First annual Patriot Day Challenge brings fun competition to downtown Jasper

Jasper–Local first responders will be the beneficiaries of a new community fitness competition next month, as Kerstiens Companies hosts the inaugural Patriot Day Challenge on Sept. 9 at 1 DCB Plaza in Jasper

The event, set for 5 to 7 p.m., will pit teams from local businesses, banks and public safety agencies against each other in seven strength- and endurance-based challenges, with all proceeds and donations going to the Jasper Volunteer Fire Department this year.

Glenn Buechlein, who is heading up the Jasper company’s wellness initiatives, came up with the idea while brainstorming for an event that would become the company’s big rock, or “a focal point that does a lot of things all at once,” he explained.

He was trying to come up with a recurring event that could bring people together, support a cause and build community all at once while supporting the company’s wellness initiatives.

A conversation with front-office staff sealed the direction. One employee told Glenn her husband was a volunteer firefighter and receives no compensation. He said that conversation convinced him to direct the event’s proceeds toward local volunteer fire departments, an easy connection with Patriot Day.

Teams will complete a 9/11 stair climb relay, a five-minute push-up challenge, a sled push/pull relay, a bucket brigade (dubbed “carry the load together”), a kettlebell carry relay, a team tug of war and a fire truck pull.

Buechlein said the stair climb — four floors, run in relay format inside the Premier Property Management building — is meant as a direct nod to firefighters who climbed the stairs of the World Trade Center on Sept. 11, 2001.

The format requires the team members to work together, reinforcing the teambuilding aspects of the competition.

And Buechlein hopes the variety of events will level the playing field.

“How much bucket practice does a person get on a daily basis?” he joked.

As of the interview, an estimated 10 to 12 teams will be competing from several local companies and organizations.

This year’s donations will go directly to the Jasper Fire Department, Buechlein said. Long-term, Kerstiens Companies hopes to establish a dedicated fund with a committee to determine how future proceeds are distributed among local departments.

Participating teams can either pay a suggested entry fee or become a sponsor at a bronze, silver or gold level. Spectators are welcome to donate as well, including at a food truck that will offer free hamburgers, hot dogs and brats, with donations accepted but not required.

Buechlein said he doesn’t have a formal fundraising goal but pointed to the cost of an AED — about $1,600 — as one benchmark of what the event could help provide to a local department.

The winning team will take home a traveling trophy — a crystal eagle on a marble base, engraved with the event’s tagline, “Honor Through Action, Strength Through Community.” Buechlein said the trophy will rotate to whichever organization wins each year.

“It’s gonna be a discussion piece and something to brag about,” Buechlein admitted.

The event is free to attend, and the public is encouraged to attend and cheer on their team.