The Highground holds annual ‘Friends’ dinner
More than 110 supporters gathered with The Highground staff and board members to be recognized at the 18th annual “Friends of The Highground” Dinner on March 19. This yearly dinner is a way for The Highground to thank the generous donors who support the organization through cumulative annual donations of more than $1,000. The event was held at El Norteno Mexican Grill in Curtiss, where guests enjoyed fellowship and a savory American/Mexican dinner.
After a warm welcome by Chris Pettis, executive director, and an invocation by Bill Flemal, longtime motorcycle route leader for the Honor Ride and Ride to Remember, Board Member Wayne Guenther presented the “Missing Service Member Table.” Board members Steve Maddox, Bob Barth, Don Quicker, Gary Weirauch and Michele Benson read the names of 100 Wisconsin KIAs from the Global War on Terror, Korean War and Vietnam War. To begin the awards ceremony, volunteer and contributor Skip Klabon offered a touching retirement speech for Kay Anason, donation coordinator. Kay also said a few words, thanking everyone for all they do for The Highground and how they were a part of raising her family. She also said she was looking forward to their first summer vacation, ending with “I reached for a hand and you grabbed my heart. God Bless!”
A record number of first-year contributors joined the growing list to be recognized. Three supporters have acquired all 18 certificates -- Central WI Broadcasting (WCCN/WKPG), Donald Quicker and Dr. John and Rebecca Scaletta. The 2021 certificate depicts the peaceful Earthen Dove Effigy Mound with its corresponding Challenge Coin.
Several tables included information about Veterans programs offered by The Highground and glimpses into upcoming museum exhibitions. The full-scale replica of the atomic bomb known as “Little Boy,” which will become a permanent exhibit, was also on display.
To conclude the evening, the “Spirit of The Highground” awards were presented to the creators of “Little Boy”—Dale Hammel of Combat Parts, Inc. (Abbotsford) and Paul Erikson of Kulas Body Shop (Abbotsford)—for taking The Highground’s idea and building the exhibit piece in less than five weeks. Also recognized were Randy Henchen of Henchen Electrical (Neillsville) for time and efforts toward switching out the Plaza lights to LEDs, reducing that monthly expense by one-third. Thanks also went out to John and Maryann Vedder, who were unable to attend, for their dedication to the museum exhibits, providing many artifacts, information and monetary support (including the “Little Boy” atomic bomb replica project) to enhance the visitor experience. Recipients of this special award are nominated and voted upon by the staff of The Highground, representing those who have gone above and beyond monetary works and who also have the “Spirit” of The Highground in them.
The entire list of those who received the “Friends of The Highground” certificates is available on The Highground’s website News and Resources page at https:// www.thehighground.us/the-highground-holds-18thannual- recognition-dinner/.
