Wisconsin Academy is a place where friends are made for life! It is increasingly difficult in this economy to meet the financial needs for students as well as campus maintenance and improvements. Back in the 2000’s Wisconsin Academy (WA) hired an Alumni Development Director, Michelle Shufelt, WA class of ’98. One of her responsibilities was to raise money that would help students pay their bill each month and enable WA to continue being an asset to Christian secondary education in Wisconsin. Michelle began brainstorming to find projects that would involve alumni in fundraising efforts. She was sharing her ideas with her Uncle Doug and Aunt Sandy Magray who were also alumni of WA, class of ’69. Being motorcycle enthusiasts, they suggested that she hold a bike rally for alumni and friends who love to ride. It could be a time for fellowship and to raise funds for Wisconsin Academy. Thus began the life of the “Cruisin’ for Christ” Motorcycle Rally.
Early in 2005, Michelle reached out to riders in Clear Lake and asked “Would anyone in Clear Lake like to plan a motorcycle rally to raise funds for WA?” Excited about the idea, several individuals began working with her to plan the event. It was decided to hold the rally at WA the first year. A t-shirt and tac pin design were chosen. Seth and Kristina Johnson helped with the artwork and set up the logo. The group found cooks, speakers and participants for a talent event for Saturday evening. Two bikers were chosen to plan a ride through the countryside in the Columbus, WI area.
Michelle led the event for 2005 and 2006 with some help from the Johnsons. Following Michelle’s example, the group from Clear Lake has been planning the annual event since 2007. Each year the individual host has added their ideas and hard work to make each rally a success. Participants have been able to travel in 13 different places around Wisconsin and one area in Michigan, doubling back on a few sites over the past 20 years. They have met many people from the local areas and have seen new highlights of each locality in WI.
This hasn’t been a large money maker for WA, but it has brought huge blessings to the riders and the hosts each year. New friendships have been made and bonds have strengthened with current friends. Most of all, friendship with Jesus has been elevated each weekend, with guest speakers from the local area who shared their testimonies and stories of God’s love and protection.
Doug and Sandy Magray had a dream, and even though they have recently passed away, Michelle feels that the goals for the bike rally are successfully being met each year. The rally was to involve WA alumni and friends in fundraising and growing friendships with other riders and our best friend, Jesus.
This year Crusin’ for Christ celebrated their 20th Anniversary over the weekend of July 19-21 in Green Bay, WI. Bikers and local friends were challenged, at the Sabbath gathering, to raise $10,000 for WA. Two donors were found that were willing to match the Sabbath offering that was collected. The offering that day was over $3,000! As of this writing the donation to Wisconsin Academy totals over $15,000, and continues to grow!
“Cruisin’ for Christ” has made positive changes in many lives! Here’s to the next 20 years!!
Sally Johnson, Crusin’ for Christ coordinator