Bidwell Engebretson Tusen Takk Volunteer Fund

Engebretsen-BidwellIn Norwegian, Tusen Takk means “a thousand thanks,” and if there was ever a group for whom we should all give thanks it is our dedicated Birkie volunteers. Without their energy and commitment there simply couldn’t be the year-round slate of Birkie events for all to enjoy. Last year 3894 Birkie volunteers worked to make our events successful. Tusen Takk!

This is an opportunity for all Birkie participants to celebrate the ABSF’s volunteers by supporting the Bidwell Engebretson Tusen Takk Volunteer Fund. Managed by the Foundation for the Endowment of the American Birkebeiner, the income from the this fund will endow the future of the ABSF’s volunteer program for years to come. From bibs, jackets, and volunteer participant gifts, to appreciation celebrations, recruitment & retention programs, as well as communication tools and training, the goal is to endow all volunteer related expenses in the future by means of the Bidwell Engebretson Tusen Takk Volunteer Fund.

Jane Bidwell and Marcia Engebretson, long-time Birkie participants and volunteers themselves, graciously donated funds to seed and create the Tusen Takk Volunteer Fund. Bidwell and Engebretson believe volunteers are the most important element in the Birkie’s success. We couldn’t agree more.

Donors who want to support a well-recognized and long-standing need are encouraged to donate to the Tusen Takk Volunteer Fund and support Birkie volunteers both now and in the future.

Donors making a gift of $1,000 or more will also become de facto members of the Birkie Legacy Circle of the Endowment. All Birkie Legacy Circle members wear race day bibs with the distinctive gold Birkie Legacy Circle shield logo.

For more information or to create your own Legacy Fund, contact Audun Mikkelson at 907-433-9265 or audun.mikkelson@birkie.com.

“We feel so fortunate to be able to help kick off the Tusen Takk Volunteer Fund. Having skied 65 Birkebeiners between us, and almost as many years as Birkie volunteers, this Fund has great meaning for us. We are grateful and indebted to all the selfless volunteers, who over the years have worked outside in some pretty awful weather, and behind the scenes to take care of all our Birkie “needs”. The volunteers are truly the lifeblood of the organization. The Birkie simply would not happen without VOLUNTEERS!”

Tusen Takk!
Jane and Marcia