1st Annual F2TF Benefit

We are pleased to announce that the incredible organizing committee and the community that turned out in support of the 1st Annual F2TF Benefit, raised nearly $12,000 and we are still counting!  We are so proud of the committee and this community that have come together once again to reinforce the idea of FIGHTING TO THE FINISH and because so many of you gave of yourself, your time, and resources we will be able to bring HOPE in the form of 24 trees.  Thank you from the bottom of our hearts!  This has been a truly touching experience.

SIncerely,

Ann and Becky

The Giving Trees

WIth Brooke Walker and Studio 5

In May 2011, the Smith family was thrown headlong into their worst nightmare, Darren and Ann’s youngest son Tyler was diagnosed with an incredibly rare and deadly liver cancer.  Despite doing everything possible to save their son, the Smith’s had to say a painful good-bye to Tyler on the 20^th of May 2012.

The Smith’s lived this painful nightmare for just over a year and to their surprise, were joined in their fight by an entire community of people.  The motto and rallying cry of everyone that heard Tyler’s story and felt his captivating spirit was F2TF (FIGHT TO THE FINISH) tied together with bright lime green.  Tyler embodied F2TF with unflinching optimism and captured supporters all across the country.

Early in their cancer journey they were the recipients of a tree full of gift certificates for local businesses.  Tyler and his family graciously accepted the gift and turned it for the good of many by seeking out others who were hurting.  The Smith family quietly went about this and surrounding communities delivering a “Giving Tree” to numerous families in need and without regard to their own pain brought comfort and joy to others. 

Truly great people find a way, even in the midst of unspeakable pain; to turn devastating circumstances into positive gains for many and in this vein the Smith’s have put their pain into action.  This action is taking the form of a F2TF dinner, and benefit concert in Tyler’s memory, scheduled for Tuesday August the 7^th   in the Layton Commons Park and the Ed Kenley Amphitheater in Layton, Utah. 

The proceeds from this dinner concert will be put towards these “Giving Trees” and other medical expenses in memory of Tyler’s incredible FIGHT TO THE FINISH and provide comfort and love to families who are hurting.

Tyler truly exemplified a courageous FIGHT TO THE FINISH and though his battle was about cancer, all of us in one way or another could face the challenges in our own lives with this same motto, FIGHT TO THE FINISH!  Imagine how your life, family, and the entire community could be altered in a powerful and positive manner if we were to take the challenge to FIGHT TO THE FINISH, no matter what challenge we are facing. 

Start your F2TF commitment now and join us on August 7^th at 6pm for the 1^st Annual F2TF dinner and benefit concert.

http://fight2thefinish.com/todays-tender-mercy/

 

Benefit Details:

Date:

Tuesday, August 7th

Time:

6pm-9pm

Location:

Ed Kenley Amphitheater

Layton, UT

 

Activities:

 

• Dinner

• Master of Ceremonies--Brooke Walker

• Musical concert with Michael Dowdle and Marvin Goldstein

• Special Guest Entertainer (Touted as the "Clean Jim Carey"!)

• Musical Number by Sarah Larsen, "Find a Grove"

Cost:

$15 per person, which includes dinner and the concert.

**If you are interested in pre-buying tickets with your credit card, click on the DONATE TO F2TF button and then hit the CLICK TO MAKE A CASH DONATION button.  Any $15 increment will be understood as a ticket purchase.  Your name will be on a list at the "Purchased Ticket" Table at the Ed Kenley Amphitheatre the night of the show. 

 

 

**Brooke Walker with Studio 5 and KSL will be our special MC for the evening!

Brooke Walker is the co-host of Studio 5, Utah's #1 local lifestyle program, and KSL's new prime time show "We Are Utah." She also presents the "Family Focus" series on KSL News at 5, and is the host/producer of "Footprints of Faith," a semi-annual program that features people of faith, and their inspiring stories. Brooke began her career as a news reporter and producer for KSL 5 News.

A homegrown Utah girl, Brooke is actively involved in her community and enjoys speaking to local groups and organizations, particularly to youth. She is proud of her work with a variety of charitable organizations, including Operation Smile and Primary Children's Medical Center.

