Tolstoy Wind Chiller 5K Celebrated for Excellent Acts
Celebrating Acts of Excellence, One Act at a Time
The Acts of Excellence program connects us with individuals and organizations who are building a culture of excellence in South Dakota, one act at a time.Please join us and area inductees to celebrate this Act of Excellence on Wednesday, April 3, 2019, from 4:00 to 5:30 pm at the Isaac Lincoln Gallery on the Northern State University campus in Aberdeen, South Dakota. See all of the event details here.
Two friends who idly wondered five years ago if they could organize a 5K run/walk in north-central South Dakota created a unique fund-raising event to aid Labs For Liberty, an organization that provides dogs service dogs for military veterans. Katie Nold says she and Joann Rader had competed in run/walks in other communities and started talking about organizing their own in the Tolstoy area of northern Potter County. As Nold puts it, “One thing led to another, and the idea for the Tolstoy Wind Chiller was born.’’ The organizers decided to have their competition in January because 1) it wouldn’t conflict with other 5Ks, and 2) “because we are slightly crazy.’’ They added Rader’s daughter, Jenn McCloud to the team for her graphics ability. The cause, or the organization to receive any donations, “was the easiest decision,’’ Nold said. “The three of us have strong love for country and close military ties. Additionally, our family had also begun working with/fostering service dogs for Labs For Liberty.’’Fast forward to January of 2019 and the fifth annual Wind Chiller is in the books. The event raised $5,600 in 2019. Nold said the three organization may have started the event, “But it is our fellow (citizens) at the starting line; the sponsors who start calling in November, wanting to help support the cause; our family and friends who bemusedly help us; the local café that opens its doors to us annually, and so many others who believe that the world is made a little better by teaming a dog up with an event that make this event successful.’’ The Labs for Liberty website says the organization has a two-fold purpose. First, it raises and trains Labradors to be given as service dogs to wounded warriors and second, it helps those veterans heal by providing a place for retreats. The Wind Chiller 5K has a Facebook page.More information on Labs for Liberty may be found at www.labsforliberty.org
Submit your own Act of Excellence here