Friday, May 19, 2006

JUNE 10, FOR CLIFFORD

Chris Sifford was a Springfield journalist -- of KTTS and News-Leader stock -- when he went to work for Mel Carnahan, a politician running for governor.

Carnahan won, and Sifford became his trusted aide. In late 2000 the governor, now running for the U.S. Senate, and Sifford set out on a campaign trek. Carnahan's son was piloting the plane. It was raining. You know the rest.

Those lucky enough to have known Sifford still smile when they remember the boy from Puxico. On June 10 they -- and you -- can honor Sifford's memory and raise money for a good cause.

From a news release:
The inaugural Chris Sifford "Day at the Ballpark" Walk/Run and Springfield Cardinals" game on June 10 will raise scholarship funds to honor the memory of Chris Sifford, a former Springfield journalist who was working as an aide to Gov. Mel Carnahan when they, along with the Governor's son, were killed in a 2000 plane crash.

The 5K and 2.5K Walk/Run begins at 8 a.m. on June 10 at Hammons Field in downtown Springfield. Friends, family, former associates, supporters and members of the public are encouraged to also attend the Springfield Cardinals game at 6:10 p.m. against the Arkansas Travelers, which will include a tribute to Sifford.

Registration fee for the Walk/Run is $15 in advance and $20 on race day. Participants will receive a 3/4-length sleeve baseball practice-style shirt and trophies will be awarded for the top three finishers in each age category. First-place trophies will include a "home-plate" base and game-used Springfield Cardinals baseball.
Find entry forms at Ridge Runner Sports, 3057 S. Fremont Ave. Or go online to learn more.

The money goes into a scholarship fund at Missouri State University for students in the communications and journalism departments.

Chris loved baseball and "Andy Griffith" and discussing the news of the day. A few people called him "Cliff" or "Cliffy," a nickname born when someone jumbled his last name with his first: Clifford Sifford.

He died when he was 37, far too young for anyone, especially when there is so much promise. If you have the chance, on June 10, do this in memory of Cliff.

1 comment:

Anonymous said...

Cliffy, Cookie, RED, BK, Shoes, Chickster, LAW, CRKT, Nachos. Remember?