Smith: Christopher's Shoot continues to break milestones in support of cancer research

WAUKESHA - When gauged by conventional means, Christopher Schraufnagel of Delafield lived a short life on this Earth.

Christopher died of brain cancer in 2012; he was 8 years old.

But as the intervening years have proven, it would be a mistake to equate lifespan with impact.

Christopher's legacy was on full display July 14 at the 2023 Christopher's Shoot Against Childhood Cancer.

In its 13th year, the event drew 385 participants to Waukesha Gun Club for a round of sporting clays, auctions, food and a presentation from a pediatric cancer researcher.

On a glorious Wisconsin summer day, teams of five gathered for "tee times" from mid-morning to early afternoon and set out on one of two sporting clays courses at the club.

From there it was "pull" and "bang" and "cha-ching."

Beyond the immediate objectives of hitting clay pigeons and having fun, everyone also had their sights on a bigger target.

Pete Schraufnagel of Nashotah, Christopher's father, pulled out his phone and showed me photos of his son.

"We're working toward (Christopher's) goal," Schraufnagel said. "The path for us is to raise as much money for research as we can."

The event was first held in 2011 after Waukesha Gun Club members learned Christopher had brain cancer.

Steve Schraufnagel (Pete's brother) of Germantown and Pat Gerbensky (Waukesha Gun Club manager) led a brainstorming session at the club's bar.

The men knew Pete and his wife Lisa recommended donations to the Midwest Athletes Against Childhood Cancer (MACC) Fund.

Club members jumped to the cause and in September 2011, the inaugural Christopher's Shoot Against Childhood Cancer drew 100 shooters to Waukesha for a day of sporting clays and trapshooting.

The club donated its facility for the event and provided targets at cost.

The event was highlighted by a visit from Christopher, who despite the effects of treatments and the disease, cheered participants from a golf cart.

The first shoot netted $35,720, "which blew us away," said Pete Schraufnagel.

Sadly, Christopher passed away on June 27, 2012.

But the event has continued and grown. The 2012 shoot raised $43,400 and the 2013 event netted $60,015.

I visited in 2014 when shoot organizers presented a $105,142 check to the MACC Fund.

The event was only in its fourth year but already attained elite status in the world of fundraising.

Of the approximately 70 events held at the time to benefit the MACC Fund, only five contributed more than $100,000, according to MACC Fund officials.

"This is greatness in action," said MACC Fund founder Jon McGlocklin at the 2014 gathering to recognize the shoot's organizers and participants.

The shooting sports community continued to strongly support the event.

Chad Johnson of Jackson was part of a team he sponsored.

"I don't shoot a lot but this is a cause I support," Johnson said.

John Marose of Waukesha is a member at Waukesha Gun Club and donated his time to work as a target thrower at the event. He was a reminder of how many lives are affected by cancer.

"My wife had cancer in 2016," Marose said. "That disease is a life-changer. This event provides a way for many of us to contribute and hopefully help find a cure."

In 2019, Christopher's Shoot surpassed the $1 million mark of money donated to the MACC Fund.

This year the event eclipsed another major milestone.

The 2023 edition of Christopher's Shoot raised $278,773 for the MACC Fund, taking its total contributions to $2.17 million.

Since 1976, the MACC Fund has contributed nearly $70 million to cancer research at Children's Hospital of Wisconsin, the Medical College of Wisconsin, the University of Wisconsin's Carbone Cancer Center and Marshfield Clinic’s Children’s Oncology Group.

Seventy-five percent of MACC Fund dollars are contributed by special events such as Christopher's Shoot.

Christopher's Shoot has emerged as a star among fundraisers for cancer research.

Alli Neumann, MACC Fund events coordinator, expressed gratitude for the event's fundraising success as well as recognition of the work to be done.

"Passing the $2 million mark of funds raised is an amazing accomplishment and the MACC Fund is incredibly grateful to the Schraufnagel Family and the Waukesha Gun Club for all their work to make this event such a success," Neumann said.

"The day is always a lot of fun and it’s great to see so many people coming together as participants, sponsors and donors in support of the Schraufnagels and the MACC Fund.  But I don’t think it’s lost on anyone that the day is bittersweet. We wish Christopher was there with us. Christopher’s dream was to find a cure and even though he is no longer with us, his family is helping to make sure that dream becomes a reality."

In late afternoon July 14 many participants lingered to share food and drink and stories as well as listen to a presentation by Dr. Veronica Flood, a pediatric oncologist from Children's Hospital of Wisconsin.

Flood thanked the crowd for their fundraising efforts and spoke of the research such monies has allowed. Among acute lymphoblastic leukemia, for example, advancements have led to a 90% cure rate. It was just 10 to 20% about 25 years ago, she said.

But there is much work to be done. Pete and Lisa Schraufnagel said they will continue the event and hope more types of cancer can enjoy improved cure rates.

A story board displayed at Waukesha Gun Club included a narrative of Christopher's life.

It described the medical treatments Christopher endured, his faith in God and one of his goals.

"Christopher also had a dream to be a scientist to cure cancer," it reads. "His inspiration has sparked large numbers of generous people to help him reach that goal. It is now time to carry out his dreams!"

This article originally appeared on Milwaukee Journal Sentinel: Christopher's Shoot breaks $2 million mark for cancer research