Whew. I’m still recovering from the banquet—and it’s Thursday!
Every year this event sneaks up on us, and every year it’s worth every second of planning, asking, running around, setting up, laughing, and (let’s be honest) tearing up a little, too. This was our 10th Annual Hiking/Biking Banquet, and it was a beautiful reminder of why we do what we do. This WRTO banquet recap 2024 is more than just a look back—it’s a celebration of how far we’ve come in 10 years of trail-building, community-building, and big-hearted support.
They say it takes a village—and if you were anywhere near Boscobel that night, you saw just how powerful that village can be.
A Night to Remember – WRTO Banquet Recap 2024
We gathered together—friends, families, neighbors, and supporters—for one amazing night. We ate. We bid. We bought the things we wanted (and let’s be honest… a few things we didn’t need but couldn’t resist). There’s just something about seeing this community all in one room, supporting a cause that’s been growing for over a decade now. It’s magic.
Recognizing Our Veterans: A Tribute at the Banquet
One of the most powerful moments of the evening came right at the start, when veterans in the room were asked to stand. The crowd erupted in applause, reminding us all that, although we moved the banquet from Veterans Day week this year, every day is a good day to honor those who served.
The gratitude was real. The emotion was deep. The respect? Unmistakable.
To Our Volunteers… and Our Board
As you read this WRTO banquet recap 2024, I hope you’ll remember the countless volunteers, board members, and friends who make it all happen. Their time and energy are what keep this organization running.
If you’ve ever wondered how a 100% donation-funded event happens year after year—meet the heart of WRTO: our volunteers. From longtime helpers like Jeff and Mary Lee to the out-of-town cavalry (shoutout to Tim and Kathleen Fisher and Renae and Rick Boyum), it’s a crew of unsung heroes who make the magic happen.
And speaking of heroes—the WRTO board? All volunteers. Every event planned, every trail grant written, every late-night email chain and spreadsheet edit… that’s done by people who show up because they care deeply about this community and this trail. No paychecks. No titles. Just passion.
Denise and the board pour heart and hustle into this every single year, and while some of them would never ask for the spotlight, they’ve more than earned it.
Can we get a BIG thank-you to the board members—past, present, and brand new—for holding the vision and doing the work?
Honoring Fred Waltz: A Legacy That Lives On
There wasn’t a dry eye in the house when Denise spoke about Fred Waltz.
Fred didn’t just support the trail—he stood up for it. Loudly. When we were just getting started, and some folks didn’t quite see the vision yet, Fred did. He showed me what it looks like when someone believes in you wholeheartedly. He believed in us—in this community, in the work, in the idea that a trail could bring people together.
And he was right.
Fred’s not physically with us anymore, but he was there in spirit. I could feel him.
And now, we get to welcome his daughter, Wendy (Waltz) Butler, to the WRTO board. Full circle. We’re so lucky to have her.
Thank You to Our Donors
This event is 100% funded by donations. That means every auction item, every gift card, every handmade thing you bid on came from the heart—and we had over 225 donations this year!
So many amazing businesses and individuals donated items, services, and gifts—you name it—and helped make this night what it was. We were also able to purchase some extra-special items this year thanks to monetary donations from a few generous supporters, including: John and Mary Pat Bohlman, TEAM Engineering, Cardinal Glass, Iverson Construction, Gundersen Boscobel Hospital & Clinics, J & J Sewing, Ben Wood Law Firm, Steve and Karen Wacker, Accounting Associates, Boscobel Lions, Boscobel Auto Body, Bob’s Auto Collision Specialists, Fillback Motors, Lippert Paint and Remodeling, Associated Hearing and Balance Clinic, Boscobel Care and Rehab, and Tim Lawhern.
And to every single person who donated an item, wrote a check, placed a bid, or just showed up with a smile—thank you. Truly. You made this banquet possible, and your support keeps WRTO moving forward, one step (and one silent auction basket) at a time.
Community Voices: Feedback and Suggestions for Future Events
We also heard you loud and clear, Boscobel!
There’s a friendly debate happening: Do we keep the banquet in spring… or move it back to fall? And what about the auction? Any wish-list items you didn’t see this year? WRTO is all ears. Whether it’s your first time attending or you’ve been with us since Day 1, your input shapes the future. Drop us a note via the contact page if you have any ideas or feedback!
Help Us Document the Night!
Real talk: not one of us on the committee remembered to take pictures. 🤦♀️
If you snapped any photos—of the auction tables, the crowd, the food, or a friend you haven’t seen in forever—please drop them in the comments on our Facebook post or tag @WRTO so we can share them with the world (and save them for next year’s slideshow, let’s be honest).
We’d love to hear your favorite moment, quote, or memory from the night, too!
Behind the Scenes
We started planning months ago. Sent out over 300 donation requests. Received over 225 actual donations. Coordinated, planned, made lists, checked things twice (and then again because someone lost the first list).
It’s a huge effort, and it’s all done by people who aren’t paid a dime to do it—but who love WRTO with their whole hearts. Yes, it’s exhausting. But then the room fills with people like you. And suddenly, we remember exactly why we keep doing it.
Supporting the Trail: How You Can Get Involved
We say it every year, and we mean it every time: WRTO doesn’t run on autopilot. It runs on you.
💸 Want to donate? Even $5/month makes a massive difference when we’re applying for grants.
💪 Want to volunteer? We’ve got trail work, events, fundraisers, and more.
🧠 Got ideas? Great! We love trailblazers with creative vision. Send us a message!
The Journey So Far: WRTO’s Decade of Achievements
Ten years ago, WRTO was a dream—and some people thought it was a long shot. But thanks to relentless effort, passionate supporters, and leaders like Fred, Denise, and the entire board, that dream is turning into actual trail mileage across the Driftless region.
With over $2.7 million in grants secured, Phase 2A of the trail planned for summer 2026, and new members joining the board, this isn’t just a milestone. It’s a launchpad.
Behind the Scenes: Planning the 10th Annual Banquet
Want to know what it takes to pull off an event like this? This WRTO banquet recap 2024 wouldn’t be complete without lifting the curtain on what happens behind the scenes.
It starts months in advance with more than 300 donation requests sent out—each one a carefully written ask to businesses, friends, and partners who believe in WRTO’s mission. From there, the generosity starts rolling in. This year, over 225 donations came through, filling the silent auction tables with everything from handcrafted goods to big-ticket prizes. And that’s just the beginning.
Behind those beautifully wrapped auction baskets and perfectly placed tables are countless hours of planning, coordination, and heart—all done by an entirely volunteer-powered team. Every detail, every spreadsheet, every late-night phone call…it’s all fueled by passion, not paychecks.
Sure, it’s exhausting. But then the banquet night arrives. The room fills with laughter, clinking glasses, and the warm hum of community connection. And in that moment, every ounce of effort feels worth it.
Because this isn’t just an event. It’s us, showing up for something bigger than ourselves.
Testimonials: Attendees Share Their Experiences
“I laughed. I cried. I got outbid on three baskets. It was awesome.”
— A loyal WRTO attendee“This event reminds me why I still call Boscobel home.”
— Out-of-town guest
Want to help us build the trail?🎯
Monthly donations make a huge difference—and they’re easy to set up! You’ll help us stay grant-ready and community-powered all year long.
