2013 Fundraising Total...
We have a total from our fundraising efforts for 2013...
From the Taco Feed at Chula - to the Bowling Tournament - to the Brew Review - to the Golf Outing - to the Hot Dog Stand... the Rummage Sale... Individual Donations... to the main fundraiser - I am proud and honored to announce we raised... $45,000.00 for 2013.
This could not have been accomplished without all of you. Thank you for continuing to support Team Vogel and make it what it is - a community's way to "Pay It Forward".
As we continue to wrap up for the year, I find myself reflecting on where we started to where we are now. I still remember the first time Joe brought this idea to me... I said - "Heck NO! We are too busy - how will we find time..." Thank goodness he brought it to the table again and I couldn't say no at that point.
In the 4 years of our fundraising efforts - we have raised over $170,000 - helping 34 families in the Winona Area, cancer research (Gundersen Lutheran) and a patient fund (Oasis Fund - Franciscan Skemp).
Watching one man's dream reach so many and live on in a community is the biggest reward. Thank you Joe Vogel for seeing the bigger picture and knowing we could do it.
From the Taco Feed at Chula - to the Bowling Tournament - to the Brew Review - to the Golf Outing - to the Hot Dog Stand... the Rummage Sale... Individual Donations... to the main fundraiser - I am proud and honored to announce we raised... $45,000.00 for 2013.
This could not have been accomplished without all of you. Thank you for continuing to support Team Vogel and make it what it is - a community's way to "Pay It Forward".
As we continue to wrap up for the year, I find myself reflecting on where we started to where we are now. I still remember the first time Joe brought this idea to me... I said - "Heck NO! We are too busy - how will we find time..." Thank goodness he brought it to the table again and I couldn't say no at that point.
In the 4 years of our fundraising efforts - we have raised over $170,000 - helping 34 families in the Winona Area, cancer research (Gundersen Lutheran) and a patient fund (Oasis Fund - Franciscan Skemp).
Watching one man's dream reach so many and live on in a community is the biggest reward. Thank you Joe Vogel for seeing the bigger picture and knowing we could do it.
Loggers Event...
The Loggers Event is right around the corner. There is still time (and room) to sign up to ride the bus and purchase ticket. (You are always welcome to purchase a ticket at the event too.)
Hiking...
The Hiking Trip = The Hardest Thing I've Ever Completed...
The hiking trip seemed like an adventure I needed to try. My great friends loaned me some amazing gear - I had some new pants and sneakers - and a great group of Ladies to hike with... Lets just say we got our butts handed to us.
We were expecting to hike 5 - 8 miles per day, find a place to camp for the day, and fish in the lakes. Well the lakes were bogs (muddy / swampy areas) and the bugs were super intense making it hard to stop anywhere in the woods).
Our first day out we made it about 12 miles...We couldn't find a good area to set up camp and also couldn't go on anymore. We were exhausted to say the least. 40 lbs. on your back is a little intense :). We finally stumbled upon a logging road and found a place we could put our tents up for the night. We needed to get some sleep - stretch - and get to the next town in the morning and abort the hiking mission.
We got up the following morning, packed up camp and got ready to make it to Cornell, WI. (While gearing up for the day - one camper may have come across a bear while venturing in the woods. Thank goodness it wasn't me :).)
We completed the remaining 8 miles to Cornell - found the visitors center and met a kind retired man who was willing to drive us back to our car at the visitors center.
We aborted the hiking trip and headed to Ely (to our friend's cabin) to save the vacation and have some fun.
I will say - I am proud to say I accomplished the hike. It truly was the hardest thing I've put myself through. Would I go again??? Maybe :). As time goes on, I feel like I need to try it again with different surrounds and hopefully more places to stop and camp. Then I remember how much my body hurt... maybe in a few years.
The Trip...
The hiking trip seemed like an adventure I needed to try. My great friends loaned me some amazing gear - I had some new pants and sneakers - and a great group of Ladies to hike with... Lets just say we got our butts handed to us.
