Everyone wins at first DHS charity bout
June 26, 2012
Two teams of federal agents, U.S. Border Patrol in the green and U.S. Customs in the blue, did battle on the flag football field Saturday in the first North Idaho DHS charity game, and when the last whistle blew, they'd raised enough to purchase a special Rifton tricycle that will give five-year-old Aiden Brenamen newfound mobility.
Tina Clausen photo

Aiden Brenamen
By Jen Hill

The score said it was a blowout, with Border Patrol shutting out U.S. Customs 13-0 in the first North Idaho DHS charity flag football game, but everyone involved; players, sponsors and spectators came out on the plus side, and thanks to all the fun, a Bonners Ferry boy won a newfound measure of mobility.

The action was fierce Saturday as U.S. Customs battled Border Patrol to raise funds for a great cause.
The event, which will be held annually, raised more than $2,000, enough to purchase a special Rifton tricycle that will give a measure of mobility that five-year-old Aiden Brenamen, who has cerebral palsy, has never known.

"A large turnout of caring, enthusiastic fans made the dream for young Aiden come true by easily exceeding the goal needed," said Tish Lagerwey, Port Director at Eastport."From the singing of the National Anthem, the rogue cheerleaders, the Zumba team half-time show and the weather, Saturday was a perfect day and everyone was a winner."

The first half of the game was a defensive battle, with one interception by both teams but no score until Border Patrol scored a touchdown to end the half. Both teams made adjustments at the halftime break while the Zumba dance team was busy thrilling the crowd, and Customs came up with some nice offensive plays in the second half, with great moves by James Williams and quarterback Shane Banks.

The Zumba dancers kicked up their heels and kept the crowd entertained through halftime.
Matt Schreiner made a great grab just shy of the end zone, but they couldn't take it in, and Border Patrol powered it in for a second visit to the end zone in the third quarter.

In addition to the play on the field, there was also a bit of play on the sidelines, and in the spirit of the day generosity reigned.

The 50/50 drawing raised $600, leaving a $300 pot that was won by 12 year-old Pacen Pluid, who gratefully accepted his cash winnings from Ron Sukenik, representing the Bonners Ferry Rotary Club, who helped sponsor the event ... and immediately handed it right back as a donation to the family. A drawing was also held for a gift certificate from sponsor Far North Outfitters, and the winner of that prize likewise donated it to Aiden and his family!

Also helping sponsor the lively event were Safeway and the Three Mile Store and Cafe.

Thanks to everyone involved, Aiden will be scooting around on his new trike as soon as it's delivered within a few days.