When someone runs more than 3,200 miles across the United States, no celebration seems suitable. Brookfield native Ashley Kumlien recently completed her epic journey from San Francisco to New York where she ran for nearly six months to raise money and awareness for multiple sclerosis. Despite her unbelievable effort and determination, Ashley fell short of her fund raising goal.
This is where we found our answer for celebrating her accomplishment.
Bert Kessler, owner of the NEWD (Nothing Else Will Do) clothing line, hatched the idea of a charity benefit to fill in the fund raising holes. Kessler enlisted the help of Jen Lada and myself, and of course, we were off and running (pun intended).
After many cups of brainstorming coffee, we came up with the idea that blends fashion and fitness. This Thursday, Nov. 4, we will host "Athletes Get NEWD for MS" at MOCT, 240 E. Pittsburgh Ave. It's a fashion show that will feature casual wear from the NEWD line and Live the Dream, as well as running clothes from local athletic outfitters. The event runs from 5 to 10 p.m. and is free, but donations are accepted and encouraged.
By the way, NEWD rhymes with nude, which is why you'll be able to buy the clothes right off the models' backs! Although we will spare you the post-Halloween horror of a striptease, those attending the benefit will be able to bid on the clothes in a silent auction form.
The "models" walking the runway will be local pro and amateur athletes from Wisconsin. We grabbed runners, triathletes and cyclists from the ranks of local endurance athletes. On the pro side, the Admirals, Wave, and even a few Packers are scheduled to appear.
In addition to the clothes, those in attendance will also be able to bid on more than two dozen auction and raffle items. If seeing a few of your favorite pro athletes wasn't enough, we'll have autographed items from Aaron Rodgers, Ryan Grant, Donald Driver and Clay Matthews. And of course, there will be prime seating at local sporting events up for grabs. Premiere ticket packages from the Admirals, Brewers, Bucks, Marquette and the Wave.
Sports aren't your thing? No problem. Throw in a ticket to win gift certificates from great local restaurants, spas and salons.
Most importantly, it all goes for a great cause. All money raised on Thursday evening will go directly to MS Run the US. Please help us celebrate one of Milwaukee's best by raising a glass, and some money, for Ashley Kumlien.
Trenni Kusnierek is a sports reporter and radio host who has worked for networks such as ABC, Big Ten, MLB, and NFL. She is currently on 540 ESPN in Milwaukee on both the D-List and Broad Side. Kusnierek is also freelance writing and reporting until January, when she will leave on a service trip to India.
A graduate of Marquette University, she holds a degree in Broadcast and Electronic Journalism. An avid marathon runner, Kusnierek qualified for the 2010 Boston Marathon by running a 3:37:02 at the Lakefront Marathon in Milwaukee.
