New Glarus Cares Scores Big with Euchre Fundraiser
The small town of New Glarus had a busy weekend with over 400 contestants visiting New Glarus to compete in the 2024 World Euchre Championship fundraiser, hosted by New Glarus Cares. The event, which took place over the weekend, attracted participants from across the United States and Canada, including a dedicated contestant who traveled all the way from Las Vegas, Nevada.
Sponsored by Bicycle Cards, Jack Link's, New Glarus Brewing Company, Decatur Dairy, and New Glarus Fest Haus, the tournament was a smashing success. "Without them, and our local businesses, we would not have been successful," said Mary Siegenthaler, tournament director and board member for New Glarus Cares.
The event featured two tournaments: one for singles on Saturday and one for teams on Sunday. Yamuna Reddi from Chicago emerged victorious in the singles tournament, scoring an impressive 107 points. The doubles tournament saw Team Wolf, including Todd Wolf from Washington D.C. and Judith Wolf from Dubuque, IA, take the top spot with a total of 105 points.
As the largest fundraiser of the year for New Glarus Cares, the event's proceeds will be dedicated to building a new inclusive playground at Candy Cane Park. "I'm over the moon," Siegenthaler said. "Everyone said they enjoyed themselves, and I think we are very close to reaching our fundraising goals."
The event's success was made possible by a robust support system, including more than 50 volunteers, four food vendors, eight exhibitors, five event sponsors, and over 70 local businesses who sponsored tables. Final revenue figures are yet to be finalized, but all indications point to a highly successful fundraiser.
"We are so grateful for a wonderful team of volunteers who chipped in and had fun doing so, and those who sponsored tables and provided prizes. Thank you," Siegenthaler added.
The winner of the $2500 raffle drawing on Saturday night was Zenda Klassy, of New Glarus, and the $2500 winning ticket belonged to Chris Olson, of Rewey, Wisconsin.
The World Euchre Championship not only showcased the community of New Glarus but also its spirit. And in doing so, it brought together Euchre enthusiasts from far and wide, creating a memorable and impactful event for a noble cause.
