The two are already deep into the planning stages of another fund-raising event. "We call it 'The Bash,'" says Augie. "It's going to be part of the closing ceremonies at the 2006 IHRSA convention in Las Vegas next month. Lance Armstrong will kick off the show, George Lopez will be there, and we fully expect to have the Doobie Brothers as headliners. Our mission," he adds, "is to raise another $1 million, and I'm confident that, with the support of club owners and the vendor community, we'll do it."
As Augie's Quest continues to build momentum, his goal-which is shared by Robert Ross, the president and CEO of the MDA-is to make a difference by slicing through the red tape, speeding up the grant process, and quickly getting funds to those conducting critical research. "Saving lives by saving time," explains Augie, quoting a phrase from the Quest's marketing campaign. "That's what this is about."
The goal of making a difference has been an overriding theme in Augie's life. Shannon Shryne, a divisional field representative for the MDA, is thrilled to have someone of his stature, and with his demonstrated entrepreneurial skills, helping to advance their cause. "Augie's a great guy dealing courageously with a difficult situation," she observes. "His vision and drive inspire us to work even harder."
But now Augie feels the press of time, is touched by an "intensity" that adds another layer of meaning, of importance, to everything he does. The progression of the disease is steady. Although he continues to exercise for an hour every day, he is experiencing weakness in his upper body, especially his hands, where he's lost 50 percent of his strength. "What I have learned from all of this," he says introspectively, "is the difference between being successful and being significant. I want to be significant to my family by spending more time with them, and I want to be significant to the MDA by doing my part to help identify the cause of, and find a cure for, this disease."
Breakfast is over and we're walking back to the car. The fog has released its grip on Balboa Island, promising an afternoon of blue skies and warm California sun. Augie talks about some trips he has planned with his family: a couple of relaxing weeks in Mexico on their boat, a ski trip to Vail, Colorado, with close family friends, and a two-week journey to South Africa. But for the moment, his day is simple: there's a conference call with the MDA.
After that, there are more phone calls and some e-mails to attend to. "Then later," he says with the hint of a smile, "I have a big date with my lovely wife." And in Augie's world, where empires are built from a single innovative idea and million-dollar deals are closed with nothing more than a handshake, the spark of light in his dark eyes says it all.
Augie is still making a difference by helping those who need him most. He is focused and determined, and it's full speed ahead. But that final appointment - the one with his wife, Lynne - will be the most significant thing he does all day.
Stephen Wallenfels is a contributing editor for CBI and can be reached at stevewall@charter.net.
HOW YOU CAN HELP
The toll-free contact number for Augie's Quest is 800-572-1717. The Website is www.augiesquest.org.
