Minnesota United Against Domestic Violence hosted a bowling fundraiser in honor of Tabitha Trescott and Justin Reinarts, who were killed in Hanska last November through an act of domestic violence. Their murders had a profound impact on the Hanska and New Ulm communities. In the immediate aftermath of their deaths, Morgan Blackstad and Cris Gant started Minnesota United Against Domestic Violence, a grassroots organization designed to educate the public on the prevalence of domestic violence, but also to advocate for changes in the law to prevent domestic violence offender from committing further offenses.

Blackstad said the fundraiser had full community support from the beginning. The fundraiser began at 1 p.m. Saturday, but she said many people showed up early and were eager to show their support.

The fundraiser included bowling, a plant sale and silent auction. During the event, guests were able to bowl for $5 per game with 60% of the proceeds going to the Trescott and Reinarts families. All proceeds from the plant sale and silent auction will go to the families.

Both the Trescott and Reinarts family attended the fundraisers, most were wearing t-shirts with photos of Tabitha and Justin.

Tyler Bowen, brother to Tabitha Trescott, helps his daughter Toni bowl during the Strike out Domestic Violence fundraiser. Tyler Bowen was impressed with the turnout for the event honoring his sister. Photo by Clay Schuldt

Tabitha Trescott’s mother, Terri Smith, was overwhelmed by the outpouring of support for her family. She said the response was “amazing” and she felt blessed by the community and their support for the family.

“Our daughter was loving, caring and joyful,” Smith said. “She wore her heart on her sleeve and there was nothing she would not do for her kids.”

Tabitha Trescott’s aunt, Angel Yordt, said of the fundraiser, “Just when you think there is no good in the world, the community turns out with their support.”

The fundraiser included support from many Hanska residents. Hanska Mayor Daniel Paulson, Patty Paulson and Cindy Torkelson all helped with the setup for the fundraiser.

Mayor Paulson said he was pleased to see so many from his community at the fundraiser.

One of the buttons created by Minnesota United Against Domestic Violence available at the Strike out Domestic Violence fundraiser. Photo by Clay Schuldt

“I think this is a great start to addressing domestic violence,” he said. “This far too common and hopefully, this is the start to a change that needs to happen.”

Jody Rhoades, mother of Justin Reinarts two sons said, “It is great to see so much of the community here. We knew there was a lot of support, but it shows how kind people in this community can be. We very much appreciate what [Blackstad] and [Gant] have done.”

Troy Reinarts, brother to Justin Reinarts, said the communities coming together was a great emotional support for the family, but he was also hopeful his brother’s story would bring about change in the laws around domestic violence.

“Hopefully something good will come from this this and things will get better,” he said.

Tabitha Trescott’s brother, Tyler Bowen, said the turnout for the fundraiser was better than he expected and he was grateful for everyone who attended.

Minnesota United Against Domestic Violence founders Morgan Blackstad and Gris Gant thanked members of the Hanska community for assisting with the Strike out Domestic Violence fundraiser at Concordia Lanes, Saturday. The event united the Hanska community in their support of the Trescott and Reinarts family. In photo from left to right: Dan Paulson, Cindy Torkelson, Morgan Blackstad, Cris Gant and Patty Paulson. Photo by Clay Schuldt

“This was very beautiful,” he said.

For more information on Minnesota United Against Domestic Violence and fundraiser visit: https://www.facebook.com/MNUnitedAgainstDV

Angel Yordt, aunt to Tabitha Trescott, prepares to bowl a strike during the Strike out the Violence fundraiser.