Helping make memories
Woodstone, Orchard Hill raise $4,912 for Alzheimer\\\'s
(Top, L-R) Kari Apitz and Crystal Krebs, alongside (bottom, L-R) Brittany Bullock and Sissi Schwark, pose behind a oversized photo frame cutout framed by a "Making Memories Together" lawn display donated by Card My Yard during Monday's Alzheimer's Association fundraiser. (Photo by Amy Zents)
Volunteers sell $1 activity tickets for the event stations. Pictured at the table (left to right): Audrey Keith, Chris Keith, Art Keith, and Dayna Martin. Selling tickets at the far end of the table is Mike Finstad. Tickets were the sole currency for bakes and activities. (Photo by Amy Zents)
A restored 1930s popcorn wagon, historically operated by Ben and Tillie Bauermeister, makes its public debut in decades. A separate popcorn machine (obscured behind the wagon) was used for sales.(Photo by Amy Zents)
(Top, L-R) Kari Apitz and Crystal Krebs, alongside (bottom, L-R) Brittany Bullock and Sissi Schwark, pose behind a oversized photo frame cutout framed by a "Making Memories Together" lawn display donated by Card My Yard during Monday's Alzheimer's Association fundraiser. (Photo by Amy Zents)
Volunteers sell $1 activity tickets for the event stations. Pictured at the table (left to right): Audrey Keith, Chris Keith, Art Keith, and Dayna Martin. Selling tickets at the far end of the table is Mike Finstad. Tickets were the sole currency for bakes and activities. (Photo by Amy Zents)
A restored 1930s popcorn wagon, historically operated by Ben and Tillie Bauermeister, makes its public debut in decades. A separate popcorn machine (obscured behind the wagon) was used for sales.(Photo by Amy Zents)
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NEW ULM -- Woodstone Senior Living and Orchard Hill raised $4,912 for the Alzheimer’s Association at their second annual fundraiser Monday.
The total topped last year’s amount despite lower attendance.
”Our attendance was lower than last year, but the support was even greater, we raised more money for the Alzheimer’s Association,” said Brittany Gulden, executive director at Woodstone Senior Living.
Gulden coordinated the event with Orchard Hill Activities Director Kari Apitz and staff from both communities.
Gulden said cars were parked as far as Runnings, with attendees walking up the trail to the event.
Live music was provided by The Misfits, who played throughout the event.
”The biggest hits were the bake sale and live music,” Gulden said.
Other attractions included a petting zoo, face painting, a nacho bar, popcorn, cotton candy and snow cones. Card My Yard donated signs displayed in front of the building.
Attendees purchased $1 tickets to use at each station. All baked goods and event items were donated.
”It’s all donated,” said Art Keith, director at Orchard Hill. Keith is Orchard Hill’s licensed assisted living director.
Keith said Woodstone has a memory care wing with 10 apartments and 20 care suites, while Orchard Hill offers assisted living.
When Orchard Hill residents are moved to Woodstone when needing memory care.
”Woodstone has a memory care unit, so that’s a big part of their motivation, and we want to partner with them because we’re in this fight together,” Keith said.
Gulden said all proceeds go to the Alzheimer’s Association.
”The money raised supports ongoing research, education, resources, and support for caregivers and families,” Gulden said.
A 1930s popcorn wagon built on a Model T chassis was displayed at the event after seven years in a pole shed.
Mike Finstad said his family traces back to original owners Ben and Tillie Bauermeister. Finstad said Ben put four children through school selling popcorn from the wagon in the 1930s, ’40s and ’50s, while Tillie operated a second wagon on Center Street.
Finstad said after Barbara Bauermeister died, the historical society wanted to buy both wagons for $4,000.
Finstad said his family wanted them back because they were originally theirs.
He said they agreed the historical society would take the Center Street wagon and the family would keep the other wagon.
Finstad said he told the BCHS, “You can have the one on Center street, but we get the other one.”
The Center Street wagon now resides at the Brown County Historical Society museum. Originally painted white with red trim, the historic piece has since been repainted red.
Meanwhile, the second wagon made its long-awaited debut at the Alzheimer’s fundraiser, complete with an active popcorn machine set up right behind it.
Reflecting on the community’s enthusiasm and the success of the evening, Gulden added, “We are incredibly grateful to everyone who came out, participates, donated, and helped make our event a success. Every contribution, be it small, makes a difference.”
Gulden thanked sponsors: GSM, NUPD, Natalie Bastian Insurance, Randy and Mitch Frauendienst, Eco Water, Print Wear Graphics, Hy-Vee, Sjostrom Farms, Card My Yard, Hermel, Brian Miller, the Finstad and Haynes families, Martin Brothers, Frito-Lay, Jill Spencer, Investment & Insurance Services, and Don and Kelly Lastine.
Organizers plan to continue the fundraiser annually.