The Detroit Lakes Eagles Aerie 2342 Past Presidents Club recently donated $2,500 to Hospice of the Red River Valley. Jerry Wagendorf, Eagles gaming manager, presented the check to Hal O’Connor, long-time Hospice of the Red River Valley volunteer.

The donation will be used to help provide compassionate end-of-life care to those in Detroit Lakes and surrounding communities.

“The continued support of the Detroit Lakes Eagles Club is greatly appreciated,” Jane Bartholomay, development officer with Hospice of the Red River Valley, said.

The Annual Sweet N’ Stickey in Dickey Cook Off was held on Saturday, July 11 in Dickey, N.D. In its sixth year, the event showcased 24 cooks—the most in the event’s history—all hoping to win a Sweet N’ Stickey in Dickey trophy and generate donations for Hospice of the Red River Valley.

Three hundred pounds of ribs and 50 pounds of pulled pork were served during the event, and more than $3,000 was raised for Hospice of the Red River Valley in memory of loved ones who have been cared for by Hospice.

The Judge’s Choice winners were: first place— Brett Lunde, second place (tied)— Craig Good and Darrin Wetzel and third place— Brent Carpenter. The People’s Choice winners were: first place— Brett Lunde, second place— Adam Johnson and third place— Bret Haakenson.

The Seventh Annual Sweet N’ Stickey in Dickey Rib Cook Off will be held on July 9, 2016.

The 7th annual Debbie Gabel Memorial Motorcycle Ride will be held Saturday, July 25, in Valley City.

Registration for the motorcycle ride begins at 9 a.m. at Boomer’s Corner Keg. The ride begins at noon and ends at approximately 5:30 p.m. The cost to participate is $25 per rider and $15 per co-pilot.

Food is included in the registration fee and will be served after the ride at Boomer’s Corner Keg. A live auction will be held at the same location at 7 p.m. One registered participant will win $500 cash! A street dance, featuring music by Blackwater, will be held after the ride.

Event organizer Rocky Gabel, who owns Gabel Masonry Construction in Valley City, founded the event in memory of his wife, Debbie, whom he lost to ovarian cancer in 2009. Hospice of the Red River Valley cared for Debbie. “Hospice provided vital support and care to my wife, and my family,” Gabel said. “I see this event as an opportunity to give back and help others.”

Last year, approximately 150 people participated in the motorcycle ride. Net proceeds of the events benefit Hospice of the Red River Valley.

For more information, go to www.thunderingsaints.com.

Hospice of the Red River Valley Volunteer Becky Wood was recently awarded first prize in the #WellaCares Challenge, a nation-wide contest designed to recognize and reward salon professionals who are making a real difference in the community. Hospice’s Marketing department staff worked with Becky to tell her volunteer story through a video, which Becky submitted to the contest along with an essay about volunteering. As a winner in the Community Impact category, Becky was awarded $1,000, which she donated to Hospice of the Red River Valley.

“Sharing one’s valuable time by volunteering at Hospice of the Red River Valley is such a gift to us! When Becky saw an opportunity and took the initiative to seek a financial gift, as well, we were thrilled,” said Deb Gemar, Director of Community Relations at Hospice of the Red River Valley. “We are so appreciate of her giving heart for Hospice.”

 

Over the past year, Becky, a hair stylist and owner of a West Fargo salon and spa, has visited the homes of numerous Hospice of the Red River Valley patients to provide refreshing haircuts, and sometimes even a quick style. “Volunteering has always been a passion of mine. This experience has been nothing but positive, and I leave every single visit feeling like a changed person,” Becky said.

“Becky’s energy and enthusiasm is contagious,” said Hospice of the Red River Valley Volunteer Services Manager Deb Kluck. “Becky is a wonderful asset to our volunteer team, and her passion for Hospice of the Red River Valley is endless. Most importantly, the patients she serves love her.”