WAFER, Inc. Annual Report

WAFER, Inc.
Annual Report
January 1-December 31, 2014
Dear Friends,
Each day hundreds of families and individuals come to WAFER seeking food assistance. Those
who work with hungry people know that “food insecurity” (defined by the World Health Organization
as limited or no access to sufficient, safe, nutritious food to maintain a healthy and active life ) varies in severity
due to individual circumstances including employment status, disability, and where they live. I
feel strongly that food insecurity affects many other areas of life and limits personal growth for
the people we serve.
This is a typical sight. A line forms
at our front door, usually at the
beginning of each month when
Food Share dollars are not
available for some people.
Many assume that the people who use WAFER services have little desire to change their life
circumstances by an unwillingness to find work, make changes to spending habits, and overall
make better decisions. Assumptions are just that, assumptions. Until one really has the
opportunity to work with the people who come to WAFER, talk with them, and hear their story,
assumptions remain. Take the following stories into consideration. My hope is that these
stories will give you an even better understanding of the challenges of those we serve and that
sometimes WAFER is more than just a food pantry.
1) One day in mid-November a volunteer, who is here regularly, came to me to share the
story of a client she had helped that day. The middle aged woman had one other
person in her household beside herself. Based on her household size she was eligible to
receive our smallest food package, intended to last 3-5 days per person:
 3 cans of vegetables
 1 fruit
 1 juice
 1 side dish (such as meal helpers, rice, rice packets, instant or canned potatoes,
canned stew/pasta)
 1 box of mac-n-cheese
 1 tomato product
 1 pasta
2









1 can/dried beans
1 canned meat
1 box of cereal
3 cans of soup
1 cracker
1 jar peanut butter
2 pounds of meat
1 hygiene item
2 extra items (things that do not really belong into another category such as
condiments, baking supplies or mixes, granola bars, nuts, beverages)
As the volunteer finished helping the woman box up her food package she commented,
“I have never had this much food in my house at one time.” This woman has probably
lived in poverty for her entire life. Food has always been scarce. So this is the first time
in her life that this is the most food she has had in her house at one time.
This experience was eye opening for the volunteer. Many of us are fortunate to have
the food we want when we want it. For many of the people who come to the food
pantry this just isn’t the case. It is interactions such as this one that provide an eye
opening experience, a learning opportunity to see the impact of what a shelf full of food
really means to the people who need our services.
2) Two men came in and I learned that they live in the woods, one at a campground and
the other actually in the woods. They rely on a fire to cook meals or stay warm. Like
many homeless people who are served, these men were provided MRE’s (meal ready to
eat). With little or no cooking facilities/tools/equipment MRE’s provide a warm,
complete meal.
I learned that one of these men lives near a beaver shelter in the woods and in his daily
life he uses the wood from that shelter to build his fire. This got me thinking about his
level of desperation and that his ability to cook and eat food depends on a nearby
beaver shelter.
3) I want to share another story that demonstrates that WAFER is more than just a place
for people to get food. One day in early December the staff noticed a man in a
wheelchair roaming around the area including the street. The following day we arrived
in the morning to find him in our parking lot. We learned he was homeless and invited
him in. We gave him something eat and offered to let him stay while we were open.
While he was here he offered to volunteer. For several days he performed a variety of
tasks. From my observation, despite his living situation he gave back and taught us all a
lesson. Some people have very little in life, but still have the ability to contribute and
help others.
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As employees of WAFER, staff is mindful of the mission. However, there are situations that
cause us to use our compassionate side and help others. These stories allow us to show you
just a little glimpse of the impact WAFER has for so many in our community and that we are
more than just a food pantry. Please carry these stories forward with you and share them with
others. People who are food insecure do not choose their circumstances. They too have a level
of dignity. We do our best to respect that dignity.
