On Sunday, January 28, 2024, The Highground hosted its 11th Annual Winter Bowl fundraiser at Bowl Winkle’s in Eau Claire.  

Bowlers of all ages took to the lanes at noon for a fun day of bowling, a chance at 19 amazing raffle items and a Super Bowl Party grand prize package. There were also a lot of laughs thanks to Emcee Scott Schultz of the Heartbeat Center for Writing, Literacy, and the Arts. Raising $2,362, this event will help fund The Highground’s 2024 Veterans Retreats. 

For six years, The Highground hosted a Male Veterans Retreat and a Female Veterans Retreat. Thanks to the funds raised from the Winter Bowl, an annual Winter Retreat was added in 2021. In 2023, The Highground facilitated its first Female Veterans Ice Age Trail Hike Retreat as well as the “Operation Re-Connect” couples retreat. Every retreat is designed to introduce Veterans, and now their partners, to different resources that are intended to improve their mind, body, and soul. “I felt empowered instead of deflated,” stated a first-time retreat attendee.   

The Highground retreats are provided at no cost to the Veterans and couples, and each participant leaves the retreats with items related to the weekend’s activities and workshops. The Highground, a nonprofit organization, projects to accommodate 20-25 Veterans for each retreat and up to four couples for “Operation Re-Connect”. 

This year’s Winter Retreat was held the first weekend in February; the Female Ice Age Trail Hike Retreat is scheduled for May 30-June 2; the Women’s Retreat will take place June 21-23; the Men’s Retreat is planned for September 13-15; and “Operation Re-Connect” will be held October 18-20. 

“We had so much fun today, and The Highground is wonderful place. We are so glad we can help,” said one of the bowlers. The Highground is truly grateful to Bowl Winkles and staff , everyone who participated in this year’s Winter Bowl and to the event sponsors for making the event successful:  Carol Shea, Helynn Schufletowski, Deanna Rotar, Sand Creek Brewing Co. – Black River Falls, Lions Club – Neillsville, Curt Manufacturing – Eau Claire, Caribou Coffee in the West Clairemont Festival Foods, WWIS FM105.3 | FM99.7, Central Wisconsin Broadcasting and the Eau Claire Leader Telegram. 

For upcoming events and more, visit our Calendar of Events or follow us on Facebook a Facebook.com/TheHighgroundVeteransMemorial.

The Highground is located at W7031 Ridge Rd, Neillsville WI 54456. thehighground.us.