First T-Shirt Order Update

I was promised the t-shirts would be printed by end of this week.

Having another trade show this weekend, I will do my best to have them sorted and ready for pick-up at Jack Oliver’s by the middle of next week.

Thank you for your patience and again thank you for the support and contribution.

Doug Ingbretsen
Team T.O.S.

First T-Shirt Order Placed

The order for the t-shirts ordered the night of our fundraising event has been placed. I will provide another update when I determine when they will be available for pick-up.



Doug Ingbretsen
Team T.O.S.

Donations for The Alia Family - And So Much More

The fundraising event we held at Rooftop Rhythms, October 29, in honor of Greg Alia and in support of his family was a huge success.

Nearly $4,000.00 was raised and I, on behalf of Team T.O.S., delivered these funds to Kassy Alia yesterday in the form of cash, checks or deposit receipts. Kassy was very thankful for the donations and also virtually everyone who attended the event. It was also wonderful to be able to have some time to speak with her.

The love and brotherhood felt for Greg was overwhelming and we all took time to honor him and all the men and women of the Forest Acres Police Department.

Also, the support shown through purchases of Greg Alia - One of Ours, One of Us t-shirts was phenomenal. We were busy at our tent from open to close of the event. In fact we have sold some t-shirts since and are extending the availability for at least another two weeks to November 19. Click here to order your t-shirts.

Every dollar or dime donated was so greatly appreciated, but we wish to recognize a few people and companies who contributed significant amounts:

Joseph McDougall, Forest Lake Gardens
Helen Lanier, Lanier Sand
Budweiser of Columbia

We thank all those who attended, participated and took time to honor Greg and support our local law enforcement.

Doug Ingbretsen
Team T.O.S.

Much Work to Be Done...This is a Good Thing

We, Team T.O.S., were up 'til the wee hours triple counting all the monies and checks we received from our fundraiser at Rooftop Rhythms and I still have quite a bit to do in regard to accounting for other donations made via credit or debit card, and tracking and reconciling the t-shirt orders.

The goal is to get as much of this as possible to Kassy Alia as soon as possible or deposited in the appropriate receiving bank accounts.

Afterward, other monies will be accounted for and delivered to Kassy as I am able to take the donation amount from the sale of the t-shirts.

I will post all of these amounts here and keep everyone posted about the status of their t-shirt orders.

Last night was a group effort by Team T.O.S., but most of the work remaining is a one-man show, so please bare with me.

As this was a volunteer effort, we will be able to pass on all monies donated for Kassy and Sal without extracting any administrative fees.

Again, thank you to all!

Doug Ingbretsen
Team T.O.S.

Something Wonderful Happened Tonight

This evening at Rooftop Rhythms was phenomenal and wonderful in so many ways.

We will follow up with all regarding our fundraising efforts for Greg Alia's family, Kassy and Sal.

All the other festivities, honors and celebrations were fantastic, very emotional and felt by all in attendance.

All monies raised will be accounted for and for so much, we are thankful.

Thank you.

Doug Ingbretsen
Team T.O.S.

Rooftop Rhythms Update

We want to let the public know Forest Acres Mayor, Frank Brunson, will be speaking at Rooftop Rhythms, as well as, Kassy Alia, the wife of slain Forest Acres Police Officer, Greg Alia.

Other dedications and celebrations will be made, including a tribute to our Local Law Enforcement.

In light of recent events, this event, sponsored by the City of Forest Acres, is an opportunity for the local community to enjoy an evening of music and entertainment for adults and family as well.

Hopefully we will be high and dry (The forecast looks wonderful.), having a few hours to place the recent flood toward the back of our minds.

We hope to see you there...for so many reasons.

Doug Ingbretsen
Team T.O.S.

A River Ran Through It

Sometime between Saturday October 4, 2015 and the next day there weren't too many creeks remaining in Forest Acres. Many had become rivers. 

Forest Lake Gardens sits just below Eight Mile Branch and a stone's throw from where it meets Gills Creek, uh, River.

A friend called me about 9 a.m. and said, "Man you oughta see Dougall's place. Well actually it's hard to see. It's completely under water!"

After seeing a video of the area I realized my friend was exaggerating, slightly, only slightly. A few inches of the business sign, which begins just below the roof-line, were visible and when I saw the box truck's cab was almost underwater I began to think of the fate of the other vehicles he uses in providing flowers, plants, produce, stones, soils, planters, pots and so much more to the community.

I imagine most who saw those images probably thought, "That's the end of Forest Lake Gardens." Well, no one told the owner, Joseph McDougall. As soon as the waters receded enough Joseph was back in there planning, doing, recovering.