• Special event to feature Kid’s Fun fest from 1-4 and an evening banquet

The primary fundraiser for Wood-n-Hearts is their annual raffle. It wouldn’t be possible without the generous businesses and individuals donating to the fundraiser. Many may be familiar with this raffle. In the past, the grand prize was a big-ticket item such as a camper, a boat, and a car. This year, the grand prize is $20,000! 

Nine other great prizes will also be won, ranging in value from $250 to $1000, according to a news release from Wood-n-Hearts committee.

Raffle tickets are available at various area businesses or through any committee member. The list of sponsors and the complete list of raffle prizes can be found on the website–woodnhearts.com.

A special event will take place on Saturday, August 24 at Minnewaska House Brewing Co. + Grill to celebrate the organization’s fifth year. 

The afternoon begins with a Kid’s Fun Fest. This is a free event for kids, and will take place outside Minnewaska House from *12 to 4 pm. Expect bounce houses, an “Ask a Veteran Scavenger Hunt” for a chance to win a bike or other prizes, hot dogs and mini donuts, Erickson’s Petting Zoo, Glitter Tattoos, and more!  

*Note that the first hour is reserved for families with sensory needs and is open to all families from 1-4 pm. 

Freedom First Riders is organizing a motorcycle ride.  

The evening banquet is a ticketed event and includes dinner for two and dancing to the band Blonde and the Bohunk. The event will also feature the Salute to Service awards and the raffle drawing to see who takes home $20,000 in cash. Seats are limited, and the ticket includes dinner for two and dancing to the band Blonde and the Bohunk. The dinner menu includes chicken breast with supreme sauce, baked potato, and carrots. (Special dietary needs can be accommodated with advance notice.) There will be a live auction, silent auction, and other opportunities to win money and prizes in addition to the main raffle. The 2024 Salute to Service Award highlights the lives of three Veterans nominated for this recognition. The 2024 honorees include Tim Burley, Gary Newman, and Josh Owen. 

Purchase the $100 Dinner for Two ticket by Wednesday, August 14 at Minnewaska House or contact Mark Schuler at 209-352-0174 or email markschuler58@yahoo.com. 

A Gift from the Heart 

is Wood-n-Hearts’ way 

of saying thank you to veterans

The mission of Wood-n-Hearts is to provide bedroom furniture sets to veterans in Minnesota who need assistance. Giving them a comfortable bed to sleep in and a place to put their clothes is a personal way to say “thank you” for the sacrifices they made while serving our country. The set includes a 5-drawer dresser, nightstand, and a complete bed set with a headboard, frame, box spring mattress, sheet set, comforter set, and pillow. In 2023, Mark and committee volunteers delivered 70 bedroom sets to Veterans throughout Minnesota, the most the organization has given in a year. 

They raise funds to purchase supplies for the furniture sets through individual and business donations and various fundraisers.