Date: Thu, 6 Sep 2018 11:09:30 -0400 (EDT) From: "onthelake2@tds.net" <onthelake2@tds.net> Message-ID: <1172440600.277702963.1536246570447.JavaMail.zimbra@tds.net> Subject: PRESS RELEASE: Rawhide's John Gillespie to speak at Iola Historical Society Sept. 24
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Contact: Lee Halverson, lesuhalv@wi-net.com, or Greg
Loescher, onthelake2@tds.net Photo caption: John Gillespie, right, present
s a signed copy of Our 351 Sons to Jerry Monson, consider the first Rawhide
boy. Photo courtesy of Waupaca County Post.
Rawhide founder John Gillespie sharing his lifelong journey with Rawhideâ
€™s “351 Sons” at Iola Historical Society presentation
In 1965, John and Jan Gillespie had an idea to help at-risk youth and thei
r families by introducing moral values, academics, and work experiences in
their lives. In need of a major endorsement, John and Jan contacted NFL cha
mpion Bart Starr, quarterback of the Green Bay Packers, which is how Bart S
tarr became a large part of Rawhide history. Bart and his wife Cherry showe
d interest in the idea of a ranch that helped troubled teens and decided to
support John and Jan, allowing them to purchase a 714-acre parcel of prope
rty along the scenic Wolf River in New London, Wisconsin. That same year, J
ohn and Jan were able to help eight young men, and Rawhide was born. John a
nd Jan wrote a book, released earlier this year, called Our 351 Sons. The b
ook captures the essence of Rawhide and unfolds its half-century history. J
an passed away in 2017. The Gillespies also have strong ties to Iola, due t
o their lifelong friendship with Chet Krause, founder of Krause Publication
s. Krause, who passed away in 2016, donated often to Rawhide over the years
. Rawhide has also had a presence at the Iola Car Show, raffling off a free
car for many years. As a major part of its fundraising efforts, Rawhideâ
€™s car donation program attracts more than 10,000 vehicle donations an
nually. John will be talking about his book, Rawhide, and his life on Monda
y, Sept. 24, at the Iola Historical Society’s “Machine Shed
” at 222 Depot Street. The presentation, which begins at 7:00 p.m.,
is open to the public free of charge, although goodwill donations are alwa
ys accepted. John will have copies of Our 351 Sons for sale, which he will
personally autograph. If attendees have already acquired copies of the boo
k, they can bring them along for autographing. For more information on Rawh
ide, go to www.rawhide.org. For more information on the Iola Historical Soc
iety, go to www.iolahistoricalsociety.org. ###