WAFER serves any La Crosse County (or La Crescent) resident in need, regardless of reason,
although nearly all clients meet the criteria (at 185% or below of poverty level income) needed
to receive Federal government commodity food through The Emergency Food Assistance
Program (TEFAP). Residents outside La Crosse County are served once and then referred to an
appropriate agency. In 2014, WAFER distributed 19,548 food packages to 4020 unique
households. (Statistical information is available on pages 17-19)
As I reflect back on the last year two major events stand out to me.
1) On June 28th, strong storms produced heavy rainfall in our area. Our building is located
in the floodplain and is prone to flooding. The heavy rain that evening proved to be too
much for our building to handle.
The following day we discovered our worst nightmare - a building that had been flooded
with many inches of water and no power for about 12 hours. We immediately put out a
call for volunteers and within several hours we were able to empty out the building so
clean up could begin immediately. With the damage we saw, it was uncertain if we
would even be able to open the following day. The cleanup continued through the
night. Thanks to the hard work of many we were able to open the following morning
and at least provide services in a limited capacity.
It took many months to complete restoration and involved extra work for staff and
board members, plus a hefty price tag of $12,000. The response from those in our
community was overwhelming with phone calls, notes, offers of help, and donations.
Despite the inconveniences to our staff, volunteers, and the people we serve, the
outpouring of support was overwhelming. Thank you.
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Pictured (L to R) are: 1. WisCorp volunteers removing all carpeting. 2. My office, which
sustained the most damage due to 6 inches or more of standing water. The walls were
destroyed and the sheetrock was removed ~3 feet off the floor.
2) Change and growth brought an excited buzz to WAFER during the month of May. After
6 years of planning and discussions, a board vision was realized. The Nutrition
Education and Tools Project was announced and launched. This project provides
education on meal preparation and nutrition to people who are food insecure. They are
taught food preparation techniques given the limited kitchen facilities and tools that are
available to participants.
Thanks to some individual donors and a Venture Grant provided by the United Way,
partners met to begin the planning process and the first program was held mid-August.
Through the beginning of December six education sessions were held and focused on:
 gardening for adults and children
 crockpot cooking
 skillet cooking
 diversifying the diet with foods available at WAFER
 increasing fruits and vegetables into the diet
Each participant received nutrition education, recipes and the ingredients to make a
meal at home, kitchen “tools” (such as cutting board and knife, crockpot, skillet), and
cooking basics (such as olive oil, spices, seasonings). The programs were enormously
successful and beyond capacity. Each received outstanding praise from those who
attended. Participants commented that what they learned was so useful and that they
too now enjoy the ability to prepare and eat more nutritious foods which are available
at WAFER.
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Future programs will be based on participant feedback, expressed needs, and available
resources. Programs will be expanded to additional sites and communities based on
partnerships, resources, and participation in those areas.
The following pictures are from a few different sessions that were held (L to R): Viterbo
Dietetic Students presentation on easy and nutritious meals using food pantry foods and
a crock pot cooking class plus a seasoning/spice demonstration.
Viterbo Dietetic Students with a lobby display about the class. The students also gave a
mini presentation to those waiting to get their food and answered any questions.
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More highlights from 2014
Pallet racking was added to the upper warehouse. The picture on the left shows how we used
to store product. This was very inefficient and required staff to move 15 or more pallets to
access product stored in the back. In June, the racking was assembled to allow for vertical
storage providing quicker access and less labor.
Through the spring semester a group of Western students created a general informational
video. This video gives prospective clients an idea of what to expect on their first visit so they
can register for WAFER services and available resources. You can watch this short video on our
website at waferlacrosse.org. A version of this video was also produced in Hmong to reach that
population in the community.
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The donation of an open air cooler dramatically improved the atmosphere in the food pantry
area. Thanks to The Wine Guyz for the donation of the cooler and to Schomberg Refrigeration
for servicing the unit. The food pantry has more of a “grocery store” style concept now. That is
important in helping to bolster self-esteem for people.
Pictured here is the cooler filled with a great assortment of produce and the new layout of the
food pantry.
As I write this we are in the midst of bitterly and dangerously cold temperatures. The lobby has
been full of people waiting to check in to get their food since we opened. It occurs to me that
many of these people have taken the bus here in the cold and they will have to manage many
bags of groceries on the bus until they arrive home. However, there was one man who walked
across town with no gloves. Fortunately, we were able to find a pair of gloves for him to make
his walk home a little better.
