In memory of “Big Brave Benjamin Bruce”, a 5K ‘RunB4Wine’ event will be hosted by the Round Lake Vineyards & Winery on Sunday, October 8.
Organized by his aunt Lynne Sather, the event honors the memory of Benjamin Bruce Raudenbush, who passed away in March as a result of a rare virus that caused his liver to fail. “I believe the Lord has been pushing me to do this, and it has fallen together,” Lynne explained.
The son of Jesse and Brittany Raudenbush of Worthington, Benjamin Bruce fought his illness for his entire four month life in the University of Minnesota Masonic Children’s Hospital. “They take children that other hospitals may not,” Lynne explained. Whether it is an illness that has gone too far, one that requires expensive and unique treatments or an unusual situation of some sort, the University of Minnesota Masonic Children’s Hospital aids families in crisis.
During Benjamin’s short life, he became known to family members as ‘Big Brave Benjamin Bruce’, which is how the ‘B4’ portion of the event name was selected.
“Benjamin made a difference in our lives, he was very impactful,” Lynne said of the her nephew. He also made an impact at the hospital, and “his story and legacy needs to keep going, and bless others in a difficult situation,” she added.
With that thought in mind, the proceeds from the 5K RunB4Wine will be donated to a family or families in need. “The University will be very involved in selecting the recipient. They are very familiar with Benjamin’s story and will choose someone who will benefit.”
In visiting with her cousin-in-law, Lynne found the perfect location for the 5K, along the shores of Round Lake. The course takes runners by a lake and through the Round Lake Vineyards & Winery grounds over a variety of surfaces that include grass, gravel and pavement.
The October 8 RunB4Wine event will include an ecumenical sunrise worship service, the 5K, music and vendors following the run.
An ecumenical sunrise worship service will begin at 8:00 a.m. is open to all who would like to join. “The speaker is one who was instrumental to us during Benjamin’s illness and death,” Lynne added.
Participant check-in begins at 9:00 a.m., and runners may still register at that time. T-shirts were available for early registrants. The run is scheduled to start at 10:00 a.m. and conclude by noon. Live music at the winery featuring Matt Tennessen begins at 2:00 p.m. Round Lake Vineyards wine will be for sale at the event, along with a variety of merchandise from local area vendors.
First place overall awards at the untimed event will be given in the following categories: Child under age 12; Teen under age 21; Adult under age 55; and Senior over age 55.
The $30 entry fee includes a free glass of wine for participants over age 21, and proceeds will be contributed to a family with a chronically ill child being treated at the University of Minnesota Masonic Children’s Hospital.
A link to online registration and more information about the event can be found at the Round Lake Vineyards & Winery homepage: www.roundlakevineyards.com No packet pick-up is required.
The complete story of “Big Brave Benjamin Bruce” can be found online at https://www.caringbridge.org/visit/benjaminbruceraudenbush. The impact he had on family members and others can be seen on the site, which was visited over 16,000 times in four months.
Round Lake Vineyards & Winery began planting grapes in 2007 and today is a destination winery open seven days a week. The tasting room is open to the public and tours are offered daily. The winery offers event space for groups from 25 to 250. The winery is located just five minutes south of I-90. The winery is located at 30124 State Highway 264, Round Lake, MN 56167. www.RoundLakeVineyards.com
