Event raises funds for cancer research

Winners of individual races and awards at the sixth annual Wolf River Raft Race are as follows:

• Homebuilt Endurance: “Wet Dream Raft Team” (Nate Hintz, Mike Koleske, Shawn Stewart, Casey Pashomer and Miranda Pashomer). They made their own raft and rafted 11.5 miles.

• Homebuilt: “Amber” (Laura Kelsey). Kelsey made her own raft and rafted 4.5 miles.
• Canoe: “Buffalo Chips” (Alan Theobald, Kellan Theobald and Ally Theobald). They raced 11.5 miles.
• Kayak: Sheri and Chuck Searl. The pair kayaked 11.5 miles.

• Commercial: “Captain Sunshine in Pink” (Linda Peeters and Annette Hanson). They brought a raft and rafted 4.5 miles. Their entry pays tribute to Kari Deimer, who as a captain in the army was called “Captain Sunshine” because of her bright spirit.

• Crash and Burn Award: “The Three Musketeers” (Andrea Burris, Brett Burris, Nadia Short, and Carla Anderson). The Deimers vote on the homebuilt raft that’s least likely to finish. The Three Musketeers did end up finishing.

• Kari Deimer Memorial Award: “Team Tripod” (Tim Baumann, Kara Baumann, Rebecca Calnin, and Nick Calnin). This “judges’ choice” award is for a raft/crew that is memorable because of its artistic uniqueness, unusual theme, clever design, exceptional sportsmanship or in any other way displays the spirit of the event.

• Pedal Boat: Isaac Magolski and Rick Deimer. The pair had the fastest time in a race they paid to enter. Four pedal boats raced at a time.

Danielle Deimer said so far this year organizers have raised $14,000 of their $17,000 goal. Donations can still be made at www.wolfriverraftrace.com or mailed to: Kari Deimer Answer to Cancer Corp, W6601 Cedar Lane, Greenville WI 54942. All proceeds go to cancer research and local cancer support programs and services.

The Wolf River Raft Race is an American Cancer Society fundraiser in memory of Kari Deimer. Canoes and kayaks launch from Damn Yankees Watering Hole in Hortonville where kayaks and rafts take off from Volz’s Landing in New London. Entrants finish at The Waters Supper Club and Lounge in New London.

Kari Deimer died Dec. 12, 2010, of a rare bile duct cancer at age 31. She was a 1997 Hortonville High School graduate and 2004 UW Oshkosh grad. She served in the Army National Guard for 13 years, most recently as Captain and Company Commander for Headquarters and Headquarters Company (HHC) 132nd Brigade Support Battalion. She was also a graphic designer for Community First Credit Union.