Black Woods Blizzard Tour Update
 

Dear Black Woods Blizzard Tour Riders, Volunteers, and Donors,

Earlier this year, we all celebrated the 20th anniversary of the Black Woods Blizzard Tour: a ride to fight ALS. The event was a tremendous success, raising over $1.2 million dollars to help those facing the challenges of ALS throughout Minnesota, North Dakota and South Dakota. It is your dedication, commitment and passion that makes this success possible.
 
The Black Woods Blizzard Tour was started by a small, ambitious group of people whose goal was to provide support to those living with ALS and keep up the fight until a cure is found. Twenty years and hundreds more dedicated supporters later, the event is one of the largest ALS fundraisers in the world, having raised more than $11 million to date.

While the Black Woods Blizzard Tour has made a tremendous impact, we find ourselves asking how we can do more for individuals and families living with ALS. As a result, the Black Woods Blizzard Tour has decided to leverage the momentum of this event to take the next step in this fight. Going forward, the Black Woods Blizzard Tour will be managed by an independent charitable entity that will be able to conduct the same world class tour with maximum efficiency. The mission of the tour remains, and is perfectly stated in the name of the new entity: Never Surrender, Inc.

Never Surrender, Inc., is comprised of the same dedicated riders and volunteers that have led the Black Woods Blizzard Tour for decades. The ALS Association MN/ND/SD Chapter will continue to directly benefit from the event and the dollars raised will help people living with ALS. Specifically, Never Surrender, Inc., will contribute funding to the following programs of The ALS Association MN/ND/SD Chapter:

• Durable Medical Equipment Loan Pool

• Hrbek-Sing Communication and Assistive Device Program

• Jack Norton Family Respite Program

• Home Safety Program

• ALS Certified and Recognized Centers of Excellence

• ALS Research

Never Surrender, Inc.’s exclusive focus on growing the Black Woods Blizzard Tour is a win for everyone. This step perfectly complements the unparalleled support The ALS Association MN/ND/SD provides individuals and families while the Chapter advances into essential new spaces within the evolving landscape of ALS.

We want you to know that the Black Woods Blizzard Tour will absolutely be proceeding and is on schedule for January 29 - February 1, 2020, and we hope you will join us in making the 21st annual ride the greatest yet. More information will be coming soon about the specifics of this transition (registration, fundraising, etc.). We look forward to your support as we all continue the fight against ALS.

 

                                              

 

David Kolquist                                                                                  Jennifer Hjelle
President                                                                                          Executive Director
Never Surrender, Inc.                                                                       ALS Association MN/ND/SD Chapter