Certainly WAFER’s greatest strength is procuring and distributing food. For the staff, board
members, and volunteers, WAFER is so much more than a food pantry as demonstrated by the
various ways we all act with compassion. Would you agree?
Thank you for being a huge part of service to our local community by supporting the WAFER
mission and having a compassionate heart for those who struggle to put food on the table. On
behalf of the WAFER Board of Directors and the staff, thank you for helping make sure our
pantry remains stocked and able to feed over 4,000 La Crosse County households.
In Service,
Erin Waldhart
Executive Director
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Mission Statement
Responding to God’s love, WAFER provides food and works to
eliminate hunger.
2014 Board of Directors
Taylor Haley
Mike Voss
Don Smith
Lee Bluske
President
Vice-president
Secretary
Treasurer
Brad Clarkin
Brad Dinsmoor
Sally Friend
Dennis Herricks
Jerry Saterbak
Judy Siefert
Dorothy Stroschein
Dedicated to fighting hunger
in La Crosse County
since 1986
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VISION Statement
WAFER is committed to addressing hunger related needs in La Crosse County, while treating
each person with personalized service and dignity. We will procure food, develop resources,
and collaborate with other programs, organizations, and businesses to alleviate hunger and
food insecurity in our area. We will strive for effective stewardship of resources in order to
provide successful food assistance programs.
Over the course of the next five years, WAFER will be working to reach those in our population
most at risk, children and seniors. Our strategic directives include:
Expanding and developing food procurement and food distribution
Educating clients on nutrition and food preparation
Who does wafer help?
In 2014, 49,461 people were fed through WAFER programming and 1 in 3 were under the age
of 18. Each food package contains 3 meals a day for 4-5 days for each person in the family.
Over the course of the year nearly 600,000 meals were provided.
Nearly 750 new families used WAFER services in 2014. Similar to 2013 we experienced an
increase in the number of families who had not requested food assistance in many years. Most
indicated increased hardships after significant cuts to their Food Share benefits. Many have
been reduced to less than $15 each month.
The face of hunger for the people served at WAFER is similar to the face you see passing by you
on the sidewalk. WAFER families/individuals come from every walk of life: single parent
household, two parents working yet still unable to get by, chronically disabled, newly
diagnosed, jobless, homeless, veterans, seniors, and others.
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WAFER operates a variety of programs and services:
Food Package Distribution
The main program is food package distribution. Clients receive 4-5 day’s worth of food a
minimum of one time per month; quantities vary with food package size. The food package
consists of non-perishables (canned fruit and vegetables, pasta, beans, tuna, cereal, peanut
butter, crackers, soup, tomato products, mac-n-cheese, and side dishes as available), bakery
items, dairy products (milk, yogurt, cottage cheese, eggs), frozen meat, a large assortment
of produce (such as lettuce, onions, potatoes, oranges, apples, bananas, peppers, melon,
squash), and hygiene items.
Senior Share
The Senior Share program provides WAFER’s normal food package to low income senior
citizens. Food is pre-packed according to preferences, as much as possible, and delivered to
thirteen La Crosse County senior meal sites and apartment complexes. In December 2014,
232 senior citizens participated in the delivery program. The number of participants is
expected to increase over the coming years.
Feeding Today’s Youth
WAFER oversees two initiatives for the Feeding Today’s Youth programming. One, a grant
allowing the Boys and Girls Clubs of Greater La Crosse to provide a hearty afterschool snack
to children who might otherwise not receive an adequate evening meal. Two, in
coordination with the Bangor School District, we are able to provide easy to prepare or
already prepared foods for children to take home on the weekend. Understanding that
Bangor is a “food dessert” (meaning neighborhoods and rural towns without ready access
to fresh, healthy, and affordable food), this program is designed to assure children have
access to food outside of the school setting and return to school on Monday ready to learn.
