Carson's legacy: Two events raise funds in H1N1 victim's honor

When Woodbrook Elementary School third-grader Carson Raymond died in October of complications related to H1N1, his parents, John and Jennifer Raymond, urged calm and announced plans to start a foundation in Carson's name to improve the t-ball fields at Woodbrook. One month after the loss of their oldest son, they've launched the Carson Raymond Foundation and are holding a softball and a poker tournament this month.

While John Raymond says his initial goal was to focus only on the t-ball program at Woodbrook, he says the "unbelievable" outpouring of support since Carson's death may allow the Foundation to help improve t-ball fields and programs at other area schools as well.

"It's been overwhelming," says Raymond. "My wife and I both feel incredible love and support from the community, and it has helped."

The Carson Raymond Memorial Softball Tournament will take place at Darden Towe Park on November 15, and the Carson Raymond Memorial Poker Tournament will be held at 6pm on November 20 at the Doubletree Hotel. For details on both events, call 975-2629. Donations are accepted at carsonraymondfoundation.com.