Hope for Austin DeGroot-150 Mile Fund Raising Walk and Benefit with Silent Auction

Toby Kufahl 2007 Journal Highlights

Sunday--All of the friends (and press) that were in front of my house to see me before my journey.....(Along with Congressman Kagen). The signs that Austin and his family made for me---And I still have each one!! When I stopped to stretch my muscles and one of the Sisters from "The Sisters of St Francis" invited me in for cookies and juice! The man that called me while I was walking to donate a rocking horse (He saw the article in the paper and called us)--He was 89 years old-and the horse was beautiful. The couple that drove past me--turned around and came back to give me a donation. The can of soda left at the end of a driveway (in a bucket of ice) for me with my name on it.

The couple that waited outside Dykesville by the road--the man walked with me thru the park so I could have a shorter route and the lady drove ahead and took donations at the Rock Falls Supper Club for me.

Monday--A lady invited me in for cookies and gave me a bag of fruit--turned out to be the grandmother of a highschool friend. Construction worker that stopped to give me a better vest than I had for walking at dusk.

Tuesday--Having Austin join me for part of my walk--It was cold and damp, and he was there to walk along with me. The lady on Cty Road C--That came out to give me a donation.

Wednesday---Today was a real tough day......feet and legs were hurting bad--(by the end of the day....was having trouble walking)---Stayed at the Landmark Hotel in Egg Harbor and used the hot tub and sauna--"Worked Wonders" for me! Early that morning--Went to Sevastopol School and talked to the student body. Student there took up a collection for me, with one little boy giving me his lunch money (nickels and dimes)---And one little girl gave me a picture of a cat she had ---Which I still have today!!

Thursday---Spoke at Algoma School to the Student Body. Lars Johnson (part owner of Al Johnson's Restaurant)-turned around on highway and offered my mom and I breakfast at Al Johnsons Restaurant on Friday--While enjoying a wonderful breakfast, we were also given gift certificates for the benefit. In Fish Creek, a lady from a bank came outside and gave me a bottle of water and a granola bar.

Friday---A young man gave me a walking stick with his name carved in it--I still have this! Met up with the DeGroot Family and friends....Went to Sister Bay Bowl for a snack (while waiting for Ferry to Washington Island)---While at Sister Bay Bowl, our whole group received free bowling and food--And the waitress/bartender even took up a collection from patrons and workers. Ferry ride was cold.....But Great....With Toby at the helm!

Saturday-The ride to Rock Island on the Fishing Boat with Kenny (and friends). My family waiting at the lighthouse at the end of the walk.........The evening at Kenny's restaurant/bar......Food was delicious and fun was had by all!!

****This was such an incredible week of positives!! The families I stayed with were AWESOME! Met many people, learn many new things! The smiles and waves were so encouraging. Hope to see everyone for this years walk.

A very special Thank You to the wonderful people at Washington Island!

Thank You For Taking the Time to Stop By

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