In December, this program was helping 10 families total and a minimum of 4 families that
have 4 more children.
Food Fair
In partnership with Channel One Foodbank, a Feeding America Foodbank, we are able to
offer an additional food giveaway one time per month. The Food Fair is typically held the
4th Saturday of each month except around holidays or community events. Each account
member is issued a ticket for the Food Fair in order to receive the food package. Pallets of
food come from Channel One and are lined up in the street during good weather months or
in a warehouse behind the WAFER building during cold/rainy months. Participants bring
their own bags/boxes/wagons to collect their food package which typically weights ~50
pounds. The content of the food package varies from month to month based on availability
at Channel One but typically contains cereal, produce, bakery, meat, canned goods, and
crackers. In 2014, Channel One provided an extra 258,086 pounds of food through this
event.
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Mobile Drop
The Mobile Drop Program is the delivery of the traditional food package to the rural
communities of Mindoro and Bangor. To decrease or eliminate transportation barriers for
families and individuals living in rural areas, WAFER volunteers assemble food packages
based as much as possible on personal preferences. These food packages and a food fair
box are delivered one-time per month to pre-established locations in the respective
communities.
Hmong Food Package
The Hmong Food Package contains 5 basic staples found in the Hmong diet and is one of
WAFER’s longest operating programs. This food package has been offered for more than 10
years since many of the Hmong families do not use or eat a portion of the foods available in
the “traditional” food package. Many traditional American staples are not a part of the
Hmong diet. Therefore, Hmong families can receive bamboo shoots, fish sauce, two
varieties of rice noodles, and rice in their food package if they so choose.
Food Rescue
Food Rescue is a major component of WAFER’s overall functioning and the means by which
we are able to offer a large assortment of fresh food items as well as some dry products.
Each day of the week at least one driver is making stops throughout the community
rescuing food that is “unsalable” in the store because of a dented box, close sell-by date,
package mislabeling, and more. Produce in particular is typically quite bountiful, giving
client families a wonderful choice of healthy, nutrient-dense foods. In the past year we
have experienced an increase in the amount of dairy products available, starting with very
little for a few families we are now able to frequently offer unlimited quantities on certain
items (such as cottage and yogurt). This is such a huge blessing for families since these
types of items are such a costly part of the food budget. In 2014, rescued food accounted
for 945,722 pounds. Where $1 = 1 pound nearly $950,000 in product is rescued for the
expense in vehicle and staff costs of roughly $30,000.
2014 Regular Business Donors:
Aldi
Great Harvest Bread Company
Kwik Trip
Linda’s Bakery
Panera Bread
Sam’s Club
Starbucks
Target
Walmart La Crosse
Walmart Onalaska
Westby Creamery
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Financial information
WAFER receives financial support from personal and business donations, foundations, grants,
and the United Way.
Assets
Current Assets
Checking (Operating Expense Account)
$63,598.99
Bond Fund (Longer-term Investments)
$ 226,473.08
Money Market
$144,098.32
(Capital Improvements & Maintenance Accounts - Upcoming building/equipment purchases)
Money Market (Capital Campaign Account – Building Fund)
$ 25,202.78
Money Markets
(Operating Expense Account - Minimum 6 months operating expenses)
$124,559.06
Total Current Assets
$583,932.23
Other Assets
Property and Equipment
Total Assets
$268,927.71
$852,859.94
Liabilities and net assets
Current Liabilities
Total Liabilities
Total Assets
$2636.60
$2636.60
$852,859.94
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2014 donating organizations
A-1 Fire Protection
AAAPC Chapter Association
Ace Hardware
Advance Spinal Care
AFSCME Wisconsin State
Employees Union
Agropur Ingredients
Allergy Associates of
La Crosse
Altra Credit Union
Aquinas High School
Aquinas Middle School
Aramark
Area VII AGEHR DBA
Handbell Musicians of
America
Asbury United Methodist
Women
Askin Trucking
Authenticom
Bangor Fire Dept.
