On June 9, 2012, Rosewater performed at Munson Bridge Winery on behalf of the Hands Foundation. The reason was to raise awareness of the number of homeless veterans in Minnesota and Wisconsin. The performance was a “shotgun wedding,” Attendees were encouraged to bring “wedding gifts” for homeless veterans. Almost a thousand gifts were collected and attendees also wrote cards and notes with special messages for the homeless veterans who would receive the gifts.
As a way of saying thank you to both Munson Bridge and the Owen-Withee area for their generosity to at-risk veterans over the years, Rosewater, with special guest Eric Glaze, will be performing at Munson Bridge on July 25 at 7 p.m. with special guests performing at 6 p.m. The concept will be the same as that first concert 14 years ago, a shotgun wedding along with gifts for at-risk veterans. This is the final season for Munson Bridge, so it is suggested that guests might also want to bring a card thanking Tom and Sheri Rohland for everything they have done for the community over the years or maybe share a story with them about a special experience they had at Munson Bridge Winery.
Gifts that can be brought for veterans include items like winter coats, hoodies, sleeping bags, blue jeans, and new boxer briefs and cotton socks. Monetary donations will also be accepted. Scott Marrier said that most of their items are collected locally and they are so fortunate to have had the community support they have over the years. Their focus is veterans, but they will help others in need also.
Household items may also be donated. They are distributed in partnership with Sofas for Service located in Altoona. Their phone number is 715-309-9663.
Admission for the evening will be a free will offering with all funds going to help at-risk veterans. Veterans will get in for free.
They are currently recording at historic St. Hedwig’s and planning a concert there in the near future. Watch for more information. Follow what is happening at rosewaterband.com.
The caring for and sharing with at-risk veterans has grown over the years with a permanent facility now located in Minneapolis and run by Every Third Saturday. You can check them out at everythirdsaturday.org Their main mission is suicide prevention. Marrier said it is about helping veterans receive hope. In addition, St. Katherine’s Episcopal Church has a Hands Foundation Sunday on the second Sunday of every month. They are looking for ways to help the community. Locally, items can be dropped off at O-W Sports anytime or you can contact Deb Marrier at 715-797-4757 and they will pick up items.