‘Kiefer’s Magical Birthday Bash’ at Wild Ride Brewing raises over $47,000 for Kiefer Leutschaft Memorial Fund
PRINEVILLE, Ore. (KTVZ) -- Hundreds of community members recently turned out to celebrate the third annual “Kiefer's Magical Birthday Bash” at Wild Ride Brewing in Prineville and Redmond.
The two-day family-friendly event was hosted by Rimrock Trails Treatment Services in partnership with Wild Ride Brewing. Attendees danced to great music, dined on tasty food, participated in raffle drawings and auctions for special gift baskets, and enjoyed visiting with family and friends.
Thanks to a partnership between Rimrock Trails Treatment Services and Wild Ride Brewing, along with the generosity and commitment of many, over $47,000 was raised for the Kiefer Leutschaft Memorial Fund.
The fund was established by the Leutschaft family of Redmond in memory of their son, Kiefer, who lost his battle with mental illness in October 2021. In addition to contributing college scholarship monies to the Kiefer Leutschaft Memorial Fund, the proceeds also support Rimrock Trails Treatment Services' mental health awareness programs and initiatives, as well as the Rimrock Trails Support Program.
The event also provided a wonderful opportunity to introduce the recipients of the Kiefer Leutschaft Memorial Fund Scholarships. Seniors Charrisse Wedding from Redmond High School and Trenton Tucker from Crook County High School were both awarded $5,000 scholarships to be used for college tuition. Charrisse plans to attend Linfield University and major in Biology with a pre-med focus while minoring in Psychology. Trenton will be attending the University of Oregon to study Psychology. The scholarship was focused on applicants who demonstrate potential for success in the fields of psychology, behavioral health, addiction studies, psychiatry, or social work.
Following Kiefer’s death, the Leutschaft family partnered with Rimrock Trails Treatment Services to establish the Kiefer Magical Legacy Fund. One goal of this event is to help eliminate any stigma associated with mental health challenges. It aims to encourage people to feel comfortable having open conversations about mental health and addiction, and to feel safe seeking services to begin the journey to recovery and health.
This event exemplifies just how much can be accomplished when groups of people and organizations come together with a commitment to the mental health of our community. Working together, the magic is kept alive.
"Kiefer’s Magical Birthday Bash” has touched the hearts of the Central Oregon community in an extraordinary way, emphasizing the vital importance of mental health awareness and honoring our dear friend, Kiefer. We are deeply grateful to the Leutschaft Family for their strength and courage, as well as Wild Ride Brewing Company for their generous support—without them, this event would not have been possible."– Michelle Duff, Community Relations Manager, Rimrock Trails Treatment Services
The “Kiefer’s Magical Birthday Bash’ was made possible thanks to the efforts and donations of many individuals and businesses. Special thanks and appreciation go to the presenting sponsor, Wild Ride Brewing, and the inspiration of the Leutschaft Family. Sincere thanks go to the event committee members, volunteers at the event, as well as individuals and businesses donating raffle and auction items. Businesses supporting the 2024 event included The Printing Post, Jakeen Bierman for event decorations, auctioneer Angela Boothroyd, catering by Patty Breitbach, and the music of the Kristi Kinsey Band and Countryfied. Finally, the event could not have happened without the support and sponsorship of Bigfoot Beverage, Josh Werner’s Edward Jones, Lunar Creative Co., Market of Choice, Polar Bear Gas and Wash, Rosendin Electric, Rebound Physical Therapy, St. Charles Health Systems, Secure Storage, Summit Bank, Superior Sanitation, Trellis, Inc, Two Gifty Girls, Wild Ride Brewing, and Diana Barker with Windermere Central Oregon.
About Rimrock Trails Treatment Services
Rimrock Trails operates as a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization, specializing in behavioral health services.
To learn more, or to make a secure tax-deductible donation - visit www.Rimrocktrails.org.
Founded in 1990, Rimrock Trails is dedicated to improving the lives of those struggling with mental health and substance use by providing timely access to compassionate and effective behavioral healthcare.
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About Kiefer:
Kiefer Leutschaft was a beloved son, brother, and friend. He grew up in Redmond and attended Redmond High School. He later graduated from the University of Oregon with a degree in Economics. He had close friends and a loving family, but he struggled with debilitating anxiety, which eventually led to clinical depression. Kiefer lost his battle with mental illness on October 3, 2021, leaving his family and friends devastated. April 1, 2024, would have been Kiefer's 29th birthday.
Wild Ride Brewing - https://www.wildridebrew.com/
Wild Ride Brewing is a production brewery and taproom located in Prineville and Redmond, Oregon. Planning began in late 2011, and the beers started flowing from the taps at Wild Ride Brewing on May 10, 2014. Our Wild Ride began when the idea of creating an awesome brewery came alive. A group of lifelong friends who grew up in Redmond started plotting the course. Our brewers have been brewing award-winning beers since the beginning and continue to craft innovative and enjoyable styles!