Bangor School District
Best Buy
Bethany Lutheran Homes
Big Lots
Blessed Sacrament
Catholic Church
Chamber of Commerce
Leadership Group
Evangelical Lutheran Church of
America Foundation
Chapter O
Evergreen Apts.
Check into Cash
Faith Technologies, Inc
Circle of International
Faith United Methodist Church
City of La Crosse
Festival Foods
Clouds of Love
Fidelity Charitable Gift Fund
CoBank
First Advantage
Coca Cola
Combine Federal Campaign
First Baptist Church
Come and Go Depot
First Evangelical Lutheran Church
Community Care and Share Pantry
Community Credit Union
Congregation Sons of
Abraham
First Presbyterian Church
Franciscan Sisters of Perpetual
Adoration
Franke Foundation
Coulee Region Kiwanis Club
Frito Lay
Coulee Rock Christian
Church
Gateway Area Boy Scouts
Craig's Meat
Credit Bureau Data
First Congregational Church
Gensler
Gerrard-Hoeschler
D J's Vogue Bar
GM Classic Car Club
God's Country Racing Association,
LTD.
Dairyland Power
Good Shepherd Lutheran Church
Darden Foundation, Inc
David and Sacia Morris
Family Fund
Goodwill Industries
Crescent Printing Co.
Gordy's Market
Great Rivers United Way
Borton Construction, Inc.
Bremer Foundation
Deboer Pest Control
Degree of Honor Service
Club, Helping Hearts Club
Brice Cohey Consulting, Inc.
Delta Sigma Phi
Gundersen Health System
Bronston Chiropractic Clinics
Carpenters and Joiners
Local 1143
DuraTech Industries
Gundersen Onalaska Campus
Earth Fair
Ellen and Henry Funk
Family Fund
Employees of McLoone
Metal Graphics Co.
Endodontic Specialists of
La Crosse
Habitat for Humanity
English Lutheran Church
Evangelical Lutheran
Church in America
Hedge Hog ATV
Cason Fund
Catholic Order of Foresters
CBS Graphics
Central High School
Century 21 Affliates
Century Foods
CenturyLink
Greek Gods
Green Bay Packers Foundation
Hale, Skemp, Hanson, Skemp & Sleik
Hardware Hank
Harmony Valley Farms
Hawkins Ash CPA's
Health Tradition Health Plan
Highlight, Inc.
Hillside Animal Hospital
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Hillview Health Care
LLC
SEH Inc.
Holy Trinity Catholic Church
Modern Crane Service, Inc.
Shepherd of the Hills Lutheran Church
Honda MotorWerks
Moonlight Dance Studio
Mount Calvary Grace
Lutheran Church and School
Short Elliott Hendrickson Inc.
HSR Associates Inc
I&S Group with 201 Main
St. Businesses
Neighborhood Smiles
JC Penney Company, Inc.
New Beginnings Hair Studio
John R. Vollmer Agency
Norskaedalen
North American Squirrel
Association
JSJ Foundation
Kaplan Customer Service Dept.
Kaplan Professionals
Kohl's Department Store
La Crosse Area Realtors
Association
La Crosse Area Synod-ELCA
La Crosse Chamber Chorale
La Crosse Community
Foundation Donors
La Crosse Concert Band, Inc.
La Crosse County Clerk of
Courts
La Crosse County Human
Services
La Crosse Duplicate Bridge Club
SJC Enterprises Inc
Sons of Norway
Southside Christian Church
SS Cycle
St Jude Hospice
St Paul's Evangelical Lutheran Church
North Presbyterian Church
St. James Catholic Church
Olivet Lutheran Church
St. John's United Church of Christ
Onalaska Church of Christ
Onalaska Emergency Food
Basket
St. Joseph Cathedral
Onalaska Middle School
Operating Engineers Local
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St. Mary's Church
St. Paul's Lutheran Church
State Bank
Stroschein Law Offices
Organic Valley
Our Redeemer Lutheran
Church
Summit Elementary School
Our Redeemer Women ELCA
Three Rivers Technologies
Our Savior’s Lutheran
Church
The Shopko Foundation
The Tomato Patch
Thrivent Financial For Lutherans
Our Savior’s WELCA
Trane Company
Our Savior's Youth Group
Trane Family Foundation
Parenting Place
Travel Leaders
PEO Sisterhood Chapter CR
Trinity Lutheran Church
People’s Food Co-op
Trinity United Church of Christ
Pogy's Catering
Trust Point Inc.
