EAU CLAIRE, Wis. – The RCU Foundation’s Rock the Riverfront Classic Rock Hunt sponsored by Market & Johnson rewarded rock hunters and local charities.
Wyatt Eiden and three friends from Chippewa Falls found the rock hiding along the Ice Age Trail near the Chippewa Moraine State Recreation Area in New Auburn, Wis. (Chippewa County). The four young men enjoyed what has become their summer tradition and plan to split the $500 award evenly.
In addition to the Classic Rock Hunt a Youth Rock Hunt held in earlier In June this year. This scavenger hunt created an opportunity for kids and families to get out and explore their communities. There were 3 rocks hidden across 6 Royal Credit Union communities, for a total of 18 rocks. A total of 15 Youth Rocks were found during the contest timeframe and each winner received a Royal Credit Union Piggy Bank and $40 cash.
Overall, the RCU Foundation announced that local arts charities will receive over $27,000 following the 2021 virtual Rock the Riverfront featuring the Charity Classic. The performing arts were hard-hit by COVID-19, with estimated losses of 1.4 million jobs and $42.5 billion in sales.
The proceeds are being donated to three partner charities: Heyde Center for the Arts, Chippewa Valley Theatre guild and Northern Star Theatre Co.
Registered participants received one free vote at the time of registration; additional votes were available to be purchased online at $2 each. The Heyde Center for the Arts earned 48% of the votes and will be awarded a $15,000 donation, Chippewa Valley Theatre Guild earned 38% of the votes and will receive $7,500, and Northern Star Theatre Company will receive $5,000 after earning 14% of the vote.
The RCU Foundation’s Rock the Riverfront featuring the Charity Classic included a 10K, 2 mile, and half mile youth walk/run, chalk your walk and coloring contests, and the increasingly popular Classic Rock Hunt and Youth Rock Hunt.
The following participants submitted the best times and will receive a hand-made custom glass award plate, gift certificate, and award charm: 10K Male: Mickey Noone, 55 of Eau Claire; 10K Female: Andrea Cronk, 24 of River Falls; 2 Mile Male: Noah Sylvester, 13 of Eau Claire; 2 Mile Female: Kimberly Blaine, 38 of Eau Claire; Half Mile Male: Ethan Miller, 8 of Eau Claire; Half Mile Female: Amelia Rohlik, 10 of Eau Claire. To qualify for awards, participants completed the official race course and submitted their results using the RaceJoy App.
More than 500 people took part in the virtual run/walk and related activities.