Jerry Wetterling, St. Joseph
This year to raise funds for the Jacob Wetterling Resource Center, for the first time we shifted our Wilderness Backpacking Trek from backpacking to car camping complemented by a series of day hikes. We camped at the De Weese Reservoir County Park near Westcliffe, Colo. Wearing a walking boot, I was somewhat limited in my participation (chief cook and bottle washer), though as the week went on I did more and more hiking. On July 20, we challenged Mount Democrat near FairPlay, Colo. for our 14,000-foot peak climb. I thought it was quite appropriate 11 of us took part in the climb, with the 11 for Jacob movement fresh in everyone’s consciousness.
I am so excited and grateful to announce that with your help, we trekkers raised more than $15,000 for JWRC’s child-safety education and victims’ family-assistance programs. I found it particularly meaningful that your generous donations on my behalf totaled $11,110 (notice the 11s). Thank you so very much in all you do helping make our world safer for all our children.
Jerry and Patty Wetterling
To everyone at the Newsleaders, thank you so much for your continued support of JWRC and your sensitive reporting of events regarding Jacob all these years — and especially this past year.
