August 19, 2023, marked a memorable occasion as ALPS proudly attended the Missouri River Chapter Banquet. This event was an extraordinary gathering dedicated to philanthropy, partnership, and shared passion for the great outdoors.
Back Left to Right: Sarah Eckelkamp, Doug Eckelkamp, Marty Brunson (Catch-A-Dream Foundation CEO), Dennis Brune (ALPS Founder)
Front Left to Right: Bryce Eckelkamp, Jake Eckelkamp, Luke Eckelkamp pose for a picture with the winning Dream Shed
TRANSFORMING SHEDS INTO DREAMS
Special guest, Dr. Marty Brunson, Catch-A-Dream CEO, was in attendance and was able to briefly speak to banquet attendees about the vision of Catch-A-Dream. A pivotal highlight of the evening centered around the Dream Shed auction. To provide context, the Dream Shed Partnership was started by the founders of Drury Outdoors, Mark and Terry Drury. This partnership brings together three great names in the outdoor industry: Whitetails Unlimited, Drury Outdoors, and the Catch-A-Dream Foundation.
Annually, the Drury brothers contribute around 350 shed antlers from their properties in Iowa and Missouri to Whitetails Unlimited. These sheds, along with a certificate of authenticity signed by Mark, Terry, Martin Brunson of Catch-A-Dream, and WTU President Jeff Schinkten, are featured at WTU events as special auction items to raise funds for the Catch-A-Dream Foundation.
ALPS Founder, Dennis Brune, was the winning bidder of the Dream Shed that evening. However, in a heartwarming twist, two other fellow attendees stepped up and matched donations with Dennis, which led to raising an astonishing $20,000! With this contribution, the Catch-A-Dream Foundation will be able to send four children on a once-in-a-lifetime hunting or fishing trip. Beyond its monetary value, this contribution underscores the unity of a community driven by a shared love for the outdoors and a collective aspiration to create a positive impact.
ALPS IGNITES GIVING
The roots run deep when it comes to lending a helping hand. Following their Grandpa’s footsteps, the Eckelkamp Boys sold over 100 drawstring bags at the auction to raise additional funds for Catch-A-Dream.
Proceeding the Dream Shed auction, ALPS ignited the spirit of giving with a reverse auction that garnered standing ovations. Attendees who pledged donations of $250, $100, or $50 to the Catch-A-Dream Foundation received matching gift cards from ALPS. The result of this was a staggering $9,800 raised. ALPS Team Member and Catch-A-Dream Volunteer Host, Sarah Eckelkamp, attended the banquet and was brought to tears when she witnessed the generosity of the community. “I’ve been on a trip with a family whose lives had been rocked when their little boy was diagnosed with leukemia. To see so many bid numbers be placed in the air and see person after person donate hundreds of dollars at a time to make dreams come true for families dealing with the unimaginable was remarkable. But then, to compound the emotions, to see my family’s company, ALPS, step up and match each donation with that same amount in a gift card was something I was so proud to witness and be a part of.”
