HELPING THOSE WHO HELP OTHERS

For many years, the Klennert family has been a huge part of the Hayfield community.
Grant, is the principal High School Principal at Hayfield, and his wife Michele is a 5 grade teacher with the district.
Aside from working for the schools they have found  themselves apart of the local community in many ways, including reffing, coaching the academic triathlon team, coaching and being apart of local service organizations.
Thats why its so fitting that the local area communities have been very supportive of the family as they have gone through a difficult time.
In December, after experiencing back pains, Michele was diagnosed with Ependymoma (cancer of the spinal cord).
Since that time many organizations, including the school have come together to organize fundraisers for the family.
The first fundraiser that took place was during a basketball game against Maple River, on Jan.15.
During the game, they were able to raise about $6,000 through different raffles and other fun activities during the game.
The next sign of unity came during the boys basketball game against Blooming Prairie, on Tuesday night where both teams wore matching shirts as a way of showing their support for the family.
There will also be a upcoming fundraiser on Sunday, Feb. 24 from 2-5 p.m. at the Rohler Rink in Brownsdale.
During the fundraiser the admission, skate and blade rental will be a free will donation with 100 percent of the proceeds going towards the family.
At the fundraiser there will also be a raffle along with a tupperware fundraiser with 40 percent of the sales going to support the family.
Chris Pack, the Activities Director for Hayfield and the organizer of the basketball fundraiser said that he and the Klennert family are very appreciative of the support that they have received.
“I just want to thank everyone that donated and came out to support the Klennerts. Michele was able to be there for the first half and drew the winning names at halftime. They were appreciative and overwhelmed by the support they have been getting,” Pack said.