What an exciting year for the friends and family of Harold Ankrum and the communities of Carlton County.  I had the honor of presenting Harold with an award from the kids of St. Jude Children's Research Hospital this week. Every summer Harold, his family and his fabulous group of volunteers pour their heart and soul into three events that many in the community enjoy year after year.

First there was the Pancake Fiasco held in the Four Season's Complex/Hockey Shelter. Kevin Koen and "the "guys" coordinate this event, set it up, cook and serve and JJ's famously delicious pancakes from Family Tradition Restaurant in Cloquet. Apparently I am an honorary guy, because I am allowed to help and darn happy to do it.  I've always said I'm just one of the guys, this proves it!  SAVE THE DATE:  April 30, 2017

Harold's group shot
Homie Kates
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The next event that added to the biggest total ever donated by Harold's trifecta of fiascoes to the kids of St. Jude is the Golf Fiasco at Pine Hill Golf Course.  It doesn't matter if it's sweltering heat or cold, windy and raining, golfers turn out in droves and often times golf twice, raising twice the money for St. Jude.  There's prizes on every hole thanks to the generosity of the community businesses and a unique annual live auction.  Several of the talented artisans in the area donate hand-crafted item from quilts and furniture to a wooden motorcycle complete with working light! SAVE THE DATE:  August 26, 2017

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Then, as a thank you to all who participated, donated or attended the first two fiascoes, there's the Hog Roast Fiasco held late in the summer at the Carlton VFW.  Kevin Koen and his crew cook enough pork to feed the county.  There's Ray's famous baked beans and all the fixins'!  It truly makes the meal a must have!  There's also a competitive horseshoe game and live music inside the VFW in the evening (yes, we're there ALL day)!  SAVE THE DATE:  September 9, 2017

Photo Credit: Tara Olson
Photo Credit: Tara Olson
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This year the efforts of so many compassionate, dedicated individuals raised $27,000 for St. Jude Children's Research Hospital.  On behalf of B105 and the lives you save at St. Jude, I want to personally thank Harold, his family and friends for their time and efforts coordinating the three events.  I wish I could thank each and every person that volunteered, donated or attended the three events to help make the amazing check total, but there are so, so many that I have to resort to thanking you this way.  I consider myself lucky that my parents decided to build their home in Wrenshall and am blessed to have grown up in such a giving and caring community.

Blessings & Much Love,

Cathy Kates

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