March 7, 2016 at 3:00 p.m.
Community turns out for annual Winter Escapes extravaganza
Community turns out for annual Winter Escapes extravaganza
By Kayla Thomason-
All 500 of the drawing tickets were purchased, and the community's support amazed Kiwanis' past president, Romelle Vandervest.
"It's awesome, it's amazing," she said. "We could have probably sold 600 tickets this year. We had people calling after we sold them all."
Even attendees were enthusiastic about the community's support.
"I think the community's support of Kiwanis is great," said Curtis Knudtson, attendee. "Every event there's a nice turnout, I don't think you could ask for a whole lot more."
Dianne Hetland has attended the gathering for several years. She said finds the evening to be "an unexpected fun time" meeting new people.
"I just arrived, it looks like it's going to be a fun time, a lot of people here," she said.
Hetland said she enjoys the interactions she has with the people she meets.
"It's just a fun time, having a girls' night out or you just had some couples get together at a table and you just visit, have fun, make money for the fundraiser," Hetland said, adding that she is thankful for all that Kiwanis does for the community.
"They really do a lot for our community," she said.
Hetland's son is a Kiwanian, and she supports their efforts to help the children.
"They do a lot for the children in the community so it's always fun to raise money for something that's in the community," Hetland said.
She had her eye on some raffle items which included a piece of jewelry, a coach purse and a print of cardinals.
Kiwanis Winter Escapes typically raises about $20,000 dollars, which all goes back into the community.
"It's awesome," said Martha Knudtson, Kiwanis member. "When every group in the community is trying to raise money for their particular cause it's amazing because we typically make about $20,000 on a night like tonight and for the size of Rhinelander I think that's really tremendous."
She was interested in this wonderfully crafted wooden motorcycle rocking chair. Her son and his wife are expecting, so they thought it would be a nice raffle to participate in. She also liked the popcorn maker.
Kiwanis' major project this year will be with ArtStart.
"We're going to do an indoor/outdoor children's art and learning center, it's going to be hands-on plus monetary," Vandervest said.
They did the new mulch at Hodag Park's playground and they sponsored the Rhinelander Area Food Pantry as usual.
"Thank you to everybody that supported us," she said.
Kayla Breese may be reached at [email protected].
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