When Paula Snell was diagnosed with breast cancer, several communities rallied around her and her family in support.
Snell was formerly a teacher at Mabel-Canton and currently teaches at Spring Grove. Her daughter, Hannah Snell, attends Mabel-Canton and plays varsity volleyball there. Her teammates wanted to help so they and their parents put their heads together and came up with a plan to raise money for the Snell family.
The volleyball team asked the Mabel-Canton Booster Club to be the fiscal sponsor for a fundraising event. It was decided to host the event on October 4 at a volleyball match between Mabel-Canton and Spring Grove. In addition to Snell’s job at Spring Grove, the head volleyball coach for the Spring Grove team had previously taught and coached at Mabel-Canton so the game between the two schools fit the event perfectly. “Both communities are known for their amazing support of those in need,” said Bobbie Vickerman who coordinated the fundraiser.
Vickerman was right. Both schools rallied behind the cause and were excited to be a part of it. Mabel-Canton superintendent Jennifer Backer and Spring Grove superintendent Rachel Udstuen each donated a pink zebra volleyball to be signed by each team and auctioned off at the event.
As word of the fundraiser got around, people started volunteering and wanted to know how they could help. The many volunteers gathered donations, set up for each of the events that evening, and more.
The fundraiser reached even further than anticipated. As Snell’s two sons, Austin and Riley attend North Winneshiek, the staff at their school also got involved with the event.
T-shirts were designed by some of the members of the Mabel-Canton volleyball team, and Kelly Printing and Signs printed and donated a number of shirts for the event. “Kelly Printing and Signs has always been so supportive of the Mabel-Canton cancer fundraisers,” Vickerman noted. Pre-orders for the shirts were accepted before the event with over 400 shirts ordered.
Ross Himlie, from Himlie Photography, donated two large banners of the Mabel-Canton football team and Mabel-Canton volleyball team which were auctioned off at the fundraiser. He also donated 12 small banners to be sold with the proceeds going to the Snell family.
Local volunteer Sandy Benson collected baskets for the silent auction. There were many other donations for the silent and live auctions as well, both from area businesses and individuals. The Mabel BP, BBGs, Salon on 52, Farm & Home, Sarah Delaney, Spring Grove Communications, Red’s IGA, Spring Grove Aquatic, and Minnowa Construction all donated gift cards for a gift card raffle and Barney’s Bar and Grill donated a televison for another raffle.
Baked good were brought in by volunteers and sold during the game to raise more money.
The fundraiser was even granted its own hashtags of #MCSGfightingtogether and #4Paula.
All of the proceeds from the event went directly to the Snell family.