EAU CLAIRE Wis. (WLAX/WEUX) – While hoping to keep the strikes rolling, bowlers in Eau Claire were also helping a non-profit for veterans.
The Highground Veterans Memorial Park is raising money for its work and one of its programs to help vets dealing with trauma.
“The proceeds from this event are used for a veterans retreat. They are 2-to-3-day retreats utilized for veterans to focus on their mental health.”
Chris Pettis who is the executive director of the organization says the event was held in Marshfield for nine years before finding its way to Bowl Winkle’s in Eau Claire this year.
“The Rose Bowl in Marshfield has been sold and I believe they’re tearing it down and building something else.”
Still, it hasn’t stopped supporters and veterans from coming out.
“The big thing is veterans coming together for camaraderie also realize they are not the only ones who have these issues from service.”
Board member Gary Weirauch says the park uses its mission to spread that awareness for those outside the military.
“We do three things; we honor, educate, and heal. We would appreciate it if they came to Neillsville and just viewed the Highground, view the museum. If you have a group and want to get a hold of us, we’d be happy to go through the whole park with you and explain each of the monuments.”
Scott Schultz who runs the Heartbeat Center for Writing, Literacy, and the Arts emceed the event. He says from his experience with the organization and the veteran’s retreat, it is beneficial for them to be among those who truly understand their experiences.
“Any kind of involvement where veterans are concerned, there’s a lot of trust in brotherhood and sisterhood between veterans that happens.”
“They’re vital, and they’re great healing moments for veterans. This helps them.”
The Highground hopes to have the Winter Bowl again in Eau Claire next January. The event raised a little over 18 hundred dollars. The Highground says it doesn’t have any other planned events in Eau Claire this year but people can still donate to the organization.
