Santa Ana, CA-BAMMA USA will be present at the 5th Annual Orange County BBQ and Music Festival on June 9th, 2012 in support of Kristie’s Foundation for Critically Ill Children. Mixed
Martial Arts (MMA) fighter appearances, BAMMA USA giveaways, and a raffle for a VIP Package to Badbeat 6 will highlight BAMMA USA’s support for the fundraising event. All proceeds from the raffle will be donated to Kristie’sFoundation. BAMMA Nation is encouraged to attend the event which takes place at the Orange County Fair & Event Center (Costa Mesa, CA).
BAMMA USA continues to show its support to local charities, businesses, and community. In the past BAMMA USA has also teamed up with the Man-E Moreno Foundation, La Habra Lions Club, Healing Tyler Foundation, and the Ryan Bennett Foundation. BAMMA USA has also attended special communityevents that include the grand openings of Rampage Fitness Academy, Kings MMA, and Reign Training Center; and has also participated in the Orange County International Auto Show, the Los Angeles Fit Expo, and the SEMA Car Show.
About Kristie’s Foundation for Critically Ill Children
After losing her daughter Kristie in 1985, Laurie Kotas founded Kristie’s Foundation in response to a need. “There is a huge gap in care and support for the families that care for these incredible children. So I started the organization to help the families.” The BBQ initially was a gathering for families of critically ill children to enjoy a day at the park, aiding the children “to be a kid again instead of a
patient.” Under the suggestion from the BBQ association, the event started a BBQ cook-off contest and has since grown to become “one of the state’s largest BBQ cook-offs.” Attendance in the hundreds, at the first event five years ago, has jumped to over 10,000 in attendance, last year.
Butterfly Release takes Wishes to the Heavens
A traditional highlight of the fundraiser will take place on Saturday, June 9th, when butterflies will be released to take whispered wishes to the heavens, honoring those “that have left us” and encouraging those “that are left behind”. The wishes signify “strength and tranquility” for the children and families present, “long and happy lives” to the survivors with thanks for “showing us how to fight with courage and determination”, “energy and hope” to those currently fighting their battle with thanks for “showing us what true bravery is”, and “peace and love” for the children lost with thanks for the “joy and happiness they brought to us”.
The public can participate in the butterfly release in several ways; you may purchase your own butterfly ($10) to release at the event (event admission is separate). You may also purchase a butterfly or additional butterflies as a donation where upon one of the children of Kristie’s Foundation will release your donated butterfly. Supplies limited, please purchase your butterflies in advance of the event.*
100% of proceeds from the Fundraiser to Support Children’s End-of-Life Care go to fund Kristie’s Place, the Foundation’s main project. “Due to a desperate need, Kristie’s Foundation is raising funds to open Kristie’s Place, the first children’s end-of-life care facility of its kind, nationwide. Kristie’s Place will be a home away from home for the entire family. It will allow the final days of a dying child to be surrounded by their family while being cared for by Kristie’s medical and support teams. Kristie’s Place will provide families with all the help and support they need so their child can live fully and find comfort in their final days. Our focus will be on life!” (According to the Foundation’s website)
Kristie’s Foundation/Kristie’s Place
714-408-9781
Fax: 714-956-1475
info(at)kristies(dot)org (email)
http://kristies.org
Corporate Office:
1747 S. Claudina Way
Anaheim, CA 92805
About the OC BBQ & Music Festival
The two day festival is in its fifth year, and it continues to grow every year. Some of this year’s happenings include*:
• Southern California’s largest BBQ Competition and Cook-Off (over 70 award winning BBQ Teams)
• Music Festival with “Star Power Talent” (both days)
• Beer & Wine Tasting
• Premium Car Show (Saturday only)
• Kids Zone (petting zoo, inflatables, face painting and much more”
• California’s only Mr. BBQ Pageant!
• Rib Eating Contest
• Live Butterfly Celebration (Saturday at Noon)
All online ticket buyers who purchase their tickets prior to June 5, 2012 12 noon, will be put into a special drawing to win VIP concert seating for 4! The winner will be announced on the http://www.OCBBQFestival.com website (http://cabbqfestival.com/) on June 6th*. Ticket prices range from $10 (child-one day) to $25 (adult-two day). Entry fees for competitions and VIP ticket as well Butterfly ticket information and purchases can be found on the website (http://www.eventbrite.com/event/2958674475/efblike)
The 2012 Orange County BBQ & Music Festival
June 9 & 10, 2012
OC Fair & Event Center
88 Fair Drive, Costa Mesa, CA
Hours of operation
Saturday: 10am-9pm
Sunday: 11am-4pm
*=information provided by published information on official website, subject to change
