Grooves, Good Food & Giving Back — 2025 Fun(d)Raising Party Recap

We held our Lost Creek Hippies Vineyard – 9th Annual Fun(d)Raising Party on September 13, and what a truly delightful day it was! The vineyard was full of laughter as guests played bean bag toss, caught up with old friends, and made wonderful new ones we hope to see again. The weather cooperated beautifully, and the atmosphere was lifted even higher thanks to Connie, Herb, and Vergil, who filled the afternoon with classic hits from the ’60s — pure joy!

We enjoyed wine, beer, and soft drinks, along with tasty appetizers, a hearty pork stew, and a spread of desserts (including my signature apple–cranberry–walnut bars).

Thanks to the help of our amazing family, everything was cleaned up by the next day — leaving us free to pick about 800 apples, which we donated to the Pepin School District for an October 6 event. Every attendee also went home with a bottle of our delicious Altered States Apple Wine, a small thank-you for supporting our cause.

This year, we received 17 generous charitable donations, including:
• 5 donations to Habitat for Humanity of Minnesota totaling $700
• 9 donations to Hope Coalition totaling $1,520
• 3 donations to Central Asia Institute totaling $350
These contributions came to $2,570, and we matched every dollar, bringing our total charitable giving to an incredible $5,140.00.

Meanwhile, our apple orchard keeps growing—though not without challenges! Recently, it seems the trees have been snacked on by rabbits (or some other small critters), as leaves up to three feet high have been gnawed away. The fence shows no signs of deer, but I did find three entry points where small animals have slipped in. Time for a bit more chicken wire… the work is never-ending, but always worth it.

We plan to continue hosting this cherished Fall gathering each year on the second Saturday in September, as long as we’re able to support our three charities and continue receiving such generous help from friends and family. As we get older, that support means more than ever.

With that in mind, we are already looking forward to our 10th Annual Fun(d)Raising Party on Saturday, September 12, 2026.

12924 Crooked Lake Lane

Coon Rapids, MN 55448