Thunder raise $4625 for Tessa Beauchamp Foundation

Members of Tessa Beauchamp's family was hand for the Thunder's annual Tessa Beauchamp Night where they auction off special game-worn jerseys with 100 percent of the proceeds benefitting the Tessa Beauchamp Foundation. Ryan Molag LEC photos

While the Langley Thunder were battling on the floor during Game 2 of the Western Lacrosse Association Finals against the New Westminster Salmonbellies, fans were busy bidding on the team's specially-designed jerseys with proceeds benefitting the Tessa Beauchamp Foundation.

A total of $4,625 was raised for the Foundation

The black jerseys have splashes of purple throughout, a nod to Tessa’s favourite colour and were designed by Langley Events Centre graphic designer Ryan Molag, produced by X-Treme Threads, and sponsored by Mike Vanichuk Transport Co Ltd., ensuring that 100 percent of the proceeds benefit the Foundation.

Tessa passed away in 2012 at the age of 18 after a nearly four-year battle with a rare type of cancer. Despite her years of struggle, she left behind a legacy of incredible strength and levity.

“Tessa’s presence was a true gift, as she indiscriminately shared love and friendship with everyone she met,” reads the Foundation website. “Losing Tessa was painful and tragic beyond belief, and her friends and family miss her every day.

“Those who are touched by here memory choose to focus on extending the abundance of love and strength she shared during her short life. The Foundation’s mission is to uphold Tessa’s spirit of tenacity and love in the face of adversity.

“We work to infuse these values into the community by providing exemplary students with scholarships to further their education and by providing funds to other charities to help impoverished and needy people,” reads the Foundation website.

Langley Thunder president Ken Buchan was a teacher at Holy Cross Regional High School where Beauchamp attended. He now serves as the president of the Tessa Beauchamp Foundation.

“She was an inspiration to so many people,” Buchan said, adding that despite the pain and struggle she endured, Beauchamp continued to fight through to the end.

“Tessa was really connected with lacrosse (through the Buchan family) and this is a tradition that has been going on for 10-plus years and it is always a really special night,” said Tessa’s father Steve, adding that several family members drove back early from the Shuswap just so they could attend the game.

For more on the Foundation, please visit www.tessabeauchamp.org.

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