Friends
If you appreciate the Fox River, you are a friend of others who do too. Let’s work to focus more on our common ground and respect our personal differences. As an example, paddlers and power boaters often see themselves as different. At Voyageur Landing on the fourth of July this was dispelled. Paddler and nature photographer Steve Thomas had made friends in the parking lot with a jet skier over time.
On this July 4th, the jet skier was roaring around with his friends. When he saw Steve paddling past, he blew a whistle and gave a hand wave to the group who promptly slowed and yielded to Steve. Later that day after hearing Steve’s story, I too enjoyed the same courtesy from my canoe with that group. This was new to me in 50 years of paddling. Consequently, I pledge to limit my judgments and be appreciative of anyone who considers the Fox River their Friend. We are all Friends in that regard. Let’s all work on that.
Asking Again
As a non-profit, Friends of the Fox River (FOTFR) seems to be on a perpetual fundraising campaign. We do seek to mix in a fun factor as we rely on our Friends for funding. Here are a few ways that you can help us pay for our play (work).
No Clean Water No Good Beer
Currently, we are soliciting items for the raffle and auction portion of our largest annual FUNraiser. Do you have a relationship with someone who could help offer items of value for guests to bid on? Do you possess something that could become an auction item?
We are looking for services (farm eggs of a year) experience (glider ride), or unique item (nature art) to raffle that could really help our event. Please contact us 815-356-6605 to discuss the options. Thank you. And of course, get your tickets HERE before they sell out.
Annual Boat Raffle
After years of offering premium canoes, we are switching to kayaks. Win one get one free. Lightly used pair of general use kayaks with very nice pfd (personal flotation devices) and paddles included. Get your tickets HERE and share the link with others.
The BIG One
It’s Our Fox River Day (IOFRD) is the largest watershed- wide event. It is a celebration of and time to appreciate of the appreciation of all that our Fox River Watershed offers. IOFRD is an opportunity to collectively demonstrate our love for our river. Over its 200 miles, we have a myriad of ways for you to show your appreciation for the Fox. Born as basically a one- location party and a cleanup, it has grown into a diverse collection indicative of all things Fox River. Some standards are cleanup ups on the shoreline and in county and & city parks, paddling trips, and municipal proclamations of IOFRD. Consider your personal passion, and share it with others by being an event host. Are you into: bird watching, botanizing, scavenger hunts, recreational practices of sound healing, yoga, Tai Chi, art making, writing/reading, photography, and/or fishing? We have yet to have a dog swimming event (hint). Sign up to become an event host to share your joy with others and spread the awareness and appreciation for our Fox River. Know of a business that might want to offer a IOFRD discount or a special? Contact us at: IOFRD@FOTFR.org to get assistance in developing your event. Visit our website to see the map of growing events as they develop.
Be a Better Friend in July by getting more involved however/wherever it works for you.
NCWNGB – Help us with securing fun items for raffle/auction. And get your ticket!
Boat Raffle – Get your tickets!
IOFRD – Host an event!
Respect your fellow Friends of the Fox River. Together, WE keep on fixin’ the Fox.
