Another great idea is coming forward in the community to benefit the Ben Kruse 18 FORE Life Foundation as the charity continues to pursue the milestone of their one millionth dollar given to area families that are experience a medial need.

Jake Kreulen, a highly touted sportswriter and photographer in the area is putting his talents to work for the 18 FORE Life charity.

Kreulen worked in the area as a sportwriter and photographer at newspapers in Poplar Bluff and Dexter from 1999 to 2007. He now owns his own photography company, specializing in action photos at youth and high school sporting events.

Searching for his own way to get involved in helping a local charity, Kreulen had the idea to make his digital photos available to the general public in a very unique manner. He shot every game of the Lady Royals Christmas Classic and the Bloomfield Christmas Tournament and has compiled team photo CDs.

He then offered the individual team the chance to purchase every single photo of them on CD.

“The cost might seem a little high at $150,” said Kreulen. “But when you realize that this cost is split among the entire team and every single team member gets his or her own copy, then it really becomes a great, affordable deal.

“The coach gets his or her own copy, and the school can use the photos for yearbook or program purposes. So for each of the players, the coach and the school to have a lasting memory of the season and the team is almost priceless.”

The idea to offer the CDs to the teams in the tournaments with a portion of the proceeds going directly to 18 FORE Life brought Kreulen up from his Memphis-area home for two weeks during the holidays.

“What Scott (Kruse) and 18 FORE Life has done is such an unselfish endeavor,” said Kreulen. “The project has been some hard work and long hours, but to be able to watch some quality high school basketball, see a ton of friends and family in the area and help out a charity that truly helps people made it an easy decision.”

"This is an awesome idea for players and parents of area athletes," commented Scott Kruse. "We are honored that he thought of 18 FORE Life as the recipient of his work."

"Jake's support is deeply appreciated as 18 FORE Life looks to give away our $1 Millionth support check in 2013," added Kruse.

To purchase your copy of the team pictures for Dexter and other area schools, you can contact Jake on Facebook at www.facebook.com/jakekreulen or email him at:  jakekreulen@yahoo.com.