KUSIAK BENEFIT A GREAT SUCCESS ------------------------------------------------------ Pictures from event
Thursday, September 11 th , saw not only a memorial service for the victims of that
fated day seven years ago; it was a celebration of community love for one of its own.
The Mosinee United Methodist Church and the Community Center of Hope, Inc.
hosted a benefit for local farmer, Ronnie Kusiak, who was paralyzed after a fall from a
tree stand. Hundreds of people participated in a spaghetti dinner and silent auction to
raise money so that Kusiak could continue vital and very costly physical therapy in his
effort to regain the ability to walk once again.The spaghetti dinner was more than a success as
lines stood patiently waiting to get served and find aplace to sit. Organizers had expected 250 to 300 people to eat, but it was estimated that over 450 came to share in the meal that was served as a freewill offering basis. Dessert and salad ran out by 6p.m., but the cooks kept making spaghetti until over three cases were prepared and everyone was served. Many volunteers from the church and the community worked diligently to cook, serve and wash dishes. Over $3000 was put in the baskets on the tables to support RonnieKusiak and his goal to one day walk again. For a man who has always served others, it was a humbling and heart warming experience to see hundreds of people turn out to serve him and his family.
Over 50 businesses and individuals provided a wide array of silent auction items. From a dinner for six at
Memories Event Center, which sold for $400, to firearms, hunting and fishing equipment, Packer memorabilia,
and countless baskets, and other gifts the outpouring of generosity seemed endless. Thousands of dollars were
bid for the items to help support the event.
Thrivant Financial was a matching funds sponsor for the event pledging $4,375 to the event. In addition to
Thrivant Financial, many other corporate sponsors stepped forward with gifts from $100 to $1000 to support the
event. There were many other individual personal donors to the event as well. If people still want to donate to
the event they can do so until September 26 th by sending their check to the Community Center of Hope, Inc.
9/11 Benefit. The Center is a 501(C)(3) non-profit corporation so all contributions are tax deductible to the full
extent of the law. Mail donations to 607 13 th Street, Mosinee, Wisconsin 54455 or drop them off between
8:30a.m. 4p.m. during week days.
It is estimated that $15,000 to $18,000 was raised for the benefit of RonnieKusiak. A huge thank you goes out
to all who contributed and participated in any way. Space does not allow for naming all the amazing and
generous people who helped make this event a great success.It should be noted that a 9/11 Memorial Service was held on
Thursday evening also. This service was conducted by Pastor DanLuett of St. John Lutheran Church and Pastor Jim Verkest of the Mosinee United Methodist Church. There was a time of recognition
for the Mosinee Police, Fire and EMT members, the Kronenwetter emergency services personnel, the Marathon County Sheriffs personnel, and the Veterans and axillaries represented by VFW Post8733 and 8280. A free will offering was accepted of over $750 for the benefit of Ronnie Kusiak. The service included special music by PriscillaLeiter accompanied by Karen
Frisinger. A beautiful PowerPoint presentation remembering those who sacrificed their lives trying to save
others was presented as a remembrance to the survivors. The family of Ronnie Kusiak was also introduced and
Diane Brod shared precious thoughts of the family written by MeganKusiak. It was an evening that will be
remembered for years to come.