Pete Rettler, Dean of District Engagement at Moraine Park, decided in 1993 to focus on his health. On New Year’s Eve, he made a bet with a friend to run every day for an entire year. Since then, he hasn’t missed a single day of running for 32 years straight. He averages 2.5 miles each run.
Six years ago, Pete started using this running streak to generate community involvement and giving by hosting a New Year’s Eve 5k run event. The money raised is donated to a local non-profit.
At year 25, Pete held a 25-day event, selecting a different non-profit each day- and gathering over $25,000 in donations.
In 2021, his son Jack Rettler joined him, and he is in the fourth year of his running streak.
This year, his donations will be given to the Boys and Girls Club of Washington County and Holy Angels and St. Francis Cabrini School.
Here’s a message from Pete:
“It’s that time of year again, and miraculously, it looks like I might continue the streak to be 32 years complete this New Year’s Eve day. Jack is on track to hit four years. We have both been blessed. Thanks to everyone who has supported the Rettler Run. Over the past 6 years, we have been able to raise over $80,000 for the Wisconsin 911 Memorial. This year, we are switching gears, and the 2025 Rettler Run, presented by Schloemer Law, will support the Boys and Girls Club of Washington County and Holy Angels and St. Francis Cabrini School. Donations will be split evenly. The money raised for the Boys and Girls Club will be used to provide snacks and lunches. I have served on the Boys and Girls Club Board for the past few years and see the tremendous impact that the Boys and Girls Club has made for thousands of kids. There is an enormous need to provide snacks and lunches. The money raised for the Catholic grade schools will be used for tuition assistance for families that want to attend a Catholic School but can’t afford the full tuition. My four children believe the foundation they received at Holy Angels is a major reason they have found success in their lives.”
The community is invited to join and help support the fundraising efforts of Pete and Jack. You can register for the run here.