The Free Press, Mankato, MN

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August 11, 2012

River event to benefit the troops

By Tim Krohn Free Press Staff Writer

MANKATO — With golf, running and concert benefits set for later this month to support military veterans, Scott Weilage thought there should be a river-related contingent to join in the festivities.

“We are having a Paddle it up for the Troops event,” said Weilage.

“The goal is to assemble 100 kayaks at Sibley Park and paddle together down to Riverfront Park where they’re having the Tune it up for the Troops concert.”

There is also a Tie it up for the Troops run that day and a Tee it up for The Troops golf tournament the next day.

Weilage is asking each kayaker to contribute $10 and his office — Weilage Advisory Group — will match the donation.

“So we could raise $2,000 in short order and have some fun, too,” Weilage said.

The troop benefits are in their second year in Mankato.

The events stem from the Burnsville-based Tee it up for the Troops non-profit that started in 2005 and has off-shoots in most states.

In previous years, 95 percent of all funds raised have been distributed to programs that support veterans and their families.

Since 2005, partnerships with different golf courses, sponsors and the general public have brought year-to-date fundraising totals to more than $3 million dollars. That amount does not include money raised in various communities through related events.



If You Go

Paddle it Up for the Troops

Sunday, Aug. 26

Goal is to assemble 100 kayakers at Sibley Park and paddle to Riverfront Park



Tune it up for the Troops concert

1-5:30 p.m. Aug. 26

1 p.m.: Murphy Brothers Band

2:30 p.m.: Rockie Lynne, country western

recording artist

Riverfront Park



Tie it up for the Troops challenge run

Noon Aug. 26

5K and 10K

Riverfront Park



Tee it up for the Troops golf benefit

Monday, Aug. 27

Mankato Golf Club



Information for all events at: www.teeitupforthetroopsmankato.org

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