By Jalen Maki
Tomahawk Leader Editor
HARSHAW – Rondele Ranch recently presented donations to various nonprofit organizations that provided volunteers for Rondele’s Christmas Wonderland events in Dec. 2022.
A check presentation ceremony was held at Rondele Ranch, 8959 County Rd. K, Harshaw, on Tuesday, Jan. 24.
Mary Ann Pfitzinger said she and others at Rondele are “so pleased at the public response to this event, which allows us to give back to the surrounding communities with generous contributions.”
“With over 2,000 vehicles and approximately 8,000 to 10,000 (people) attending over the nine dates that we were open, we are happy to donate $34,250.00 in total back to these wonderful organizations,” she stated.
Two Tomahawk-area groups that chipped in for the holiday event were among the recipients of contributions.
Redeemer Lutheran Church and Learning Center received $5,000.00, while $2,000.00 went to Tomahawk High School’s Family, Career and Community Leaders of America (FCCLA) club.
Other donations included $20,000.00 to the Salvation Army; $2,000.00 to the Oneida County Humane Society; $750.00 to the Lakeland Hawks; $500.00 to the Lakeland High School basketball team; $1,500.00 to the Dragon Boat Warriors; and $2,500.00 to the Rhinelander High School band.
Pfitzinger explained that although about 15 to 20 full-time Rondele staff members worked during the Christmas Wonderland event and a seasonal team helped prepare displays, lights and decorations, many volunteers were needed to lend a hand with parking and assist in other capacities – which is where the volunteers from local nonprofit groups come in.
“It takes a cast of thousands,” Pfitzinger stated. “The volunteers really help.”
Organizations that are interested in volunteering for future events at Rondele Ranch can email Mary Ann Pfitzinger at [email protected] or Vonda Backhaus at [email protected]; or call Rondele at 844-WI-RANCH.
