
B. Mary Benefits started, (un-named at this time) in 2006 Benefiting Leukemia Lymphoma Society. The idea began as Rick Benz decided to help a close friend as he raised money for Leukemia Lymphoma Society and has gained momentum ever since. Shortly after the conclusion of the event for Leukemia Lymphoma Rick was at a benefit for a beautiful little girl by the name of Tigerlilly. Fate seated Rick next to the grandfather of Tigerlilly and after an hour of conversation with him it was decided to have the 2007 Poker Tournament for Tigerlilly.
2007 became the focus of Tigerlilly as she quickly grabbed our hearts, suffering from Malignant Infantile Osteoporosis she was in need of a Bone Marrow transplant and searching for a donor. Her parents were essentially living at the hospital with her as any parent would, they found it very difficult to keep up with the daily expenses of the family. We had two events, the first a Poker tournament and Bone Marrow Drive. As has become B. Mary Benefits tradition, we ask as part of our donation to also bring a Toy for Children’s Hospital. This is a tradition that we are extremely proud of and has helped us in a selfish manner, we encourage everyone to experience the joy of bringing carts upon carts of toys to donate to Children Hospital. The phrase “Make a Grown Man Cry” could never be so true! Tigelilly’s first transplant was rejected by her body, as she waited for another match we had a Golf Tournament to help the family as they prepared for 2 more months of living at Children’s Hospital. Tigerlilly’s second Bone Marrow Transplant was a success, she is a enjoying her family and playing with her brother like a 2 year old little girl should. Her progress can be checked at www.caringbridge.org/visit/tigerlilly Tigerlilly is truly an inspiration!
2008 brought our attention to the needs of Boys Hope Girls Hope of St Louis. As we heard of the loss of a major benefactor to Boys Hope Girls Hope of St. Louis, we decided to visit the Boys home on a day of an open house. Rick Benz and Mark Paur went with an open mind and left with the inspiration and desire to get involved and help any way they could. After meeting some of the Children helped by Boys Hope Girls Hope of St Louis, we immediately knew we wanted to focus our efforts on them.
This also drove us to formalize the benefit, “B. Mary Benefits” was born, named after Rick Benz grandmother Mary B. Rataj (Walther). Mary B. passed away December 16, 2007, she was able to guide Rick through troubled times and became the backbone and inspiration of Rick’s life. She showed him that giving and doing for others was the way to lead your life and was the best way to find true happiness. Mary B. was far happier helping others than she would ever have been doing something for herself,. This is the lifelong gift she gave Rick, and what he and everyone with B. Mary Benefits now wishes to pass on to others!