The First Moo Canoe
June 13-15, 2008, Saratoga, Wyoming

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   Profile of hope

Maria Lucrecia Lugama poses with her Heifer International cow in Las Lagunas, Nicaragua. Project participants drink the cow’s milk and sell extra for income, and they use the manure from the cow to create compost that boosts crop production on their small farms.

The first Big Moo Canoe was conceived in the depths of a very cold Colorado winter in 2007. The lakes had been frozen over for weeks and I was feeling antsy without my normal outlet. I had been racing ultra-marathon canoes for a few years and felt a desire to really go big with a challenge. I also knew that training for a big effort, like a 250 mile paddle, was going to take a lot of time and commitment, and I felt kind of selfish jumping into it "just to do it". Then it hit me, our family had been involved with Heifer International through our church for years, and we had recently received a gift of chickens from a family member. I asked my wife, "What about a Big Moo Canoe?" She said, "Why not?"

After that conversation, we kicked it into high-gear and pulled together a seven month effort to train, build a small support team, develop a web site, gather sponsors, talk with the press and encourage family and friends to take part even if just virtually. By the time we completed the challenge in June, we had raised nearly $8,000 to support the community-changing work Heifer is involved with. I then wanted to committ to making this a long-lasting event. I am very excited that the event has the backing and blessing of Heifer International so we can spread this fun concept around the country. For day-by-day details and statistics on the original Big Moo Canoe challenge, click the links to the left.

Special Thanks
I want to give a special mention to my family, my crew and our 2008 sponsors. Without their love and support that event would never have survived the inevitable bumps and challenges along the way.

My family:

Tracey: I thank my wife Tracey for listening to constant discussion of "all things Moo". The poor lady endured hearing every micro-detail of the planning and every potential alternative route and deviation to the plan. Sweetie, you're a saint!

Megan & Lucas:These guys were awesome and jumped in early to help me raise awareness and donations for the project. They did their own presentations at a couple of local churches, pulled together a lemonade stand and sold some of their toys to raise money. In the end, they raised enough for three goats and a whole lot of bees. You guys are a true inspiration!

My team:

Chris and Dawn Betz: What can I say but thank you. They helped to brainstorm and plan, proofread copy, talked with the press, and generally kept the momentum moving forward. The weekend of the event, I could not have been better taken care of. They spent hours shuttling to meet me in remote locations along the river and much time cooking and prepping for each coming day. I could have never done it alone.

Our supporters:

Because of the internet, our fund-raising crossed state boundaries. It was also an enjoyable experience to reconnect with family and friends. If you develop your own Big Moo Canoe event, I encourage you to email ALL of your personal networks about your goals. We received 108 individual donations from 15 states.

Our sponsors:

We received support and promotional assistance from 12 very motivated sponsors in 2008. A huge thanks goes to Randy Pfizenmaier who donated his time and a series of amazing images that we used for marketing our challenge.

Many of the sponsors welcomed us to their offices to let us talk with co-workers about the Big Moo Canoe and what Heifer International is doing throughout the world.

The 2008 roster included: Advanced Media Services, Inc., Burns Marketing Communications, Eheart Interior Solutions, First United Methodist Church Fort Collins, Fort Fun - A Friendly Place to Play, FuseBox Studio, Jeff Williams, GRI, RE/MAX Alliance, LBN Insurance, Montage Graphics, Platte Valley Lutheran Church-LCMS, PB Tech, Zaveral Racing Equipment (ZRE)

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