MASON CITY – Things are progressing extremely well on the Georgia Hanford Park sledding hill thanks to the recent Snow Wonder benefit auction on Saturday. Project originator Ozzie Ohl told NIT that the event raised just over $4,000. Prior to the fund raiser local donors gave just over $3,100 to help with the project.
“It’s been amazing to see people from Osage, Clear Lake and Des Moines create sleds to benefit the project” commented Ohl. When you think of it three people from Osage gave their time talents and treasures to create sleds. It’s highly unlikely that most of these people will ever sled down the hill but their caring and sharing is something the kids of Mason City will always be able to enjoy noted Ohl
Eloise Kuper did two sleds and also on he day of the auction donated a framed nine point buck painted on a turkey feather. She is also painting one more sled that was requested by a Mason City business person Tim Latham who couldn’t be at the event.
Burt Hogan from Osage created a hand carved wooden sled and Delores Badker also from Osage painted a sled and also hand painted several shirts for the event.
Seventeen year old Brittney Arndt of Clear Lake did a sled and The Surf Ballroom donated one of their original Christmas show prop sleds.
Tom Donnelly, from Des Moines, produced two sleds as well. Tom grew up in Mason City and still has family in the area.
Sarah Heinz had her sled sold twice so she is painting another sled for the other winning bidder. A couple of sleds were bought and given back and resold at the event.
Sunday afternoon Jim Skarlis from Mason City contacted Ohl and bought the last two remaining sleds available that weren’t sold at the auction.