La Crosse Post Office
U.S. Geological Survey
United Health Care
Lewis Valley
Potato King
Prince of Peace Lutheran
Church
Logan High School
QPS Employment Group
USGS Research Center Employees
Logistics Health Inc.
Radisson Hotel La Crosse
UW-La Crosse
Lorton Data
Real Deals or Home Décor
UW-La Crosse students
Macy's
Red Balloon Childcare
UW-La Crosse Volunteering Within
Marine Credit Union
River Trails Cycle
Valley View Mall
Mark Jewelers
Riverfront
Valley View Rotary
Massive Amounts of Good
Mayo Clinic Health System
Mayo Health Systems
Foundation
Metropolitan Salon &
Day Spa
Rivers Family Therapy
Rockland Sr. Share Center
Villa St. Joseph
Vinger Family Foundation
Roncalli Newman Parish
Viterbo University
Rotary Lights
Viterbo University Social Work Club
Rotary Works Foundation
Mindoro Elementary School
S&S Cycling
VPP Group LLC
Walmart Foundation
Mindoro Post Office
SAP - Americas, La Crosse
Warehouse Alliance, Inc.
Mississippi Valley Aviation
Schwertel Family Farms
Washburn Community Gardens
La Crosse Glass Co.
La Crosse Interstate Fair
Grounds
La Crosse Public Library
La Crosse Riverfest
Commodores
La Crosse School District
La Crosse Tribune
Lawyers At Work
United Way of Brown County
US Bank National Association
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WE Energies Foundation
Weight Watchers
Wells Fargo
Werner Electric Ventures
Wesley United Methodist
Church
West Salem FFA
West Salem Middle School
Western Technical College
Wettstein's
Wheeler, Van Sickle, &
Anderson, S.C.
Wisconsin Energy
Conservation Corporation
Wichelt Imports, Inc.
Wise Managers
Wiebke Trading Company
Women of the Moose Chapter 1526
Wild Wings
Women's Fund of Greater La Crosse
Willow Creek Ranch
Wisconsin Department of
Transportation
Workforce Development
Wise Guyz Car Club
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Food package distribution
1986-2014
25000
20000
15000
10000
5000
0
1986 1994 2000 2008 2009 2010 20112012 2013 2014
Distribution by age 2014
Adults
Adults
Senior Citizens (60+)
Children
17
Total Pounds Distributed
2001-2014
1800000
1600000
1400000
1200000
1000000
800000
600000
400000
200000
0
2001 2002 2003 2004 2005 2006 2007 2008 2009 2010 2011 2012 2013 2014
2014 Food sources and Poundage
Walmart
Channel One Food Bank - Food
Fair
Community Donations
Purchased
TEFAP
Sam's Club
Bakery
Westby Creamery
Target
Kwik Trip
Hunger Task Force
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Number of visits by county 2013
Wisconsin
La Crosse
Trempealeau/Jackson
Monroe
Richland
Black River Falls
18756
38
43
1
1
Minnesota
Houston
138
Number of visits by county 2014
Wisconsin
La Crosse
Vernon
Trempealeau/Jackson
Monroe
Richland/Crawford/Buffalo
19145
95
71
28
5
Minnesota
Houston
212
Visits by Community in La Crosse County
City of La Crosse
Onalaska
Holmen
West Salem
Bangor
Mindoro
Rockland
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THANK YOU FOR HELPING TO
FILL THE SHELVES!
If you should have questions regarding the contents of WAFER’s annual report, please
contact a board member or the Executive Director.
Address: 403 Causeway Blvd, La Crosse, WI 54603
Phone: 608-782-6003
Email: waferdirector@waferlacrosse.org
Website: waferlacrosse.org
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