Over the years, Funski has evolved into a two-day, consciousness-raising platform for the issue of domestic violence in our part of the world. By the numbers, local law enforcement agencies in the Sioux Falls area responded to over 1,500 emergency domestic violence calls in 2016. Children’s Inn staff logged another 2,791 calls reporting domestic violence incidents. These numbers become even more concerning when experts confirm that 9 out of 10 domestic violence go unreported.
On to some good news from the 28th annual Media One Funski that raises funds and awareness for breaking the cycle of domestic violence. Participants in all events were split just about evenly between males and females, with some interesting developments…
Tubing Races: Long the bastion of larger, heavier linebacker types—think Newton’s 2nd Law—and larger, all male teams being been dominant. This year, Howalt Mcdowell 2, a shake-and-bake upstart, smaller, smarter team with a killer hole shot across up the bracket board and finished third in the time trials, just missing a shot at the championship gold medal round, to finish third overall. Out-weighed 250+ pounds by other teams, these young ladies put the men on notice. Congrats to Jesse Otkin, LeAnn Wheeler, Tegan Molden, and Nicole Daggett from long-time sponsor Howalt McDowell Insurance. You are game changers.
Ziphy Sled Races: In the fourth running of the Ziphy Sled Race—another event typically dominated by 30-something males—Morgan Orlick, 21-years-old and showing nerves of steel, picked the perfect line and pulled away from the boys (and her dad!) to grab the gold. If you have never seen this race, get it on your bucket list. Congratulations to Morgan on resetting the bar.
Frozen Leg Kickball: Who shows up to play kickball in the winter on a muddy, icy feild in January? A hearty groups of locals and a traveling team from central Minnesota and Minneapolis. A group called Mugs and Thugs and an upstart group of on-air and support staff and their spouses from KSFY led by spark-plug pitcher/coach/head trash talker Cami Roessler. Down by three in the fifth and last inning, KSFY put the stops to Muggs scoring and came out kicking in the bottom half. With two down and things looking grim, KSFY loaded the bases, and on a sure-footed blast to left field, grand-slammed the Minnesotans for a spandex vs Carhart victory. (Yes some of the KSFY staff out dressed the competition.)
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The Kickball tournament may be one of the finest ways in this part of the world to do something very good and enjoy winter on its own terms. Thanks to Jeff Morlan, brew master, hotdog snob, and host with the most; to Jammin J. Williams, DJ extraordinaire for keeping the party rockin’; and to Darv and Sharol Hendricks and their son, Eric, for officiating and keeping order.
Check out the recap video below for more fun!
Greg Blomberg, Partner
greg@m-1.com