Dear Friends of Stephen,
We would like to extend a heartfelt thank you to everyone that has made the Annual CPL Stephen R. Bixler Picnic another huge success this year. Although we were plagued with rain and cold winds all day, that didn’t stop anyone from coming to honor and remember Stephen. We would also like to thank Lt. Governor Nancy Wyman and Congressman Joe Courtney for caring and taking the time out of their busy holiday schedule to stop by the picnic, both remembering the sacrifice Stephen made for our country. And also a thank you to First Sgt. Grainger for the wonderful speech he gave.
Whether your support was through a monetary contribution, a donation of food or paper goods, door prizes, entertainment, the purchase of tickets, the use of the Suffield Sportsman’s Club or sharing your precious time, your generosity was extremely appreciated. We are very pleased to announce that a little over $8,700 was raised for The CPL Stephen R. Bixler Memorial Fund from the picnic this year. As always, the monies raised for the Memorial Fund are designated by Steve’s parents, Rich and Linda Bixler. Many projects and organizations in our community and surrounding communities have benefited from the fund. Stephen’s Memorial Fund and the causes it has helped is a fitting tribute to him, as he was always such an outstanding community oriented young man.
Be sure to mark your calendar for next year’s picnic, Sunday, May 26, 2019. Linda and Rich also send their gratitude for your overwhelming support in honoring their son Stephen on this, the 12th anniversary of his ultimate sacrifice. All your support is keeping Stephen’s memory alive in our community.