Cinque's Tournament of Roses Trip
Donation protected
Every kid deserves to live out their dreams.
The way to go about making that happen varies from parent to parent. When a boy shows perserverance time and time again to overcome the odds of less than desirable conditions and still achieves beyond expectations, he should be often saluted and sometimes rewarded. A child shouldn't have to console a disappointed parent who would've done more for him given the proper notification or by simply having greater means. He shouldn't have to ALWAYS find the bright side of a bad situation. But he does. He always does. He always says, "That's ok. At least I still get to ...."
A trip to march in the Tournament of Roses Parade is one of those once in a lifetime opportunities. If you've ever spoken to anyone who's actually experienced it, the term "must do" is often used. Right now, Cinque Balanciere, a wonderful, 14 year old young man that always finds the bright side has that opportunity. And it has been promoted to him by his band directors as a goal and high point of a school band career since the beginning of his 8th grade year. He's in 9th grade now and the trip will happen at the end of December 2015.
Unfortunately, though there was ample communication and payment accommodations established; it was not made a priority to ensure his spot to partake in this amazing adventure. As a parent that already takes care of his responsibility to support his child, it is hard to pull together the means to provide additional provisions for him that should've already been done; especially at a moments notice. And now, with the magnitude of the event and the amount of the expenditure, I am overwhelmed. I just couldn't take seeing my child heartbroken over the likelihood that he will not get to go when for over a year the planning could've easily been done. And, an unnecessary large purchase while he is going without (and being told he will get to go) is just too much to contain. While in the past, I could jump in and save the day at the last minute, that is no longer the case. At least not on my own this time. I would've been willing to help over time but zero planning was done so I had to sit on my hands and just let it happen because there was a non-refundable figure that I couldn't afford to lose.
So now I'm here. I'm asking for help to fulfill my son's first big dream. He doesn't ask for much. He's an amazing kid and I would give him the world if I could. He is my world. But as a father I also have to teach him principle. And this may be a very painful lesson. I tried to prepare him for this to potentially happen. But after being told repeatedly that everything was under control, I had to actually inform him that was not the case; and with the other large purchase on top of that, it was just too much even for him to simply make the best of it this time. Part of me wanted to let it be, but then I remembered how precious life is. We can plan for the future but we must live for today because tomorrow isn't promised. This opportunity leaves today, but I pray for the blessings of tomorrow.
If it is in your heart or within your means, we would greatly appreciate a gift toward his trip. The amount requested is the minimum for him to participate. If there are any additional funds raised, that will go toward actually getting him to California, even if I have to drive him there myself!
The payment is DUE TODAY so time is most definitely of the essence.
If the initial goal is not met ALL DONATIONS WILL BE REFUNDED.
I really can't put into words what this would mean to him. But for me, it would mean that my love for him shows enough in who I am that God can send an army of angels to bless him in such a special way. Thank you very much for your time and consideration.
Sincerely,
Christopher Balanciere, a firefighter dad that just loves his kid
The way to go about making that happen varies from parent to parent. When a boy shows perserverance time and time again to overcome the odds of less than desirable conditions and still achieves beyond expectations, he should be often saluted and sometimes rewarded. A child shouldn't have to console a disappointed parent who would've done more for him given the proper notification or by simply having greater means. He shouldn't have to ALWAYS find the bright side of a bad situation. But he does. He always does. He always says, "That's ok. At least I still get to ...."
A trip to march in the Tournament of Roses Parade is one of those once in a lifetime opportunities. If you've ever spoken to anyone who's actually experienced it, the term "must do" is often used. Right now, Cinque Balanciere, a wonderful, 14 year old young man that always finds the bright side has that opportunity. And it has been promoted to him by his band directors as a goal and high point of a school band career since the beginning of his 8th grade year. He's in 9th grade now and the trip will happen at the end of December 2015.
Unfortunately, though there was ample communication and payment accommodations established; it was not made a priority to ensure his spot to partake in this amazing adventure. As a parent that already takes care of his responsibility to support his child, it is hard to pull together the means to provide additional provisions for him that should've already been done; especially at a moments notice. And now, with the magnitude of the event and the amount of the expenditure, I am overwhelmed. I just couldn't take seeing my child heartbroken over the likelihood that he will not get to go when for over a year the planning could've easily been done. And, an unnecessary large purchase while he is going without (and being told he will get to go) is just too much to contain. While in the past, I could jump in and save the day at the last minute, that is no longer the case. At least not on my own this time. I would've been willing to help over time but zero planning was done so I had to sit on my hands and just let it happen because there was a non-refundable figure that I couldn't afford to lose.
So now I'm here. I'm asking for help to fulfill my son's first big dream. He doesn't ask for much. He's an amazing kid and I would give him the world if I could. He is my world. But as a father I also have to teach him principle. And this may be a very painful lesson. I tried to prepare him for this to potentially happen. But after being told repeatedly that everything was under control, I had to actually inform him that was not the case; and with the other large purchase on top of that, it was just too much even for him to simply make the best of it this time. Part of me wanted to let it be, but then I remembered how precious life is. We can plan for the future but we must live for today because tomorrow isn't promised. This opportunity leaves today, but I pray for the blessings of tomorrow.
If it is in your heart or within your means, we would greatly appreciate a gift toward his trip. The amount requested is the minimum for him to participate. If there are any additional funds raised, that will go toward actually getting him to California, even if I have to drive him there myself!
The payment is DUE TODAY so time is most definitely of the essence.
If the initial goal is not met ALL DONATIONS WILL BE REFUNDED.
I really can't put into words what this would mean to him. But for me, it would mean that my love for him shows enough in who I am that God can send an army of angels to bless him in such a special way. Thank you very much for your time and consideration.
Sincerely,
Christopher Balanciere, a firefighter dad that just loves his kid
Organizer
Christopher Balanciere
Organizer
Garland, TX
