The time is swiftly approaching for Corporal Stephen R. Bixler’s Annual Memorial Day Weekend Picnic. We are in the midst of planning the picnic and are hoping that we can count on your generosity again this year. Last year, thanks to an outpouring of support from the community, we were able to secure donations of a monetary nature, food, paper goods, raffle items, beverages, and door prizes, all of which are needed and appreciated very much. Together with your contributions and ticket sales we were able to raise over $8,500.00 in Steve’s honor. All the proceeds were given to The Corporal Stephen R. Bixler Memorial Fund. Linda and Richard Bixler have donated too many worthwhile projects in our community that wouldn’t have been possible without a donation from the Memorial Fund. The projects that have benefited from Stephen’s Memorial Fund this past year are; Massachusetts Tornado Relief, Suffield VFW (draperies for the hall), Suffield Police Association (an upgrade to the training room and dispatch area), Neads-Operation Hearing Dog (for a local Suffield resident), Run for the Fallen CT, Friends of Fisher House CT and also the Greg Caron Foundation (a Marine from Ellington injured in Afghanistan). Stephen’s memory will always live on through the many community projects that will be aided by means of his Memorial Fund now, and in the future.
Each year since Steve’s death, his closest friends have gotten together on the Sunday of Memorial Day weekend to hold the Annual Corporal Stephen R. Bixler Memorial Picnic. Many from the community attend the picnic, mingling and sharing their memories of Stephen. Not only classmates of Steve’s but also older adults and young children all enjoy the music, food, great company and a wonderful day outdoors, honoring and remembering Steve. Some play football, whiffle ball, horseshoes, while others sit around talking and reminiscing. However, on this and every Sunday of Memorial Day weekend we come together to honor, remember and celebrate the life of Steve Bixler. We are proud to say the picnic has risen over $36,000.00, which has enabled Stephen’s parents to have a real impact in his community, as Stephen would have done had he returned to Suffield.
As I’ve stated above any type of donation will be greatly appreciated; food, paper goods, gift certificates, items for our raffles, beverages, door prizes or monetary donations. Please feel free to call me with any questions @ 860-653-9416 or 860-668-7592. A member of the planning committee would be happy to stop by to pick-up your donation just give me a call. Tickets are $15.00 which includes; food, beverages, music and a day filled with love, respect and remembrance for Suffield's Hometown Hero, CPL Stephen R. Bixler
