GreaseWorms collect for camp
By Sam Waller
Albany’s Team GreaseWorm not only completed the Nail Ranch Buffalo Run Adventure Challenge, but did so with no mechanical failures.
The third annual event, a fundraiser for Buffalo Gap’s Camp Able, entailed making a round trip on June 1-3 from Buffalo Gap to Abilene, Kansas, in a vehicle valued at no more than $750 while completing a series of tasks along the way. Team GreaseWorm – Robert Snyder, Craig Winters, Matt Birkla, and Kennith Waters – made the journey in Snyder’s 1965 Ford station wagon despite the fuel gauge not working.
“We probably covered a little over 1,400 miles, and the car surprisingly ran good and held together,” Snyder said. “The challenges were fun. Some were simple, and some we had to search out.”
The local team raised $18,400 for Camp Able, a horse sanctuary and equine therapy project that provides assistance for people with special needs. Rescue horses are exclusively used in the therapy program.
Overall, the event raised $450,000 with more coming in. All money raised by team goes to Camp Able with participants covering their own expenses.
“Obviously the Buffalo Run event isn’t about us; it’s about bringing awareness and raising the much-needed and appreciated funds for Camp Able and the amazing work they do with the kids,” Winters said. “Team Grease Worms is simply one of the many tools required to help meet their needs.”
Winters said Team GreaseWorm’s contribution, which is still growing, placed the group seventh in the team standings.
“I never saw so many good-hearted people in one place in my life,” Winters said. “It was small-town simple but full of generous people.”
Birkla and Snyder shared driving duties with Winters navigating. The crew headed east to start and came back by a western route, following a specified route both ways.
Snyder said the experience has him eager to participate in next year’s Buffalo Run.
“We didn’t get a chance to meet everybody involved, but we met a lot of nice people,” he said. “Everybody that had anything to do with it was just super. I think we’re planning on being back on the road next year.”
