FIGHT THE FLOOD 2018

While the east coast is starting to get hammered from Hurricane Flo, we in southwestern Wisconsin are continuing to dig out and assess the damage from 2 flash floods in a week's time. In fact, today the backhoe and bobcat appeared at the end of our drive and will begin to put our mile long driveway back together. The repair not only  takes time, but it takes a lot of money and there are many folk who have much, much more to repair and replace.

Yes, FEMA monies can help affected counties but many folks know if monies are not forthcoming, there will be bankruptcies. Neighboring communities have come to the aid of the victims in so many ways this past week from helping with housing, cleaning supplies, meals and cleanup just to name a few. Yet, a lot remains to be done that's where the raised monies will help make a dent. 

Today after 9 days of planning La Crosse Festivals including
Moon Tunes La Crosse, Rotary Club of La Crosse - Valley View, Country Boom, Irishfest La Crosse, Great River Folk Festival, Oktoberfest - La Crosse and the band TUGG  planned the Fight the Flood Relief Moon Tunes style. It was a summer of Moon Tunes in one day. Some 30 bands volunteered to play for the 12 hour benefit to earn monies to help flood victims. Unfortunately even with 30 minute  performances, not all the volunteer groups could perform. 

There was free admission with only the request to make donations. It was a wonderful day of music and community. 

The food trucks which showed up included Woodshed Wood Fired Pizza from Winona, Big Boar, Fathead Steve's, the Pearl Ice Cream, Apothik and Midwest Bite's
all who kept quite busy

serving a couple hundred at lunchtime but thousands by dinnertime. 20% of their profits besides tips was donated.

And as for drink the beer came from 3 area breweries along with Pepsi products and water for sale with 100% of the raised monies being donated to the flood victims in the La  Crosse area.  

Waders used in cleaning out the muck in area home.

The fundraising goal hoped for was $150,000 but by 9 pm that goal was surpassed at $162,000 with two concert hours still remaining... When I arrived at noon the number had been at $53,545. Area businesses and community members were donating in all amounts. This am the radio stated $196,000 + was accounted for by the last act. By
all accounts so far $204,000 which will be divided up by the Rotary in different counties. 


Two stages alternated showcasing an amazing array of entertainment. A third smaller tent was set up by the Food Court but I never got over to hear those performers. Apparently Marty Raney, host of the Discovery TV’s show Homestead Rescue was there late afternoon with a film crew as he's in Viroqua helping a family. The groups I did get to hear were captured in some of the photos below. 

Matt Monsoor

Coulee Celtic 

Yellow Bellied Sapsuckers

Rhythmic Justice Motown 

Gregg Hall and the Wrecking Ball

Pig Town Fling

Mr. Blink

If you weren’t able to make the concert and would still like to donate, you can send a check to the Rotary Works Foundation, PO Box 1571, La Crosse, Wisconsin 54602-1571.

I think Mr. Blink had perhaps the best advice of the day as he pointed out the day's donations help but we all need to go and visit these rural towns and buy our gas there and patronize their businesses.  

Devastation like our Coulee region has suffered does take a lot more than a village after one flood much less two...