We had a terrific turnout for the second annual Erik Kristensen Eye Street Klassic on May 1 at the Courses at Andrews Air Force Base. One hundred and ninety golfers enjoyed good times and great weather while honoring Erik’s legacy. You can see photos of the event at our website, www.KristensenKlassic.com.

Through the generosity and participation of sponsors, donors and golfers, we raised $40,000 that will go to Erik’s fund at Gonzaga. Those proceeds will be presented by RADM and Mrs. Kristensen and members of the Klassic committee to Gonzaga President, Rev. Allen P. Novotny, S.J., tomorrow, June 11 at Gonzaga. The proceeds from this year’s Klassic will allow us to give aid to a THIRD student whose parent(s) is in active military service. Right now, two students receive need-based financial aid from Erik’s fund. The ability to assist a new student comes solely from the generosity of those who supported this year’s Klassic.

We’re also glad to announce that Gonzaga alum and Klassic participant Chris Garner survived his Navy SEAL Adventure Challenge in late May. As you may recall, Chris was raising money from friends and family to support Erik’s scholarship. He raised $7,000, and we are grateful for his help.

Last, but not least, the date has been set for the third annual Klassic: Friday, May 7, 2010 once again at Andrews. We will let you know as soon as regstration opens up. Thank you for the support you’ve shown Erik, the Kristensens, and The Klassic.

Sincerely,

Andrew Battaile
Chairman, The Erik Kristensen Eye Street Klassic

In order to transfer his effort into assistance for military families, Chris asks that friends, family and corporations to consider sponsoring him for this event. “I have two ambitious goals,” he said. “One, to
complete the 6.5-day Navy SEAL Challenge and two, to meet my goal of raising $15,000 [one year of tuition at Gonzaga] for the LCDR Erik Kristensen Memorial Scholarship Fund.” Any consideration by making a pledge or donation toward this goal is appreciated, and all pledges/donations are tax deductible.

For pledging, many people are pledging a dollar amount per hour of physical/mental activity completed over the 6.5 days. Chris will be active for 21-22 hours daily or approximately 140 hours of “challenge time.” He has already received pledges ranging from $1/hr of accomplished activities to $11/hr of accomplished activities.

Donors can also make pledges/donations by going to: https://co.clickandpledge.com/sp/d1/default.aspx?wid=23827 or by sending a check payable to “Erik Kristensen Memorial Fund” to:

Christopher Garner
19117 Peach Blossom Ct.
Gaithersburg, MD 20879

You can contact Chris at chrisdgarner@hotmail.com. We thank Chris for thinking of The Klassic and generously reaching out to us. You can meet Chris at The Klassic on May 1 as he’ll be golfing with other members of the Gonzaga ’90 crowd!

More about the Navy SEAL Challenge:

“This SIX day event serves the purpose of giving candidates a small taste of what it’s like to be part of an active duty Navy SEAL Team – Special Operations Force (SOF) platoon. We take the toughest evolutions
of each SOF military school and pump them into one course… Our job is to mentally train you prior to your attendance in any SOF school. The ultimate goal of SOF Academy is to lower the attrition rate at all schools and produce more warriors to win the War on Terror.”

“Disciplines/Challenges include but not limited to:
Open Water Swims * Pool evolutions * Heavy Ruck Humps * Mission Prep * Survival * Beach Runs * Toughest PT on the plant * O-courses * Tactical Shooting * AFF Sky diving * Basic SCUBA * Sleep Deprivation * Land Navigation* Surf Torture* Jock Up drills* endless PT* ”

GOOD LUCK, CHRIS!

What: fundraiser sponsored by Fortigent, employer of committee member John Mastal. The event will benefit both The Eye Street Klassic and the Sydney Kimmel Comprehensive Care Center at Hopkins.

Where: Parker’s, 4824 Bethesda Avenue, Bethesda

When: Thursday, February 26, all night.

Contact: John Mastal – John.Mastal@fortigent.com

From 8:00 – 11:00 p.m., a portion of guest bartender Matt Krimm’s sales and tips will go to The Klassic and Erik’s scholarship fund at Gonzaga for military families.

Matt Krimm is a 1988 graduate of DeMatha Catholic High School and was an integral part in the establishment of Erik’s fund. Please come support both Erik and Matt! Thank you!