Sled dog race helps Make-A-Wish Foundation

Mike Schwandt's three rambunctious dogs won't let him forget that he has several children to help this December.

For the third consecutive year, Schwandt is organizing the Can't Depend on Snow Sled Dog Race. The event raises money for the Make-A-Wish Foundation, an organization that grants the dreams of children with life-threatening medical conditions. Races, weight-pulling contests, games and other festivities will be held 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 1, at Rolling Meadows Golf Course, 560 W. Rolling Meadows Drive.

As the name suggests, weather won't affect the event, he said. If the ground stays green, participants will use special sleds with wheels.

Organizers would prefer snow, though, because citizens enjoy seeing an authentic sled dog race. The dogs can also run faster, he said.

"I don't expect (snow)," he said. "I just hope for it."

Schwandt, a Fond du Lac resident, hopes the third time's the charm. He said donors gave $1,100 the first year and $2,600 last year. This year, he hopes to raise $5,000.

This year's race shows promise. Schwandt said the 26 teams that raced last year all vowed to return. He's also received many calls from interested teams. An estimated 30 to 35 teams from Wisconsin, Illinois, Minnesota, Kentucky and Iowa are expected to participate.

Attendance has steadily increased. Last year, more than 500 people visited Can't Depend on Snow, but Schwandt hopes for more.

"I would like to have the whole city show up," he said.

Schwandt attributed the success to generous hearts and four-legged friends.

"Everybody loves dogs," he said. "It's a fun event."

People also can't resist helping sick children, he added.

He's willing to do all he can to grant a child's final wish.

"The Make-A-Wish kids, they've got a pretty bleak future," he said. "To hear the stories… it almost makes you cry."

Local money raised assists local kids, said Heather Lindner, field office administrator for the Make-A-Wish Foundation. For the 2007 fiscal year, the organization granted 268 wishes statewide, 41 in northeastern Wisconsin.

Make-A-Wish tries to grant more wishes every year, so fundraisers like Can't Depend on Snow are vital, she said.

"It's awesome," Lindner said. "We absolutely love to have people who are as enthusiastic as we are. Mike is very much that person."