Sheepherders Ball – December 20
The Sheepherders Ball and Lamb Auction is the primary source of funding for the Basque Foundation’s charity account. The first Sheepherders Ball was held in 1929, after John Archabal convinced two Basque men’s organizations to combine their annual Christmas dances into one unified event for Basques. In 1974, the Sheepherders ball was open to the public. Basil and Dorothy Bicandi Aldecoa donated a lamb for the event’s first auction to raise money for charity. The Sheepherders Ball and Lamb Auction has provided funds for the Basque Foundation to help families in need ever since.
This annual event is a great opportunity for the Basque community to support families in need. Most of the funds raised are reserved for a designated beneficiary (or designated beneficiaries) each year. The remaining funds are shared amongst others in need. Our designated recipient for the 2025 auction is Jamie VanOverbeke.
Jamie is the son of Alyssa and Matt and brother of Brooks, a local Idaho family, who joyfully welcomed their newest addition to their family in July. Jamie was born only weight 5lbs and 11 oz but Alyssa and Matt were quickly able to bring Jamie home and were soaking in all the newborn snuggles and embracing life as a family of four. Amid the joy and love surrounding Jamie, Alyssa and Matt received unexpected news, one of Jamie’s newborn screenings flagged a rare set of genetic conditions. This marked the beginning of a month filled with tests, followed by more tests each one leading to more questions. Many of the doctors they encountered had never treated these conditions and were unsure of the next steps. After weeks of uncertainty, the diagnosis came, Jamie has a condition called Zellweger Spectrum Disorder.
If you haven’t heard of Zellweger Syndrome, it is an incredibly rare genetic condition, with only 1000 diagnosed cases worldwide. It’s caused by mutations in the genes that form peroxisomes, tiny structures in our cells that help break down toxins and fats. Zellweger impacts multiple organs, including the brain, liver, kidneys, and nervous system. Jamie is currently the only known child in Idaho with this diagnosis. In fact, Alyssa and Matt have spent much of their early medical appointments simply educating their care team, many of whom had never encountered Zellweger before. Understanding what the condition is and what it could mean for Jamie’s future is something that remains uncertain as of today. With this diagnosis comes not just heartbreak, it brings more tests, surgeries to help Jamie feel comfortable, hearing aids so he can hear his mom, dad, and brother’s voices, which, considering he is growing needs replaced every month, and ongoing doctor’s appointments to monitor his progression. Every step taken is to bring Jamie as much comfort as possible.
As if having a medically complex child isn’t challenging enough, navigating the healthcare system and daily life with a child who has extra needs brings its own set of burdens: copays, surgeries, missed work, full-time caregiving, specialized equipment, specialized formula, gas, babysitters, in-home nursing, the list goes on. No matter how well you prepare for life’s rainy days, nothing prepares you for something this earth-shattering.
Alyssa and Matt think about having Jamie experience life moments, as it’s so important to them that he have experiences in the world outside of hospital walls. This is something that is how much of this world can a parent show their child when time is of the essence. This would help them cover medical costs and Alyssa to be able to care for Jamie without having to worry about returning to work so they can make memories and give Matt, Alyssa, and Brooks the chance to fill Jamie’s days with as much life and love as possible without the added burden of financial worry.
You can make donations by card, check, or cash. To donate using your credit or debit card at any time, please use our website link at https://www.basquecenter.com/sheepherders-ball/. To pay by check, please mail your donation to Basque Foundation, Inc., Attn: Sheepherders Ball, 601 W Grove St, Boise, ID 83702. Cash and check donations can also be dropped off at the Basque Center during regular business hours. Do make sure to designate your donation is for Sheepherders Ball.
Mark your calendars for Saturday, December 20, 2025 and join us at the Basque Center for an evening of fundraising and dancing! Doors will be open to the public at 6:15 PM. Beautiful dancing by the Oinkari Basque Dancers will be followed by the annual lamb auction to benefit families in need, and live music from hori bai! and Amuma Says No to finish the night. $30 per person for dinner and all activities, or $5 if you’re joining us later in the night for dancing. If you are unable to make your reservation online, please call in or text your reservation to 208-572-0604.