We were expecting to hike 5 - 8 miles per day, find a place to camp for the day, and fish in the lakes. Well the lakes were bogs (muddy / swampy areas) and the bugs were super intense making it hard to stop anywhere in the woods).
Our first day out we made it about 12 miles...We couldn't find a good area to set up camp and also couldn't go on anymore. We were exhausted to say the least. 40 lbs. on your back is a little intense :). We finally stumbled upon a logging road and found a place we could put our tents up for the night. We needed to get some sleep - stretch - and get to the next town in the morning and abort the hiking mission.
We got up the following morning, packed up camp and got ready to make it to Cornell, WI. (While gearing up for the day - one camper may have come across a bear while venturing in the woods. Thank goodness it wasn't me :).)
We completed the remaining 8 miles to Cornell - found the visitors center and met a kind retired man who was willing to drive us back to our car at the visitors center.
We aborted the hiking trip and headed to Ely (to our friend's cabin) to save the vacation and have some fun.
I will say - I am proud to say I accomplished the hike. It truly was the hardest thing I've put myself through. Would I go again??? Maybe :). As time goes on, I feel like I need to try it again with different surrounds and hopefully more places to stop and camp. Then I remember how much my body hurt... maybe in a few years.
The Trip...
Still Smiling... Just before take-off.
 |  (Left) Climbing over the private / public dividers - at least we had a little step. (Right) The Hikers hiking on. |
The bugs were thick... super thick. They loved being in my hair too.
HEAVEN - Fishing off the dock in Ely.
 (Left) A sunny that wasn't too sure about the leech. (Right) The Master Fisherwoman. Mom and her amazing catches. |  |
The Northern Sky.
 |  |
When we arrived at the cabin in Ely - we were informed about the cabin pet - Momma Snaps. Typically she resides in the water by the dock and torments the swimmers, but one morning she was in the driveway. We couldn't figure out what she was up to at first. Until she began digging... We were able to see Momma Snaps lay her eggs. It was truly amazing to watch her process (which took hours). Hoping you can get the video below to load...
We definitely made the best of our adventures and had an amazing time. Thank you to the Crazy Ladies who always embrace me and allow me to come along.
Where Is That?...
I wanted to share this opportunity with you... Some friends of mine put this together and it is an amazing adventure. Hoping some of you will reach out to them and participate in the Where Is That? -2013.
Just a heads up - I am currently holding auditions for my team. We will be strong, creative and hunting the area. Good Luck trying to beat us :)
After reading my preview - if you are interested, you will need to email one of the contacts below to receive the whole file.
Just a heads up - I am currently holding auditions for my team. We will be strong, creative and hunting the area. Good Luck trying to beat us :)
After reading my preview - if you are interested, you will need to email one of the contacts below to receive the whole file.
An example of some of the items you will be searching for...
If you are interested in participating and having some fun seeing the area - please use the above contacts to get the official Where Is It? attachment.
...and Relay for Life - August 9th, 5 pm
Relay for Life of Winona County
Friday, August 9th – 2013
5:00 pm
Winona Lake Park - Bandshell
Relay For Life - an event that brings together the entire community together to CELEBRATE the lives of all those who have battled and beaten this terrible disease. It also gives the community an opportunity to REMEMBER all those we have sadly lost to the disease. Most importantly brings the community together as one to FIGHT BACK against the disease that has taken so much! If you are interested in learning more about the event, you can visit their website at www.RelayForLife.org/WinonaCountyMN or contact Ryan at 507-424-4608.
Friday, August 9th – 2013
5:00 pm
Winona Lake Park - Bandshell
Relay For Life - an event that brings together the entire community together to CELEBRATE the lives of all those who have battled and beaten this terrible disease. It also gives the community an opportunity to REMEMBER all those we have sadly lost to the disease. Most importantly brings the community together as one to FIGHT BACK against the disease that has taken so much! If you are interested in learning more about the event, you can visit their website at www.RelayForLife.org/WinonaCountyMN or contact Ryan at 507-424-4608.
Signing off -
Rach
Rach
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