Benefit soccer tournament set for Sunday, March 30

Battle for Neil Gainous

For the fourth year in a row, local soccer enthusiasts are coming out of the woodwork to help a community member. Whether you’re an avid soccer fan, soccer player or just want to help, the Stephen Gardner Memorial Indoor Soccer Classic, the Battle for Neil Gainous, is Sunday, March 30 at the Crested Butte Community School.
It all started four years ago when the soccer community and beyond came together to take part in the Stephen Gardner Memorial Indoor Soccer Classic. The following year, players laced up their shoes for Steve Lawlor. Last year, there was an incredible turnout to play some soccer and raise money for Kathy Joyce.
This year, it’s on once again with an expanded format including a younger age class for players in seventh to tenth grade, all to help raise money for longtime local Neil Gainous.
Neil Gainous made Crested Butte his home in 1983 at the encouragement of his soon-to-be-wife, Suzette. Trading in the life of a touring musician based in Georgia for that of a mountain paradise, he and Suzette were some of the first to wed on-mountain at Crested Butte Mountain Resort, in Paradise Bowl on April 8, 1984.
A few years into marriage, Suzette and Neil started a family and became the parents of three children. One girl, Heather Nicole, and two boys, Nicholas and Rayne, completed the family. Tragically, Heather Nicole was lost to cancer a short 18 months into her precious life but left an impact on many in our community.
Neil’s first love being music, he continued to pursue that dream in the mountains but also explored several lines of work, including hunting guide, assistant manager at Paradise Warming House and managing the family photo businesses, Carol Case Photography & Coyote Color. For the past 12 years Neil has owned and operated Equity Builders and Remodel, also offering snow removal.
Neil has continued to “Rock On” with many bands, most recently The Frequencies, formerly High Nowhere, and before that, Better Late Than Never. His love of music and amazing talents as drummer and vocalist, have enabled him to play at Oh Be Joyful Church every Sunday almost without fail, even during his recent diagnosis.
Neil’s diagnosis of throat and neck cancer in early November 2013 has resulted in his inability to continue operations at Equity Builders and Remodel but his sons, Nicholas and Rayne, are helping to keep the snow removal part of the business operational.
Neil’s treatment is in Grand Junction, with many trips back and forth. He has already undergone several hospital stays, chemotherapy treatments, surgeries and radiation treatments. Neil continues to fight his battle with cancer and is doing it as he does everything in life: with determination, perseverance, strong will and strength. His cancer diagnosis has changed his life overnight, but not his sparkling blue eyes and smile. Please help fight this battle with Neil and his family on Sunday, March 30.
It’s a mere $50 per team and organizers recommend you have at least five people per team. The youth tournament kicks off at 7 a.m. with the adult tournament scheduled to start at 9:30 a.m. There will be an after-party with a raffle and silent auction at the Brick Oven that evening starting at 5 p.m.
For additional questions or to register contact Andrew Butterfield, (970) 275-8804 or abutterfield@cbmr.com. Talent is not necessary, just a desire to help out and maybe run some.