Fundraiser Is On Target
Logan Bogatzke draws his bow back and takes aim at a target Saturday.
Oskaloosa, Iowa – Oskaloosa continues to show its support for community members who, because of injury or illness, are facing new challenges in their lives.
On Saturday, The Cole Nilson Benefit Bow Shoot took place at the home of Ross Nilson, brother of Cole who was injured earlier this spring in a polar plunge accident.
Cole and Ross love the outdoors, especially hunting and fishing. After Cole was injured, Ross said they knew they were going to need to help raise funds to help offset expenses. Since Cole and Ross love to 3D target bow shoot during the summer with their friends, it seemed natural to host one for a benefit.
Bluff Creek Archery donated several targets for the day, “a few other things started rolling,” said Ross. So with 5 extra hands on Friday, they set up the 4 mile course.
“This is just what we want, a bunch of people having a good time,” said Ross of the good size crowd on hand.
The participants in the shoot paid $100 each for the opportunity to take on the challenging course. There was a large assortment of silent auction items as well. On Friday morning, there was approximately 20 items for the auction, but they kept on coming in, and before long Ross had to print off an extra 20 silent auction sheets. “It’s pretty cool,” says Ross of the community support.
Ross said the goal was to make $10,000 on the day.
Cole is still in Lincoln, Nebraska at a recovery center there. This past week was filled with nerve pain. Ross explained that nerve pain isn’t alleviated by pain medication. “He (Cole) facetimed me Thursday night and said, ‘I’ve got some news for ya.'”
Cole asked Ross to gather others around the phone, “He announced in a loud voice he could move his left foot,” said Ross smiling.
This would be the first movement in Cole’s lower appendages since the accident. “If you can imagine not moving your foot for 2 months, then all of a sudden, it works one day,” Ross said.
Cole is facing, approximately, another month and a half of rehab, with his return home planned for the end of July.
If you would like to donate to Cole, you can contact his brother Ross at 641.660.9080, or mailing address of 2378 Pilgrim Path Avenue, Oskaloosa, Iowa 52577.
