BluSky Restoration Contractors LLC announced it raised $150,000 for amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) research through its seventh annual Rakers Classic charity golf tournament that occurred on Sept. 16. 

In 2017, BluSky's employees were devastated when one of their peers, Lyle Rakers, was diagnosed with a rare form of ALS called Brachial Amyotrophic Diplegia (BAD). This ultimately led to the establishment of the Lyle Rakers Charitable Foundation in 2018. The Rakers Classic is the Foundation’s signature fundraising event, and BluSky is a major supporter year after year.

Including the funds raised from a sister tournament on Oct. 5 in Southern Illinois ($50,000), a total of $838,000 has now been raised since 2018 for the Miller Lab at Washington University School of Medicine in St. Louis.

“We at BluSky support each other in the good times, and the not-so-good times. We are truly grateful for the overwhelming amount of generosity and kindness from all have participated, sponsored, donated, and volunteered at our events,” said Jim Rable, senior vice president of corporate development at BluSky, and longtime friend of Lyle Rakers. “It is so much fun to see friends, family, co-workers, and vendors come together to support our efforts. To see 250 people at the dinner, wow! Just one of the best days of the year.”

This year’s event boasted the largest turnout since it started, and had the support of over 20 different vendors, partners and sponsors, along with the entire BluSky executive team in attendance.

“I am blown away by the love and support from so many friends and family," said Lyle Rakers. "To our BluSky family, every year you have helped us raise the bar, and this year was certainly no exception. I am truly blessed to work for a company who cares so much about their people. Thank you as well to all our BluSky vendor partners, we truly couldn’t have done this without you. My muscles have gotten weaker, but my heart has gotten stronger."

Through its research, the Miller Lab seeks to understand the mechanisms underlying neurodegeneration in ALS and to develop new, innovative therapies for ALS.

“The generous support from the Lyle Rakers Foundation allows us to push research on the cutting edge and bring new RNA-targeted therapies to clinical trial. We are so honored to be associated with the Lyle Rakers Foundation and the terrific group of people that have put together another very successful golf tournament,” said Timothy Miller, director of the Miller Lab.