The Kazlauskas family would like to thank everyone who participated in Ed’s fourth annual “Cruise for a Cause” on July 25.  Ed was a much-loved man, who lived life to the fullest.  While family and friends were important to him, so was his community and his passion for cars.  Thank you all for honoring Ed in this way.

The Open Header Cruise was a huge success, raising a record $6,340 and well over $20,000 in its four-year history.  All of the money goes to Cass County Cancer Service, which provides services for more than 200 families within Cass County.

First and foremost, none of this would be possible without Ed’s close friend, Curt Rohdy, owner of John & Curt’s Brake & Alignment.  Thank you, Curt, for honoring Ed in this special way.  The many hours of hard work and time away from your business to coordinate this event is appreciated by the entire family.

We would also like to thank the following:

• Tom Mosier of Thomas J. Mosier Well Drilling in Cassopolis for opening up his business for our start-up location.

• The Cass County Sheriff’s Department, police and fire departments from Dowagiac and Cassopolis, and True’s Towing for our VIP escort from Cassopolis to Dowagiac.

• Norma Greenman, Bonnie Ferrier and Jeanette Gray for working the registration tables.

• Jonathan and Tony from WGTO radio station for their coverage of the event.

• Ridge/Napa for supplying the food.

• Tom Burling and Rose Scherr for cooking the hot dogs and helping on site the entire four years.

• My special friend, Deb Rohdy, and her crew for serving the food.

• Volunteers who worked the street crew, lining up the vehicles.

• The city of Dowagiac for allowing Curt to bring this event into town and for supplying barricades and picnic tables.

• Larry Greenman for his on-site help.

• Sherrie and Mike File for their donation of water and chips.

•Round Oak Restaurant for its donation of ice.

• A special thank you to Vickie Phillipson for her office time, helping Curt coordinate the event and for booking Rebel Pride to play that evening.  You did an awesome job booking just the right entertainment.

The Open Header Cruise was a vision Curt and Ed had, which they talked about many times.  For Curt to later make this event happen, honoring Ed in this way, is so humbling.  Each year, the outpouring of love and participation cannot be described.

Curt has big plans for the fifth year!  He would like to raise $10,000.  Our family is excited and certainly ready to help him achieve his $10,000 goal!  As we gear up for next year, participants of the cruise can look for a new Facebook page and new event crewnecks.

Thank you again, Curt, for making this shared dream become reality!

Susan Kazlauskas

& Family

Dowagiac