Neil and Kari lived 1 mile apart for over a decade, two souls unknowingly waiting for the perfect moment to collide. That moment came by accident, or perhaps by fate, when Neil’s pool team needed a player, and a friend invited Kari. Neither planned to attend, but that night, they closed down the pool hall, lost in conversation, laughter, and an undeniable spark. The next day, they couldn’t shake the feeling. A date followed, along with more pool, deeper conversations, and yet another late-night.

One of our favorite memories is from Kari’s first music festival. The night was alive with sound and color, and everything felt magical. Then, a band Neil was friends with took the stage and dedicated "Moonlight" to her. I remember the way she looked at me, surprised and glowing. Later, in a quiet moonlit garden, I couldn’t hold back any longer—I told her I had fallen in love with her. And in that perfect moment, she realized she had fallen too. It was the beginning of everything...

If we win $20,000, we will share half with LA Food Bank and Oceana, supporting those in need and protecting our oceans. The other half will go to our adult children, giving us the chance to take our new family on a grand adventure—maybe to Europe. More than just a trip, it will be a journey to build bonds, uncover truths, strengthen connections, and empower growth. Most of all, it will be a celebration of love in our newly combined family, creating memories to last a lifetime.