On June 1st, 2024, we hosted a special event for all of our family, friends, and loved ones in Grand Ledge, Michigan. Before we get into details, here’s a quick backstory to explain the meaning behind the “Homecoming” theme.
In 2012, our family moved out of our childhood home in Grand Ledge, Michigan, and we began our studies at Michigan State University. Our father sold the home to a young family with four daughters, and a handyman who would be able to reinvent the house very quickly. He did just that, and the house became much more feminine overnight. When we lived in the home, there were multiple basketball hoops in the driveway, mini basketball hoops in the basement, Xboxes, Nintendos, and musical instruments galore. It was a very boy-friendly home, and we loved every second of living there.
Fast forwarding to 2018…Spencer just met Jameson and had the time of his life at Dagwood’s, a Lansing establishment. They immediately formed a close bond and began to spend a lot of time together, despite being multiple states away (Spencer lived in Nashville, Tennessee at the time). One day, out of the blue, Jameson texted Spencer: “Did you grow up at 11882 W. Andre Drive? My aunt and uncle live there now”. Mind blown, Spencer immediate called Jameson to verify that they were thinking about the same home…the home where TBR has so many memories…and they were. Spencer needed to see the house as soon as possible and was moved to tears the first time that he visited. Connor too, on the night of June 1st, 2024.
Again, fast forwarding to 2024, Spencer had spent a significant amount of time in his childhood home, and was now married into the family. He and his now uncle, Chad, devised a plan to throw a block party at the house, invite old friends/neighbors, and do it up! The original plan was to simply throw a party and enjoy some good music, but Chad, being the savvy businessman that he is, suggested that we use the event as a fundraiser to purchase a trailer for the band. We began to advertise the event on Facebook and other social media platforms, and the excitement was building.
Spencer married into a beautiful, supportive family who welcomed him into the fold on day one. They all wanted to contribute to the event and truly made it special. His father-in-law, Jim, cooked chicken wings, mac n cheese, and pulled pork, aunts (JoJo and Laura) cooked tater tots (one of Spencer’s nicknames is Tater), Uncle Mike grilled hotdogs all evening, his sister-in-law, Lindsey, brought her signature rice krispies, and Amy/Chad served as super hosts for the event, making sure that the keg was ice cold and the vibes were high. There are so many more people that made the event special and we truly cannot thank them enough.
Food/drinks were provided for free with an option to donate to our trailer fund. We made $2100, thanks to the generosity and love of so many different people. The Brothers Ralph are truly blessed to have family/friends/loved ones who would do anything for us. If you are reading this, we do not take you for granted, and we promise to make you proud. Our time is coming.
Thank you to everyone who attended TBR’s Homecoming Block Party. What a special night, in a special home, with a special group of people. That’s what life is all about.
Take care and much love,
The Brothers Ralph
