Brad Bauer Memorial Fund
Brad C. Bauer was tragically killed in a car accident on November 8, 2002, but his memory lives on through the Brad Bauer Memorial Tournament. What started as a small softball tournament coordinated by Brad’s family and friends the summer after he passed away has grown into a full-blown weekend of fun for a good cause.
With the mission to remember Brad through activities and events that bring together friends, families and the community that Brad grew up in, and now in its 14th year, the weekend features a 5K, fun runs, volleyball and softball tournaments, raffles, a beer tent and food.
New this year are an expanded Kid Zone with children’s activities, Corn Hole Tourney, DJ with karaoke Friday and Saturday nights, and vendors available for shopping. There will also be a fun run and 5K in Brad’s memory.
“We added the Brad Bauer Memorial 5k & Fun Runs to the list of events on the Brad Bauer Memorial Weekend because we saw a great opportunity to add a running event in Spencer and there previously hadn’t been an event like that in our small town,” said Ben Bauer, run coordinator and Brad’s brother.
He added that the best part about the Brad Bauer Memorial 5k & Fun Runs is that it truly as an event for the entire family and participants don’t need to be avid runners to enjoy it.
“The 5k is a timed event for those who lace up their running shoes regularly and like a more competitive event,” said Bauer. “The 2 Mile Run/Walk is for those who want to take an easy stroll or jog through the race course and they can run when they want to!”
All ages are welcome, and kids can enjoy their own Kids Fun Run. All participants receive a goody bag with a t-shirt and lots of other freebies, including some extra gifts in the kids’ bags. To register for this year’s event visit www.bradbauermemorial.com
Headed by the nonprofit Spencer Community Boosters (SCB) organization, this year’s festivities will take place from Aug. 19-21 at the Spencer ARC Park.
“This is a great event to bring the family,” said Becky Gorst, President of Spencer Community Boosters. “The Kid Zone has activities for the kids all weekend, including games and inflatables, there is great food at the concession stand, and the Swamp Stompers will have their famous cheese curd/French fry stand.”
She added that all funds raised throughout the weekend will be put back into the Spencer Community.
Since its inception, The Brad Bauer Memorial Fund has contributed more than $42,000 to various community and youth programs and organizations, including Spencer Youth Recreations, Village of Spencer A.E.D. (Defibrillator) Program, maintenance and repairs at Spencer ARC Park, press box renovation at Spencer High School football field, and more!
Brad was a Spencer Pop Warner football coach. His interests included basketball, softball, golf and playing cards with family and friends.
“Brad was very involved in the Spencer Community, as was his family and friends. I think he’d be really happy that we are investing back into revitalizing the community and bringing activities back to the area,” said Gorst. “I personally am most impressed with the support we receive every year from our donors. Its also really great to see the new faces that stop in throughout the weekend and the number of people that come home for this weekend to get together with friends and have a good time.”
“I think the best part of the event is how Brad’s family and friends took a tragic and unfortunate event in his passing away and turned it into a reason for all of us to come back home to Spencer and remember him through family events that reconnect people and do good in the world,” added Ben. “I think that Brad would be most happy with the fact that every year people from Spencer and the surrounding communities get a chance to get together around some fun events and see each other, catch up, reminisce and have a great time.”
Other projects that have benefited from the Brad Bauer Memorial Fund include:
- Concession stand construction at Spencer H.S. football field
- Spencer H.S. Boys Basketball
- Spencer H.S. Baseball Club
- Spencer Kids Group (Children’s after-school/weekend organization)
- Spencer Rookie Rockets (In-school daycare program)
- King’s Food Pantry
- Christ the King Church Youth Group
- Children’s Miracle Network
- Spencer Youth Basketball
- Spencer Wrestling
- Spencer Music Department Uniforms
- Christ the King Church and PCCW
- Brad Bauer Memorial Scholarship (Awarded to a graduating senior from Spencer H.S.)
