Upcoming concert to further Morgan’s Mission
Although he has passed on, his legacy lives on through the many lives he has helped through his organization.
Morgan’s Mission is a nonprofit organization that funds unmet needs for Spencer area children. Typically the organization's efforts focus on extracurricular activities and associated costs that no one else funds, such as cleats, baseball gloves or running shoes for kids who can’t afford those things.
Morgan Gorst, the namesake of the organization, passed away from cancer at age 13. He loved being outdoors and sports of all sorts, including baseball, basketball and football.
“Well, in the course of treatment, Morgan was in the hospital one day and it was not a good day. And we got to talking and he told me, ‘I was really good in sports. I was pretty good, right, Mom?’” said Becky, Morgan’s mom. “I told him, ‘Yes.’ And he said, ‘I’m glad you made me participate in sports. If I ever had the chance, I would want to create a fund for supplies for kids who don’t have the money to be in sports.’” After Morgan passed in March of 2020, Becky took his words to heart and looked to start the organization that was important to him.
“ A lot of kids, they know their parents’ financial situation. And the kids tend to protect their parents as much as they can. So they might think, ‘Well, I know Mom or Dad can’t afford it, so I’m not going to ask to go on that field trip or to go out for baseball this year,’” said Becky.
She said those are the kids Morgan’s Mission aims to assist, so they can still participate and enjoy the benefits of being in sports.
“The school counselor tends to know the kids that might need something. Sports equipment is the obvious one. The counselor is the president of the Community Boosters, so she can catch kids that should be in sports. If they need something of their own, like shoes, cleats or gloves, we can help with that. It’s important for them to have their own gear,” said Becky.
Morgan’s Mission has expanded beyond the original vision to meet even more needs, however. The school has a clothing closet and a food pantry that Morgan’s Mission supports. The organization has also purchased clothes for kids to wear at graduation, senior banners and scrubs for students taking CNA classes — any need that a student may have.
“In addition we help with local emergencies and healthcare fundraising,” shared Becky.
Morgan’s Mission also supported the recent renovation project at Spencer’s ARC Park, donating $10,000 for rebuilding the concession stand and announcer’s booth. In all, Morgan’s Mission has given more than $20,000 back to the community so far.
To continue the mission, volunteers host two fundraisers every year. One is a kickball tournament, the idea for which came from one of Morgan’s friends. The other is a live music performance. This year, Road Trip will perform on May 13 from 7 to 10:30 p.m. at the Spencer Lions Park. Road Trip is a six-person cover band that performs a variety of pop, country and rock hits from the 80s through today.
The concert is open to the public. Tickets can be purchased at the door or people can message “Morgan’s Mission” on Facebook to arrange to pick up tickets ahead of time. There will be raffles and a “Wheel of Tickets” game. Prizes will include a $1,000 first-place prize, $500 for second place and $100 each for third through fifth place. Alcoholic beverages will also be available at the concert for those 21 and older.
For more information, contact 715-3216061.
Dancing the day away
Uplifiting Movement Factory in Loyal hosted in a “dance-a-thon” April 22 with 12 hours of continuous dancing to raise money for Malachi Wozniak, the infant son of dance teacher Jessica Wozniak, who has had significant health issues. Dancers could accept pledges to participate in themed dance classes and there was food available for a donation. The event raised $1,700 for the Wozniak family.
CONTRIBUTED PHOTO
