CHRISTOPHER GOEKE LEADERSHIP FOUNDATION
The Christopher Goeke Leadership Foundation (CGLF) is a private, nonprofit 501(c)(3) agency location in Apple Valley, MN.
The mission of the CGLF is to develop, encourage and support young adults in pursuit of excellence in mind, body and spirit.
CGLF's core values are the principles that underlie and provide guidance for our organizational actions. They are core to who we are and will not be compromised as we pursue our mission, vision and outcomes. CGLF believes in: Life Long Learning; Staying Physically Active; Reaching out to Share Expertise and Talents -> Mind - Body - Spirit
HISTORY - CHRIS' STORY
The Foundation was started as a result of 1st Lt. Christopher Goeke's untimely death on the battlefield in Afghanistan on July 13, 2010. His death sparked the interest of his family and community to make his legacy live on by means of providing other students with some opportunities Chris had.
Christopher was a student at Apple Valley High School prior to being accepted at West Point Military Academy. While attending Apple Valley High School, Chris captained the Mock Trial team to second place in the State of MN, was an accomplished percussionist, was a member of the Apple Valley Eagles football and tennis teams and was an integral part of forming what is now the Ultimate Frisbee team at the high school. Academically, Chris was a leader in the classroom and excelled in all of his classes to include advanced courses like AP European History, Accelerated Physics, AP Calculus and Accelerated Biology, to name a few. Chris has posthumously been awarded the 2011 Distinguished Alumnus Award by the South Suburban High School Conference.
Following Graduation from Apple Valley High School, Chris was accepted to the West Point Military Academy where he continued the development of his mind, body and spirit. While at Apple Valley and West Point, Chris was a leader not only in school, but in the church and local community.
Graduating 6th in his class at West Point, he subsequently completed Airborne School, Infantry Officer Basic Course and earned his Ranger tab before being deployed to Afghanistan with the 1st Battalion, 508th Parachute Infantry Regiment. On July 13, 2010, Christopher was killed in action while repelling an insurgent attack on an Afghan Police Compound in Kandahar City. Upon his death, his commanding officer, Lt. Col. David Oclander said of him, "Chris Goeke was one of the finest officers I have had the honor of leading in 20 years of service. His bravery in combat, commitment to his paratroopers, out-of-the-box problem solving and love for his wife and profession were unparalleled. His men respected him as a leader and as a person. Chris left a legacy with the battalion and on the lives of the men he led. Chris died a hero."
ABOUT THE CHRISTOPHER GOEKE LEADERSHIP FOUNDATION
It is CGLF's purpose to carry on Chris' legacy by providing leadership support and programming for young adults, and address an unmet need within the educational community. The organization will focus on encouraging the holistic development of young adults in mind, body and spirit. One of CGLF's initial outcomes is to fund an annual scholarship program. Initially, a $750 scholarship will be awarded, with an annual examination of the amount.
An integral element of the organization is to sponsor an annual event, starting in 2011, with the objective of creating a community event that will bring attention to both the organization's work, as well as to raise funds to continue the purpose. This inaugural event will include an evening reception and fundraiser as well as a tournament and fun day surrounding the sport that Chris loved and pioneered at Apple Valley High School and West Point - ultimate frisbee.
ABOUT THE 2011 EVENT
The event consists of two components, coming together on one weekend with the theme of "Mind, Body and Spirit." All activities will be led by volunteers who were friends of the deceased, or family thereof. Food, beverages and other event supplies will also be paid out of the proceeds of the event.
1. Ultimate Frisbee Tournament and Family Fun Day
- Held at the Johnny Cake Sports Complex, Apple Valley, MN on May 28 - 29, 2011
- Saturday and Sunday Tournament
- Family Fun Day on Saturday - to encourage local families to witness and participate in developing their "mind, body and spirit" through games, contests and sharing of information
- See CGLF Ultimate Frisbee Tournament Details
2. Reception and Fundraiser
- Held at the LaGrand Ballroom at the Apple Valley GrandStay
- Cost of $30 per ticket
- See CGLF Reception event details
- Raffle and silent auction of items donated by individuals and local corporations (free to CGLF)
Marketing/Promotion:
In addition to this flyer posted in prominent places of business in the Apple Valley area, volunteers will be soliciting donations for the event. Event information will also be published in areas such as the Eagle Eye Home Page of Apple Valley High School, The Sun Current South news publication, the Apple Valley Patch, the VFW's and American Legions of Rosemount and Apple Valley, our local television news and radio stations, Lt. Goeke's home church Prince of Peace Lutheran Church and the Chamber of Commerce for the City of Apple Valley. The "Tournament" will be highly publicized by our Committee Leader and our Community Liaison from Apple Valley High School.
SCHOLARSHIP PROGRAM
The CGLF will award a minimum of one scholarship per year. The amount each year will depend on fundraising and budgetary situation each year. The criteria for selecting recipients will be focused on Mind-Body-Spirit leadership characteristics. The selection committee will initially be the family, then approved by "the Board" for final presentation.
