Stretching for Sunglasses
Charity event raises funds for Aase Haugen residents
On the morning of June 13, local residents and individuals from Wisconsin, South Carolina and Florida gathered in Freeport Park to take part in a Yoga in the Park Fundraiser for Aase Haugen. The fundraiser, produced by certified Vinyasa Yoga instructors Heidi Rockweiler and Charis Hovden, was live-streamed from the group's Facebook. Participation in-person and across the country will fund protective outdoor equipment for Aase Haugen.
In June 2017, the fundraiser "Trails for Dale" raised more than $36,000 for Alzheimer's research. The event was named for Dale Putnam, a Decorah resident with Alzheimer's. Inspired by a fitness class that raised $3,100, Rockweiler and Hovden wanted to conduct a fundraiser for a similar cause.
Putnam currently resides at Aase Haugen. He, as well as many others, are unable to go outdoors because they don't own protective sunglasses. While the nursing home remains closed per COVID-19 regulations, the glasses would allow the residents to enjoy the fresh air in Aase Haugen's courtyards.
"When we found out that something as simple as protective sunglasses was needed so the residents could enjoy the outdoors during this rough patch of time, it was a simple decision," said Rockweiler about her and Hovden's idea to organize a fundraiser together.
"I was feeling the need to host a yoga class," Rockweiler said. "And I wanted to do it as a fundraiser." She's also been friends with Dale and his family for twenty years. "When Dale was diagnosed with Alzheimer's and ultimately ended up at Aase Haugen as his place of residence, it was hard," she said. The fundraiser provided a safe way to exercise that helped Rockweiler and Hovden support a cause close to their hearts.
The open space of Freeport Park allowed the twenty-five, in-person participants to use appropriate social distancing. Facebook Live connected people more comfortable at home and from other states to join in the hour-long session as well. Those who couldn't attend the class sent checks to contribute to the fund.
The fundraiser's goal was $635 to purchase all the sunglasses, yet the goal was quickly surpassed. Two anonymous donors agreed to match a total of $500 worth of donations before the event took place. As of June 17, the fundraiser has raised over $1,300.
The additional funds will be used to purchase outdoor clothing for the residents, says Aase Haugen Business Development Director Patty Casterton. Clothing will include things like bucket hats to provide shade and leg and arm warmers. "There are even capes to help keep those in a wheelchair warm as they transfer to the doctor's office from outdoors in inclement weather," Casterton remarked.
On the Facebook page for the event, people were appreciative of the efforts Rockweiler and Hovden took to provide outdoor protection for the residents of Aase Haugen. "I think I can share a big 'thank you' on behalf of all families who have loved ones currently residing in Aase Haugen and to those who supported this fundraiser this morning. Thank you especially to the fantastic women who organized it!" said Sara Friedl-Putnam, Dale's spouse.
Rockweiler and Hovden are looking to host a fundraiser for another cause in August. Details are not yet finalized. Concerning the recent event, Rockweiler said "It was a way to keep people moving, help a specific cause, and connect people during a really tough time of life."