You’ve got to love it when a group of Lakes Area teens rally to help a few of their own! That is just what is happening in Pequot Lakes as we speak.
According to an email I received from PLHS student and Leadership Council member, Sonja Palmer, the Pequot Lakes High School Leadership Team has organized a community-wide fundraiser to help two of the school’s students and their families who are in need of some financial help right now. “Catches for a Cause” is a photo contest being held to find the best catch of this previous Ice Fishing season and, in doing so, help raise money for the two families.
The fundraiser started Monday (3/29/21) and runs until Wednesday, April 7th.
What they are asking the Brainerd Lakes Area residents to do is submit a photo of your best catch from this past ice fishing season and/or vote on the fish you think is best!!! The website to enter and/or vote is here (GoGoPhotoContest.com/CatchesForACause.)
According to the Pequot Lakes High School’s Facebook page , each photo submission is a $10 donation and every vote is $2. You can enter as many photos and votes as you would like… there is no limit!
The link also explains that this is a student-led fundraiser for two seniors at Pequot Lakes High School, Hunter Rowland and Abigayle Helgeland and their families. Their stories will move you:
“This December, senior Hunter Rowland was diagnosed with a Malignant Endocrine Tumor in his chest. Because the tumor was identified early before he started showing symptoms, the family has high hopes of success. However, on top of Hunter’s battle his family is experiencing the financial burden of medical treatments. Despite the struggles Hunter faces every day, he has remained optimistic and tries to find something good in every situation. The family has received an outpour of support from friends and family, and through this fundraiser we hope to continue to show our support as a community.”
“This fundraiser also supports senior Abigayle Helgeland and her family. This February, her family lost their home to a subzero fire. They were forced to evacuate during the middle of the night, facing dangerously low temperatures. Many of their belongings were also destroyed in the fire. We hope that the funds raised can help her and her family rebuild what was lost.”
So…Back to the fundraiser!
The prizes for the contest are as follows:
1st – a $100 Gift Card to Ernie’s On Gull and a fishing rod from Swanson’s Bait & Tackle
2nd – A $100 Gift Card to Main Street Ale House and a T-shirt from Swanson’s Bait & Tackle
3rd – A Yeti Can Koozie from Swanson’s Bait & Tackle
So grab your photos, log on and submit your photo and vote! The prizes are GREAT, but the best part is you’ll be helping these students make a difference in the lives of two of their own!
“Not only is this a great way to connect our community during this time, but we can also help to lighten the financial burdens that these students are facing. By participating in this contest, both by entry and voting, you are contributing to a great cause as well as ‘catching’ an opportunity to win some great prizes from our local businesses!”
Through the Facebook link above, you will also find two GoFundMe accounts set up for the two students. Please feel free to contribute to them that way if you prefer.
Way to go, kids! THIS is how you do life! Helping others!