ALMA, WI- The Rutting Ridge Foundation out of ALMA, WI is proud to announce the recipients of this years ACTION TRACK CHAIR. This year the recipients are Max (12) and Jake (10) Lesperance. Max and Jake are children of Mark and Laura Lesperance of Neenah, WI. Besides receiving the chairs, Rutting Ridge Outfitters in Buffalo County, WI will donate a free deer hunt for father and sons.
Max and Jake suffer from a disease called A-T. A-T is a progressive, degenerative genetic disease that combines the symptoms of muscular dystrophy, cerebral palsy, cystic fibrosis, and immune deficiencies. Children with A-T appear healthy at birth but progressively begin to lose muscle control. Most children are in wheelchairs by the time they’re 10 and usually die in their teens or early 20s.
Experts estimate the frequency of A-T as 1 in 40,000 births, and there are only about 500 identified cases. There is no cure and no treatment to prolong a patient’s life.
Max and Jake love the outdoors so much the excitement and emotions were felt by all on April 22 when they received their new Action Track Chairs. Mark, the boys father, loves getting them in the outdoors whether it’s cross-country skiing, hiking, canoeing, or hunting.
Mark said, “ I mean it when I say I wouldn’t change one thing about my sons. Not being able to “Getting out there” is an excuse and there are solutions for almost anything. However, this action track chair will be the solution of all solutions. They boys inspire me every day… Thank you and to all who helped provide, this incredibly generous and life changing gift.”
Max and Jake setting up stands for deer season prior to Action Track Chairs. Mark said, “ I am going to get soft not having to pull or carry my hunting buddies now. “ (above)
The Rutting Ridge Foundation along with Rutting Ridge Outfitters do multiple fundraisers each year to raise money for children that can utilize these Action Track Chairs. Each 3rd weekend in January, he Rutting Ridge Foundation puts on a charity banquet at the ALMA ROD AND GUN CLUB followed by a KIDS ICE FISH CAMP and ICE FISHING TOURNAMNET. People have come all across the country to fish the tournament and help support Rutting Ridge Foundation.
Their solution for everything before the Action Track Chair was an improvised ice sled with wheels transport (above).
Currently, the Rutting Ridge Foundation has a 52 GUN raffle going on. One gun will be given away each week for a year with multiple chances to win. Winning numbers will be the Daily PICK 3 of the Wisconsin State Lottery starting Friday June 2, 2017 and continuing every Friday after that for a year. There are about 100 tickets of the 1000 remaining. If you would like to help support this cause by purchasing a raffle ticket, the following people or businesses would love to get you a ticket; Hillcrest Motel and Lodging, Alma Hotel Bar and Grill, Tate’s Dam View, Red Ram Bar and Grill. You can also contact Jarrad Fluekiger, President, 715-495-0534; Mike Bahr, Vice President, 920-988-4015; Jason Lorenson, Secretary/Treasurer, 651-380-3321; Laura Harrington, 507-696-2365 or Lisa Packer in Lake City, MN, 507-421-6389.
If you would like to help or donate to the Rutting Ridge Foundation feel free to visit our website at www.ruttingridgefoundation.org and click on the DONATE button. Also, feel free to contact us anytime through our website or one of the board members listed above.
Many local businesses helped support Rutting Ridge Foundation over the last year; Special thanks goes out to all the sponsors that helped.
Alma Rod and Gun Club-Alma, WI
John Halls Alaska Dream Cruises- Lake City, MN
Hillcrest Motel and Lodging- Alma, WI
Rutting Ridge Outfitters- Buffalo County, WI
The Lost Shed Outfitters- Ohio
Alma Hotel/Union House Bar and Grill- Alma, WI
Red Ram Bar and Grill- Alma, Wi
River Realty, LLC- Alma, WI
Rock Bottom Express- Jefferson, WI
Ley’s Bark River Lanes- Rome, WI
Jefferson Gun Club- Jefferson, WI
Tater’s Dam View- Alma, WI
RS NETS- Fresno, OH
LaCrosse Boots-
River Valley Outfitters- Wabasha, MN
Durand Smoke House in Durand, WI
Eau Galle Cheese- Eau Galle, WI
River Guiding Services- Alma, WI
TORO Company- Tomah, WI
BlueLine Marketing-Plainview, MN
Why Knot Guide Service- Green Bay, WI
St.Croix Rods- Park Falls, WI
Vexilar
Clam- Rogers, MN
Jason Mitchell Outdoors- North Dakota
XOP Tree Stands- Dubuque, IA
Future Angler Foundation
Limit Creek Rods- Spring Valley, MN
BreakWall Outfitters- Lake City, MN
Bic Graphics- Red Wing, MN
Danckwardt Landscaping- Kellogg, MN
Jesse’s Towing- Modena WI
HalfMoon Outdoors Action Track Chairs- Evansville, WI
Erdody Studios
Rutting Ridge Foundation Inc. is a 501 c3 non-profit organization that was created to help physically challenged youth and veterans enjoy a hunting/fishing trip of a lifetime that they would not normally be able to experience. From hunting giant whitetails and turkeys in Buffalo County, Wisconsin, to fishing for 10-pound walleyes in the Mississippi River, it’s an outdoor adventure they will never forget!
Their memorable experience doesn’t stop there. We also provide our wheelchair bound outdoorsmen & women the means to be able to continue enjoying the outdoors long after their trip with us are over. Through the generous donations received from our friends, supporters, and sponsors we are able to provide them with their very own Action Chair. These tank type wheelchairs allow them to go off road and trail into areas that standard wheelchairs can only hope to go. Mud and hills are nothing more than fun obstacles. Their new chairs allow them to experience the outdoors on their terms and access all the areas they desire.