Brookfield Resident Wins $500 to Benefit Ice Age Trail Alliance

Make no mistake — the hills of Wisconsin are a far cry from replicating the experience of a mountain hike in the Rockies or Appalachians, but Brookfield resident Debbie Kotlarek did not let them stop her from using this state's appeal to win as part of the Grape-Nuts "What's Your Mountain," campaign.

Kotlarek entered the contest that was part of a partnership with Patch and Grape-Nuts cereal, and won $500 — which she plans to donate to the Ice Age Trail Alliance. A hiking event starting at 6 p.m. Tuesday in the Evergreen Grove lot at Lapham Peak Unit will celebrate the win and the donation.

The hike is also organized as part the Wisconsin Go Hiking Club events, but open to anyone in the public. The Ice Age Trail passes through Lapham Peak, offering connection between the donation and the hike location.

"We will do a 6-mile hike," Kotlarek said. "I'll have samples of the cereal to pass out and we'll take a photo at the summit to send to Grape-Nuts in order to receive the $500 check. I thought it would be fun if everyone wore a 'grape' colored shirt on the hike — purple or green. I hope the weather cooperates that day and that we have a good turnout!"

Kotlarek said hiking has long been a part of her life, and she has been a member of the Wisconsin Go Hiking Club since 1998; the club is one of the oldest in the country, forming in 1924.

"My parents brought us up hiking, really it was the most affordable vacation, so I've been doing this a long time," she said, adding that she's been to many state parks across the country. 

The club membership runs the gamit from people in their 20s to a woman about to celebrate her 86th birthday, who tagged along for a 5-mile hike.

"While we do the climbing sort of hiking, many of our hikes are similar to neighborhood walks, and it's great exercise, but also a great way to socialize with people," Kotlarek said. "One couple in the club met on a hike and eventually got married, so fellowship is certainly part of the package."

Anyone is welcome to join the hike on Tuesday.

• Meet: Lapham Peak Kettle Moraine State Forest, Southern Unit (east side of Hwy C, one mile south of I-94, exit 285) in the Evergreen Grove Picnic Area. 
• Hike: the hilly blue trail. 
• Optional: Post-hike dinner in Delafield.

A Wisconsin State Park sticker is required to enter the park.

Denise Konkol contributed with additional reporting for this story.