At Ease

by Jack Webster

 

I am very happy to say that the Project New Hope Bike-a-Thon got underway on Saturday, Oct. 1st as scheduled (rescheduled?) and was completed with no serious injuries or after effects. Granted there were a few stiff legs and sore knees but nothing serious. Because of the optional date of the event, due to mudslides blocking the trail, there were fewer riders than expected but it was still a highly successful event.

Despite the obstacles we had to overcome in finally getting the ride underway, we nearly reached our goal of $10,000! Checks are still coming in the mail nearly every day and other Lions have told me that their clubs have funds to be sent in to the project. While the funds currently in the bank total $9,688, the tally is growing as you read this. Project New Hope will be, I feel, at least $11,000 richer due to the Lions of 5M-2!

Thus far, only 17 of our Lions Clubs have donated to the project (I would hope, and expect, that more clubs will send in checks to this worthwhile cause).

A special thank you goes out to the Elysian American Legion Club who donated a check for $500 and had a rider join us in the trek!

Other notes of interest are the fact that two Lions rode the entire distance (plus) of 102 miles! Congratulations to Lions Steve Morgan and Lynn Babcock of the Faribault Lions Club for their stamina and dedication! Next came Lion Margie Jacobson and friend Kim Brown with 87 miles, PDG Harry Klenke with about 70 miles, and not far behind came Waterville Lions Bob Waldschmidt and Jack Webster (and daughter Robin) at 60 miles each.

I am proud of the fact that my daughter, who drew up the design for the Bike-a-Thon publicity, shirts, letterheads, etc. was also the top fundraiser with pledges totaling over $1,200! I wasn’t too far behind in the pledge amount with about $800. I am also doubtful that without her support and encouragement I would have been able to successfully coordinate the project.

I want to thank everyone who helped on this project in any way --- there are too many to try to remember all of you by name but a huge THANK YOU to everyone who assisted in the project, donated their time and services, those who rode the trail and especially those who donated to our worthy project that will benefit Project New Hope.

My hope is that all Lions Clubs will contact any and all returning combat veterans and let them know about our camps located around the state. And also let them know that these weekend retreat camps are FREE to the veterans and their families and counselors are available if desired.

To those who have not yet contributed, it is never too late to send in your check. The checks can be mailed to Lion Jack Webster, at 220 Herbert St. N., Waterville, MN. 56096.

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