Tailgate Crew – A Family Affair and Labor of Love
As the new KAA Volunteer Coordinator last year, I was quickly introduced to an amazing group of volunteers who run the KAA booth at the Tailgates before every Bengals’ home game. Located right by the band on Freedom Way, these volunteers give of their time to raise funds by selling KAA and Bengal SWAG and spreading the word about our mission. What I quickly learned is that this dedicated group is proud of what they have accomplished and remain committed to KAA. Largely a family affair, KAA is a labor of love, pride, and hope for the future. I recently asked a few of the crew to share their thoughts about KAA and the tailgate experience.
Cheri Beiting wrote, “We started the tailgating from the beginning when it was KAF (Ken Anderson Foundation) as a way to get information out to the community about our mission. As a family, we saw the need for homes, jobs, and engagement for adults with disabilities.” The core Tailgate Crew – as I like to call them – are Cheri and Ted Beiting, Joe and Mandy Cummins, Jeff and Joanne Beiting, Kathe O’Loughlin, Barb Turner, and Helen Bisdorf. Ron Koons and Anne Poynter also joined in several games this past year and, of course, Ken and Cristy Anderson come whenever they are in town.
Helen Bisdorf is a Ben-Gal Alum and undisputed MVP of sales! She works the crowd and exchanges towels and koozies for donations. Helen says she likes ““meeting and talking with people. The other volunteers have become friends who I look forward to seeing. People that I collect donations from continue to amaze me — from the man who gave the Alliance a $500 check to those who give a few dollars; it all adds up. The mission of KAA and the mention of Ken Anderson have a seemingly magical effect on people’s hearts. Those celebrating before the game open up to me about their connection to those with developmental disabilities. The respect for their former quarterback helps me connect with Bengals’ fans and I am amazed as well by the donations given by visiting fans. I guess you can call that a WIN-WIN!”
This group operates like a well-oiled machine. From unloading the van and setting up the booth, talking with customers and generating awareness, this crew does it all with a smile.
Cheri Beiting shared, “It is crazy to think how far KAA has come from sitting around a kitchen table many years ago thinking of ways we could help. The families we have met with the same needs as ours have been overwhelming and eye-opening! I am so proud of our family and friends for the perseverance of making this dream become a reality! It is very exciting as the core group of volunteers to be a very small part of what has evolved into the Ken Anderson Alliance – a place where adults with disabilities live, work, and are engaged with the community. Wow!”