• Home
• Contact Us
• Employees

• About Us
  • Introduction
  • Mission & Values
  • Our History
  • Reports & Policies
  • Facts at a Glance
  • Board of Directors
  • We Care
  • Photo Scrapbook
  • Contact Us
  • Map/Directions
• Services
  • Services Overview
  • Residential Services
  • Work & Day Service Options
  • Financial Management Program
  • Homeless Crisis Prevention
  • Admissions
  • Iowa Guardianships Inc.
  • Beyond the Basics
• Careers
  • Join Our Team
  • Employee Benefits
  • Job Openings
  • Employment Application
• News & Events
• Community
  • Involvement in Community
  • Boyer Pool
  • Village Stores
  • Hire Our Workforce
  • Disc Golf Course
  • Calendar
• Resources
  • Resources Overview
  • Village Family & Friends
  • Helpful Links
• Getting Involved
  • Make a Difference
  • Become a Volunteer
  • Sign Up for Mailing List
  • Programs & Tours
• Ways to Donate
  • You Are Important
  • Donate Now
  • Monthly Giving
  • Planned Giving
  • In-Kind Gifts

Benefit Walk Mission Accomplished

Walkers raised approximately $116,860 in the 43rd Annual Opportunity Village Benefit Walk on May 6.

Several hundred walkers participated in Clear Lake and Fort Dodge, despite uncertain weather. They chose to walk 10, 3, or 1 mile.  The theme of this year's Walk was "Mission: Possible!"  Thanks to all walkers and sponsors who demonstrated once again that this mission of excellence is possible.

The Dennis Maertens family set a new record for top walker honors, bringing in $8,232. Dennis's daughter receives supports from Opportunity Village.

The family of Gary Glassel was named to the Benefit Walk Hall of Fame for their combined dedication to the event and the Village over the years. Gary moved to the Village about 20 years ago, and his family participates in the Walk in support of Gary. The award went to Gary Glassel, Jorene Gunderson, James Iverson, and Don and Lee Kofoot. The Hall of Fame honors walkers who have demonstrated an uncommon dedication to the event and to Opportunity Village. Past recipients are Paul Hassman, the late Ken Wattier, Jane Iverson, Marian Sanders, Mary Mathews, Dan and Diane Djuren, Ed and Hazel Chuck family, Jim Ransom, Murley Severtson, Gary Mrosko, Tammy Rodningen, Dan Peterson, Virgil Anderson, Barb Ewer, and Dennis Maertens family.

Many Village staff participate in the event, having a friendly competition to see which team can raise the most money. The "Proclaimers" staff team won the traveling trophy with a total of $32,254. Staff teams raised more than half of the grand total for the Walk this year.

Walkers in the Fort Dodge location of the event enjoyed a party without the walking, due to uncertain weather.  Over $11,000 was raised by participants there towards the Walk total.  The Humboldt Bunch took top team honors there.

All proceeds from each year's Benefit Walk go to support Village services to people with disabilities in North Iowa. The Village serves more than 600 individuals, providing training and support to help them live as independently as possible. The Walk is held every year on the first Sunday in May.

View our photo album from the Clear Lake location!  Thanks to George Van den Heuvel for volunteering to be our official photographer for the day.