were able to attend the presentation, with some cheques accepted on behalf of others, and additional names are still being brought forward for assistance.

The presentations followed another remarkable year of community generosity, with the 2026 tournament, held August 15 and 16.

“You showed up. You supported. You gave,” the Lori Craven Memorial Ball Tournament committee shared following the presentation. “And together, the 25th Annual Lori Craven Memorial Ball Tournament raised an incredible $143,000!”

For committee member Deanna Wandler, the success of the tournament comes down to the people who continue to support it year after year.

“The support of the community is what keeps the tournament going year after year,” Wandler said. “The committee we have is amazing. They put in a lot of hard work and time collecting auction items and putting together the tournament, but it’s the people who show up.”

That support comes from every corner of the community: ball players, sponsors, silent auction donors, volunteers and spectators, as well as those who purchase food, support the beer gardens and bid on auction items throughout the weekend.

“It takes a village and we are so proud of what has been created,” Wandler said.

Behind all of the fundraising, activities and celebrations remains the purpose that has guided the Lori Craven Memorial for a quarter of a century.

“We just want to be able to ease some of the financial burden that individuals and families have when they are faced with illness and setbacks,” Wandler said.

The $143,000 grossed this year brings the memorial even closer to an extraordinary milestone of $2 million raised over its 25-year history.

The committee is hoping it won’t have to wait until next year’s tournament to reach that mark.

Through a partnership with The Motley Troupe dinner theatre taking place in November, Wandler said the committee is confident the additional fundraising could push the 25-year total to $2 million. Adding another connection to the milestone, The Motley Troupe dinner theatre is also celebrating its 25th year.

And while Monday’s presentation was an opportunity to see some of that generosity placed directly into the hands of those who need it, the work continues.

“There are more cheques to come, more people to help and more good to do,” the committee stated.

The presentation evening followed a milestone 25th tournament that was dedicated in loving memory of Connie Born, Dianne McKevitt and Bill Parke.

Among the many highlights from the August weekend was a record-breaking effort by young tab collectors Cutler and Brekken.

The boys collected an astounding 244 pounds of tabs, breaking the tournament’s previous tab-collecting record. With approximately 1,700 tabs making up a pound, their collection represented an estimated 414,800 individual tabs.

Those tiny pieces of aluminum added up to something much bigger, resulting in a $585.60 donation to the memorial.

The committee thanked Paul Klassen of PWM Steel Services Ltd. for his continued support in making the tab fundraiser possible and has already issued the challenge to begin collecting for the 2027 tournament in hopes of breaking the new record.

Another special moment during the tournament was the presentation of the annual Char Jezowski Spirit Award.

The award recognizes a player who demonstrates sportsmanship, a love for the game and the spirit that has become synonymous with the Lori Craven Memorial Ball Tournament.

This year’s recipient was Justus Voss, a longtime participant in the tournament who was recognized for his sportsmanship, respect for others and genuine love of the game.

Adding to the significance of the presentation, Voss received the award from members of Char’s family: Blaine, Britt, Bradenn, Charlette and Raya.

Factory Sports Excellence and Umbrella Marketing + Design Inc. sponsored the awards.

Monday’s gathering also included another gesture of appreciation when the Lori Craven committee was presented with cupcakes through the “Cupcakes for Caregivers” program with Live with Kurt Price, recognizing the people behind the work that has continued for 25 years.

The tournament itself may have ended three weeks ago, but the presentation at the Statue of Hope demonstrated why the Lori Craven Memorial has endured for a quarter of a century.

What began as a community effort to help one woman has continued through generations of volunteers, donors, players and supporters who have found their own ways to contribute — whether through thousands of dollars in donations or something as small as saving the tab from a beverage can.

Twenty-five years. Nearly $2 million raised. Countless lives touched.

And with the possibility of reaching that $2 million milestone before the year is out, the committee is already looking beyond it.

“Definitely looking forward to the next 25 years!” Wandler said.