Christian Family Day at Busch June 27th

By Jim Day

What does the smiling face of a child, a concert by NewSong, and a hotdog at a Cardinal baseball game have in common? Try the 19th Annual Christian Family Day (CFD) at Busch Stadium on June 27th! “NewSong’s music is so inspiring and upbeat in its message. They put on an awesome praise and worship concert”, said Judy Boen, Chairman & Founder of CFD. “We’re very excited to once again have Evangelist Tony Nolan as our featured speaker. His story of abuse as a child and how God healed his heart through his faith in Jesus is incredible!” continued Boen.

The event takes place behind the Cardinal’s dugout after the 12:10 p.m. inter-league game against the Minnesota Twins on June 27th. Cardinal and Twins players will share their Christian testimonies; and the Christian musical group NewSong will lead everyone in praise and worship. Aeneas Williams, former St. Louis Rams, and his wife Tracy will be this year’s Honorary Chairmen and KTRS AM 550’s McGraw Milhaven will serve as the day’s Master of Ceremonies for the post game event.

Sean Glanvill, of Wildwood, Missouri is the 2009 Poster Child Christian Family Day. Sean suffered a brain injury as the result of a car accident in May 2007. He was given only a one-percent chance of survival. Sean fought back and his family and friends never gave up hope, praying endlessly for his recovery. His recovery is a true miracle and testimony of the power of God. “The Glanvill’s are patients of mine” said, Dr. Christe Boen Mirikitani D.C., “I watched as tragedy struck this Godly family. Their response to the accident and their faith in God really touched me. I hope that I could trust God that way if something like that happened to me.”

The theme for this years’ Christian Family Day is following the fact that the All-Star Game will be held in St. Louis this summer. We as Christians are all ‘stars’ for Jesus and therefore our 2009 theme is “Shine For Jesus.” Lisa Frank and Buz Phelan came up with the theme and Jason Mirikitani came up with the verse Philippians 2:15-16. Buz Phelan, of Phelan Designs, pulled it all together with his design for the brochure and tee-shirts. “We are so blessed to have such a creative committee. I’m just in awe of their talent and how God continues to put our event together each year,” said Judy.

The CFD Committee asked long time supporter, Dr. Joe Brooks, church administrator of West County Community Church, to throw out one of the first pitches. One of CFD sponsors for many years, Bob Beumer, owner of Hamilton Jewelers, will also throw out a pitch.

CFD begins at 9 a.m. in Kauffman Park where some 3,200 at risk kids and their leaders will be treated to a carnival atmosphere of games, motorcycles, a hot lunch, and ice cream from Cold Stone Creamery donated by Kevin Garrett from his Wildwood store. Special cookies will be made for each of the children by Maryanne Robinson and the Jim & Jeremiah Panhorst families. Clowns, face painting and balloon animals, made by Jason Mirikitani, are sure to be a big hit with the kids. The Gideons will also be on hand giving out Bibles and CFD’s famous Christian baseball cards will also be given to each child.

As in years past (and always a big hit with young and old alike), while the kids are enjoying themselves in the park, hundreds of volunteers will be passing out CFD’s special testimony baseball cards at Busch Stadium. Last year 100,000 cards were given out as Cardinal fans entered the stadium and the CFD Committee plans to pass out twice that number this year. The cards look similar to regular baseball cards; however, the player’s testimony and the plan of salvation are printed on the back of the card which makes them a great way to get readers thinking about their relationship with Jesus.

During the National Anthem, nine children will stand next to a Cardinal player at their position and receive an autographed baseball and a hug from their favorite player. The Cardinal Care organization, thanks to Michael Hall, will give each of the kids a coupon for a free drink and hotdog during the game.

“This year the Cardinals have given us over 9,000 tickets to sell,” stated Ticket Chairman for CFD Sherri Gandillon. “The sales are going very well and we’ll probably draw from 14 states all around the St. Louis area.”
Tickets to the game for the kids are provided by the CFD Committee through ticket sales and donations. “We have to raise over $90,000 to be able to give 3,200 kids this great day” said Jo Beaman. “Our cost is $30 per child to treat them to the carnival style picnic, a hot meal and to send them to the ballgame. I can’t begin to tell you how appreciative we are of our sponsors, donors and volunteers in making this happen.” continued Beaman.

Christian Family Day hosted the First Annual McGraw Milhaven Charity Golf Classic in April of this year to help raise money for their efforts with at risk kids and kids with life threatening illnesses. The event was organized by Karen Cole, Development Director for CFD and McGraw Milhaven, host of the Morning McGraw Show on The Big 550 KTRS Radio. “The CFD Board was looking for other ways to raise money to work with at-risk children and children with life threatening illnesses throughout the year,” said Karen. “After talking with McGraw, a golf tournament seemed to be a perfect fit. The day far exceeded our expectations.”

The sponsors for this year’s event include Christian radio station KSIV 1320 AM & 91.5 FM, 91.1 WIBI, American Arts & Associates, Big River Media, Cass Bank, Chick-Fil-A, Christian Financial Services, Classic Aire Care, Cold Stone Creamery, Curves (141 & Big Bend), Dierbergs Family Markets, Dr. Kevin Morgester, D.M.D., Duncan Financial, Garlich Printing, J.K. Music Repertoire, KEZK 102.5 Soft Rock, Living Water Academy, the St. Louis MetroVoice Christian Newspaper, MSG Jewelers, ProPrint, Spirit FM, Pujols 5, St. Louis Cardinals, The Big 550 KTRS Radio, The Cupcakery, Turn-Key Video Works and Y98 Radio.

The post game activities will take place behind the Cardinal dugout as some estimated 20,000 fans will fill in around the dugout, left to right field and the upper deck. Praise and worship will be led by the Christian musical group NewSong. This year several Cardinal players will share their faith and will include Kyle McClellan, Albert Pujols, Yadier Molina, Adam Wainwright, Skip Schumaker, Ryan Franklin, Jason Motte and Dave McKay. Their wives are also very involved in promoting the event.

CFD is honored to have two inspiring guest speakers this year. Cindy Winters will encourage everyone as she shares how the love of Jesus Christ was unwavering during the tragic loss of her husband, Pastor Fred Winters. Derek Glanvill, father of our 2009 Poster Child, Sean Glanvill, who will share how prayer and steadfast faith in Jesus can help see you through tough times. Tony Nolan will tie it all together and the day will end with a mini concert by NewSong.

It’s not too late to get your tickets to this awesome event. To order tickets call (636) 227-9788 or order online at www.ChristianFamilyDay.com. Remember that a portion of every ticket sold goes to provide a Christ centered day at the ballpark for a child at risk. Come hear how YOU can Shine for Jesus!