Brooke attended Brigham Young University, where she studied Broadcast Communications. Prior to her time at KSL, Brooke worked for the Public Affairs Department of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints as an associate producer.

Brooke loves finding inspiration from other people's life experiences and enjoys sharing those stories with viewers. In her spare time, you can find Brooke curled up with a good read or cashing in on quality "girl time" with her three sisters. Also high on the list: shopping, working out and anything chocolate.

 

**We are beyond fortunate to welcome to our event the nationally/world acclaimed talents of Marvin Goldstein and Michael Dowdle.  What an incredible opportunity for the entire family...for our entire community!

 

Michael Dowdle

 

Award winning and well know guitarist Michael Dowdle has been recording for over three decades. As a songwriter, arranger, and performer, Michael has worked with David Archuletta, Michael McLean, Kurt Bestor, Alex Boye, The Mormon Tabernacle Choir, Kenneth Cope, The Jets, The Osmond’s, and just about anyone else who has professionally recorded in the Utah industry. Michael’s diversified talent has allowed him to record for movie soundtracks like Disney’s Cool Running’s, Multiplicity, The Three Musketeers, The Cable Guy, and Dream Works Antz. Most will recognize his work on the catchy ABC Monday night football theme and other promotional spots for Good Morning America, CNN news, along with his extensive musical work with network affiliates like NBC, CBS, FOX, The Oprah Winfrey Show and TNT.

Contracted by Lex de Azevedo, Michael recorded an album of fifty acoustic guitar hymns (“50 Favorite Hymns”). The album has become a family favorite in Utah homes and is still in print today. Other recordings include music production for EFY albums, Deseret Book’s “Christmas”, Hymns of Praise, and five award winning recordings with locally owned Sounds of Zion. His award winning jazz albums Touch, From the Hip, and his newest release, Convergence, leave any listener wanting more of his crowd pleasing sound on both acoustic and electric guitar.

www.michaeldowdle.com

 

 

Marvin Goldstein

 

 

Marvin Goldstein, a highly acclaimed pianist, arranger and entertainer, began musical training at age 9. When he was 18 years old Marvin was awarded a music scholarship to Tel Aviv University School of Music, Tel Aviv, Israel. His studies continued at the famed "Mozarteum" of Salzburg, Austria. He completed a Bachelor and Master of Music degrees at Florida State University in Tallahassee, Florida. His performance degrees were earned on the French Horn. Marvin has many honors to his credit. He is listed in Who's Who in Music in Europe at Cambridge, England. Marvin just returned from Cairo, Egypt where he performed a concert for the US Embassy in celebration of the Daniel Pearl World Music Days. He believes the power of music can, given the opportunity, change hearts, minds and souls and brings lasting peace to the World. Marvin travels extensively sharing his gift of music. Performances have spanned three continents and 50+ years. Noted performances include The Sydney Opera House, the Miami Beach Auditorium, the Tabernacle at Temple Square Salt Lake City, the National Hall in St. Lucia, West Indies and many more. He performed throughout the Baltic Capitals, Italy and Greece as well regularly appearing in North and Central America. Marvin and his wife, Lenae have been married for 38 years and reside in Tallahassee, Florida. They have one son, Nicholas, age 28 and a new grandson, Maddox two years old.  Marvin has recorded nearly 50 compact discs of his own and with other artists. Eight productions have been recorded with full orchestra. Also, Marvin has arranged 15 piano solo arrangement books, including many sacred hymns.

Marvin Goldstein has the unique ability to translate his ideas and emotions through his abilities and love of music. In presenting a mood that may be happy or sad, the piano comes alive under his direction.

 

 

 

**Heartfelt thanks to Lokalgrown, who will play during the Dinner!

 

Nate Davis – Nate and his wife Laci are parents of three wonderful children.  He has been playing the guitar for twelve years and piano for more than twenty.  He vividly remembers falling in love to the music of the Beach Boys at a young age and has loved music ever since.  He holds an undergrad degree in Marketing as well as an MBA, and currently works as a Director of Marketing for a Mid-Major Medical Research Distributor.

 

May we never forget to F2TF!