AO1 Experience: North Dakota

“A new command I give you: Love one another.  As I have loved you, so you must love one another.  By this everyone will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another.”

– John 13:34-35

The Carson Wentz AO1 Foundation hosted its second annual AO1 Experience: North Dakota on June 28, 2018, at the Avalon Events Center. With over 275 people in attendance, the foundation raised in excess of $375,000 to benefit its three ministries: the Haiti Sports Complex, Thy Kingdom Crumb and the Outdoor Ministry.

Upon arrival, guests were given a photo opportunity with Carson followed by a four-course meal, featuring an elk tenderloin paired with wine selected by the Republic National Distributing Company.  The short program, hosted by Jeff Culhane, included a video presentation and an interview with Carson to give ticket holders an update on the work being done through the foundation.

“It’s just ultimately to improve the quality of life, to physically bless people but ultimately, to eternally bless people.  You know I think a lot of that gets lost, and to me you can just keep putting Band-Aids on the wound with providing meals, providing physical needs, and that’s great, there’s a lot of people doing amazing things with that. What we firmly stand on, what we believe at the foundation, is that we want to give them more than that.  We want to give something of eternal value, something that is going to last far beyond our life here on Earth,” said Carson.

More than 25 silent auction items and 7 live auction items were sold, featuring autographed memorabilia and experience packages.  Exclusive AO1 merchandise was also sold at the event.  The evening concluded with a number of guests giving at-will donations that were matched up to $50,000 by Scheels, as was announced by Chairman of the Board, Steve D. Scheel.

“The support I’ve felt in Fargo the last two years we’ve done this has been incredible.  I don’t get home very often, but this event is special.  To be able to reconnect with old teammates, coaches and friends from this community, on top of the support we’ve received, makes this event one I look forward to every year,” said Wentz.