Ride to Remember increases its numbers

The Hartland University’s “Ride to Remember” challenge departed around noon from the parking lot on Saturday, Sept. 6. With 30 vehicles registered and 70 in the ride-along, those signups helped to fundraise $740, with all proceeds going to the Flags for Vets charity. There was also a 50/50 raffle won by Tom Koziolek for $900, who donated $100 of it back. A silent auction with all items donated, and a prize for winning hand, which was won by Ryan Peterson with his four aces. Tom Gislason’s 50/50 raffle proved highly successful, raising $1,800. With all the numbers counted, including $150 from Arcadian Bank of Hartland, they raised a total of $4,334 for Flags for Vets. According to an online source, the Flag for Vets charity’s mission is: “We are a non-profit organization that is dedicated to giving all citizens, especially Veterans, the opportunity to display one of the greatest symbols of our nation, the U.S. Flag.”

 

First things first, the Hartland University wants to remind everyone that, “When participating in the Ride to Remember or any other charity event, these are not races. Always drive responsibly.” There were 11 stops, not counting University: The Bend in the Road Reestablished in Manchester, The Pour House in Clarks Grove, Geneva Bar and Grill in Geneva, RJ’s on 5th Ave Bar and Grill in Ellendale, The Willows Restaurant and Lounge in New Richland, Papa Ollie’s Bar and Grill in Waldorf, Jamie’s Pub in Pemberton, The Orange Door Grill and Bar in Minnesota Lake, TB3’s in Freeborn and The Great Escape Bar and Grill in Minnesota Lake. Each person was given a stamp card and received a stamp at each location. Must stop at a minimum of five locations and will receive a card at each location. Use those cards to make the best five card hand.

 

There was also a silent auction with items like a dog toy basket, wooden American flags, assorted scented gift baskets, a fire extinguisher to hide liquor in, a liquor-snack-lotto ticket basket, Bud Light glasses, an American themed basket, a Busch Light themed cooler themed, a bloody Mary basket, wine and snack basket, beer mug basket, gift certificates to The Orange Door, an Albert Lea stone massage, welcome mats, apple crisp by Julie Doyle, a Vikings firepit, The Willows clothing accessories and more.

 

Michelle Lynch was walking to her off-road vehicle a little after noon and said about today’s event, “I’m here because I’m friends with the owners, Justin and Sheila. Not only that, but we were here last year and my other half is also a vet, so there’s that.” Sarah Sundve was also enjoying time at Hartland U next to her husband when she said, “I was at the last Flags for Veterans event. I wanted to help out.”

 

Ryan Peterson got into the driver’s seat of his four-wheeler with Will and Holly Abraham. He was asked if he will be able to make it to every one of the taverns on his list, and he replied, “I doubt we’ll get to all of them.” At only a few minutes past noon, every one of the off-road vehicles had departed, leaving the parking lot empty, save an employee vehicle or two. Hartland University Bar Staff wishes to extend its sincerest gratitude to all individuals who contributed to the event by donating their time, money, and silent auction items.