Community Corner

Jablonski Family Offers Thanks After Gala

A fundraiser was held for Jack Jablonski on Thursday.

After a star-studded gala on Thursday for Jack Jablonski, his mother, Leslie Jablonski, took to CaringBridge to offer her thanks to all involved.

The Thursday gala brought hundreds of hockey dignitaries and others to the Xcel Energy Center for $150 per ticket—money that went toward . Jack Jablonski is a  hockey player who sustained a severe spinal cord injury in a game last December. 

Before the big event, hockey star Jeremy Roenick—who was a special guest at the gala—hosted a fundraising skate with youth hockey players at the . We've got and from that.

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Here is Leslie Jablonski's full CaringBridge post:

The Jablonskis are still on a high from the BEL13VE In Miracles Gala on Thursday night. 

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I've been struggling to write this post because I can't seem to find the right words to describe how incredible the gala was.

First of all, it was breathtaking to see nearly 1,000 people dressed in white. Kind of angelic. Wondering if local retail sales of white clothing hit an all-time high this summer. 

There were so many awe-inspiring sights to see. All of the posters and banners sent to Jack lined the walls of the Xcel Energy Center. Signed jerseys were mounted on hockey stick stands created by the very talented Anthony Regole (www.chairbuilt.com). Videos created by brilliant filmmakers, graphics that were cutting edge, even a glossy magazine, provided stunning visuals. 

NHL players, including Zach Parise and Ryan Suter, so graciously paid their way in support of Jack and the Fund In Need for the Christopher and Dana Reeve Foundation and Courage Center. They signed autographs and brushed elbows with the crowd. Super nice guys. All of them. The NHL should be proud. 
Then there was Dennis Hull. He could be the funniest man alive. His performance was hilarious and his delivery (that grin!) was next to none. 

The MN Wild, who hosted the event, so willingly donated the X for the gala. They have been beyond generous and supportive. A top-notch organization, to say the least. And a special thanks to Lou Nanne (event chairman), Tom Hauser (emcee), Kurt Johnson (auctioneer), and Rob Shaver who sang the most moving performance of the song he created for Jack, "We'll Watch Over You" (available on iTunes).

Our gratitude also goes out to the numerous sponsors and businesses who eagerly participated in the event and/or donated their goods, services and items for the silent and live auctions. 

And Jeremy Roenick, hockey great and friend to Jack and our family (pictured with Jack and Max), took time out of his insanely busy schedule to fly out for the event. He conducted a hockey clinic at the SLP Rec Center on the afternoon of the gala and created a memory maker for the kids who participated in the skate. 

He was our special guest in the evening, and he made everyone around him feel welcome. He happily posed for pictures with hundreds of fans, he chatted with the guests, and he delivered an inspiring and heartwarming speech as he took to the stage during dinner. The evening would not have been the same without him. And neither would the dance floor! Thanks JR for all that you've done for us.

None of this would have been possible without the endless efforts made by the "Gala Girls" - Cheryl, Peggy, Janice, and the wonderful women who donated their time - and so much of it - to make the evening as incredible as it was. Every detail was thought of by these talented and generous ladies, who I hope are enjoying a relaxing weekend with their families who didn't see much of them for the last few months. 

Also a huge thank you to Dan, John, John, and the many men who kept us all in line and helped make smart decisions. Your expertise, patience, and time are greatly appreciated. You may return to your wives and families now. 

It was so overwhelming to see so many volunteers, all with smiles on their faces, as they donated their time to do the dirty work at all hours of the day (and night). Many, many thanks.

And finally, to our friends, family and supporters, who came to the gala, to those who weren't able to make it but were there in spirit, and to those who tried to get tickets but couldn't, we thank you from the bottom of our hearts.

Thursday, July 26th was probably the best night of our lives. We've come a long way from December 30th and it felt sooo good to celebrate Jack and be surrounded by the outpouring of love and support from such a wonderful community. 

Simply a miraculous experience for all who BEL13VE.


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