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Working together to make a difference!

History of the Tour:

Four riders started the idea of an annual fundraising snowmobile ride when they rode their sleds around Lake Superior in 1999. Randy Banner, Larry Bannor, Greg Sorenson and Dennis Nelson received $15,000 in monetary contributions, which were used to help those fighting Lou Gehrig's Disease: amyotrophic lateral sclerosis. A year later, a group of dedicated people banded together to form what is now the Black Woods Blizzard Tour. Black Woods Bar & Grill jumped on board as title sponsor of this annual event. In its first year there were 38 riders raising $46,000. Twelve years later, there were 178 riders raising over $650,000.

The ALS Association is the only non-profit organization fighting Lou Gehrig's Disease on every front. By leading the way in global research, providing assistance for people with ALS through a nationwide network of chapters, coordinating multidisciplinary care through certified clinical care centers, and fostering government partnerships, The Association builds hope and enhances quality of life while aggressively searching for new treatments and a cure.

Each year, the Black Woods Blizzard Tour brings communities together in the fight against Lou Gehrig's Disease. Though we participate for various reasons, we are united in our quest to find a cure for ALS.

Why Hartel's / DBJ Disposal wants your help:

This year we want to make an even larger impact, but we need your help. Together we can do more. We want to make sure every ALS patient in Minnesota gets the services and support needed to maintain their quality of life as they fight the disease. And, of course, we want to fund research so we find the cure.

So here's the deal - for EVERY dollar you donate to the ALS Association, MN Chapter, we will reduce your next service bill by 25¢. There is no limit to this offer. Donate $10, and get a $2.50 service credit. Pledge $25, and receive $6.25 off your next service bill. The more you pledge, the bigger your service credit! Please help us reach our goal of $3,000.

For more on the great work the MN ALS Chapter does, go to http://www.alsmn.org/. If you have any questions about this offer, just call our local office at 729-5446, and ask for Dan Hartel.

To make a pledge today, CLICK HERE!

Testimonials from Those the Chapter Serves:

"I guess I am a true story...it's been a fantastic year for me, although I've come a long way from a year ago. It's true, we all have mortality. Use it or lose it. Never quit living. There's always a life out there to live, no matter how bad it gets. A true story, from my heart." Person with ALS, deceased 2007

"The funding that they are giving to the Chapter had made our lives so much richer and better. He had such a good, good quality of life that we never could have had without the services that were provided. We could never had remained in our home without the help of the services of the Minnesota Chapter that were provided by the funding of events like the Black Woods Blizzard Tour." Widow of Person with ALS

"I want to thank you for all the help which my repeated calls to you have yielded. Your advice on walkers, shower chairs/commode chairs, scooters and now wheelchairs has been right on the button. I am now fully aware why the various therapists all say "Why not call the OTs at The ALS Association." Person with ALS, deceased 2009

"Thank you for your help getting the equipment he needs. We are so grateful for The ALS Association and the help it is giving us." Widow of Person with ALS

"Many, many thanks for your kind, thoughtful action and the page turner....She is now enjoying reading once again after losing the use of her hands--and it has done wonders for her spirit." Widow of Person with ALS

Regards,

Hartel's / DBJ Disposal