Sponsoring a memorial class at the Bluegrass for Airbear (Kristi Oikawa)

[Sue R]

Would anyone like to be part of a Bluegrass Classic SDT memorial class sponsorship (will include an ad in this year's program) in memory of Kristi Oikawa? I would be happy to coordinate this. The website is up with information about the trial (www.bluegrassclassicsdt.org) and the class to be sponsored would depend on the response we get. Answer here or email me at susan dot rayburn at gmail dot com if you'd rather.

Kristi contributed a lot to the Bluegrass, mostly behind the scenes, with website design and maintenance as well as volunteering during the trial and being a bright, shining light in our days. (photo by Greg Jones)

[amc]

HI Sue,

I'm in - let me know the details!  Kristi was an inspiration to so many of us, truly a bright, shining light in our little border collie world.  She is missed.

Thanks for coordinating this!

Amy

[Sue R]

Thank you, Amy! Send a check  for $25 (or a multiple of $25) made out to KBCA to Tresa Laferty, KBCA, 25707 Minnetonka Dr., Kansasville WI 53139 with a note that it is for Kristi's memorial class. I've been in touch with Tresa and she will keep a record of what is raised for this memorial so we know which class (or classes) will be sponsored in her name. 

Again, thanks, and feel free to spread the word. It's a tough time for fund-raising as both the 2020 National Sheepdog Finals and the 2020 World Trial Team USA (and Canadian teams) are all fundraising now but I am hoping we get a nice memorial to remember this young woman who loved the dogs so much and brightened so many people's lives with her exuberant and friendly nature. 

[amc]

Will do, Sue.  Thank you for organizing it!!

Amy

[Sue R]

I'm bumping this up as the Bluegrass Classic SDT was cancelled in 2020 due to the pandemic. We are very optimistic about getting permission to hold this venerable and prestigious trial this year at beautiful Masterson Station Park. Our thanks to those who contributed last year with the knowledge that their support for a memorial class in Kristi's name would be used for that purpose this year instead (thanks, Amy!). 

All paws, toes, etc., crossed in hopes that the 2021 Bluegrass Classic SDT will be a go for May 12-16 and, as always, we need a lot of support to put on this world-class trial.

 

The website is up and current with all the information needed to volunteer, support the trial by sponsoring a class or purchasing an ad in our program, or be a vendor.

 

Please consider sponsoring a class or placing an ad in our program, to spotlight or memorialize a mentor, friend, or dog. Several individuals have already committed to a memorial for Kristi Oikawa, a Bluegrass competitor and volunteer (and frequent contributor to these boards) whose sparkle is keenly missed. In addition, our community has lost Maureen Scott Robinson and Dave Fetterman over the last two years. Anyone who would like to be a part of memorials in any of their names can contact me.

 

A trial of this magnitude takes more than a village, and we appreciate the support we've received from the greater sheepdog community for so many years! We hope that we can count on your support for this year's 60th running of the Bluegrass Classic SDT, and want you to know how much we have appreciated your support in the past.

 

Please use the forms available at the website (www.bluegrassclassicsdt.org) to volunteer, sponsor a class, or place an ad.

 

Thanks for your support!

Sue Rayburn on behalf of the Kentucky Border Collie Association