‘Strike Out’ fundraiser brings in over $600,000 to support cancer patients
Bret and Kandace Saberhagen (center) with NFL MVP and honoree Mark Rypien (far right) and his family at Rava Wines in Paso Robles at the Sunday night gala on Oct 29. Courtesy photos.
Former NFL pro-bowler quarterback and Super Bowl MVP Mark Rypien honored with lifetime achievement award
– Nonprofit SabesWings has announced that over $600,000 was raised at the third annual ‘Strike Out’ weekend of events in Paso Robles that included golfing, vineyard tours, and a lifetime achievement award presentation gala.
Last weekend showcased three days of the beloved soiree that in its first three years has now raised over 2.2 million dollars towards directly relieving the suffering and pressure of overwhelming bills felt by cancer patients nationwide.
The third annual charity fundraiser was hosted by former professional All-Star MLB baseball pitcher, Cy Young award winner, and World Series MVP, Bret Saberhagen, and his wife Kandace Saberhagen. For the third straight year, the Saberhagen’s put on a celebration for a sold-out crowd. As with every year, all proceeds from the 2023 event will go directly to the Saberhagens cancer charity SabesWings, which helps cancer patients suffering from medical financial toxicity.
This year the SabesWings Lifetime Achievement Award was presented to former NFL Pro-bowler and Super Bowl MVP award-winning quarterback, Mark Rypien for the work he has done supporting children and their families as they battle cancer. Mark and his first wife, Annette, lost their 3-year-old son, Andrew, to brain cancer in 1998.
To further his work and support in honor of his son, The Rypien Foundation was established by Mark in 2004 with the intent to provide hope and help to families who are fighting childhood cancer. The funds the Rypien Foundation raises directly support local programs that improve the quality of care and quality of life for patients and families fighting childhood cancer in the Inland Northwest.
In 2013, with major financial support from The Rypien Foundation, The Children’s Emergency Center at Providence Sacred Heart Medical Center and Children’s Hospital in Spokane Washington underwent a massive renovation. One new addition to the center was a new hospital-based school with full-time teachers. The onsite school is named after their son Andrew; the “Andrew Rypien School Program” has helped thousands of children and their families who are battling cancer from falling behind in school.
The 2023 festivities once again took place in Paso Robles. As with every year, the public attended by purchasing tickets online at www.SabesWings.org. The always sold-out affair embraced lively music, sports stars, celebrity chefs, extraordinary wines, and outstanding golf. At the grand gala, along with the live music, guests at the evening’s dinner at Rava Wines experienced eclectic entrees from the evening’s celebrity chefs. The following day the great food didn’t stop as pit masters from around the country lined the greens feeding the golfers at Hunter Ranch Golf Club during the golf outing.
In addition to hosts Bret Saberhagen, and Kandace Saberhagen, other VIP guests in attendance at this and past celebrations have included: Jim McMahon(NFL legend, The Bears), Chili Davis (MLB All-Star), Colt Ford (Singer, songwriter, pro golfer), Michael Timlin (MLB World Series Pitcher), Scott Erickson (MLB World Series Champion), Michael Tyler (Singer, songwriter) Billy Swift (MLB Pitcher), Patrick Davis (Songwriter w/ Hootie and the Blowfish), Lauren Jenkins (Musician and songwriter), Channing Wilson (songwriter), Tim Nichols (Songwriter for Tim McGraw, Faith Hill), Sean Berry (MLB 3rd baseman), Roshni Gurnani (Chef, Winner- Food Network’s Chopped) and Tully Kennedy (Bassist for Jason Aldean Band/ Producer).
“Our guests always leave having had a very memorable experience,” said two-time Cy Young award winner and co-founder of SabesWings, Bret Saberhagen. “A great deal of planning goes into our events for SabesWings.”
SabesWings began after Kandace Saberhagen had her own personal battle with breast cancer and the couple then realized the amount of hardship in the world created by the disease. They collectively saw a solution to aid in providing financial support for cancer patients. The foundation SabesWings provides financial assistance to cancer patients forced to choose between paying medical bills and everyday household expenses. It gives families a chance to heal without worry.
The Central Coast community has rallied behind the Saberhagens and SabesWings dedicated mission since its early inception. Each year the couple and foundation recognize a group or individual who is philanthropic within the cancer community. This year saw the announcement of the charity legacy for Micho Daou. The sister of Daniel and George Daou, Micho lost her battle with breast cancer in 2011. This year SabesWings recognized four cancer warriors in the audience with the Micho Daou Award for their tenacity, perseverance, and pure determination to live. “Micho lived her life with no regrets, full of zest and vitality. She never gave up. Our recipients model her persona,” writes the Saberhagens.
“We have made a great deal of traction the last three years at the annual events. Our focus now going into 2024 soon is to bring as much education and support as possible to the forefront of our communities. Medical financial toxicity, like cancer, doesn’t discriminate,” says Kandace Saberhagen.
To learn more about the Saberhagen’s event and their foundation, SabesWings, visit: www.SabesWings.org.
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