MONROE - Many University of Wisconsin staples will find this year's theme for the 55th annul Badger Days appropriate.
Badgers head football coach Brett Bielema isn't the only regular at the fundraising event that lost his way a bit two years ago on his way to the island that is Monroe.
This upcoming Monday and Tuesday, in raising tens of thousands of dollars for the UW athletic department, those that enjoy the two-day event put on the Swiss Colony will party likes pirates.
A Buccaneers' Bash at Pirate Island will be sandwiched by two rounds of golf at the majestic Monroe Country Club. After partiers get their fill of magic, food, some casual competion and the fresh sounds of the Roots Rock Society at the Kubly residence, the festivities are wrapped up at the Ludlow Mansion Tuesday evening.
Raymond Kubly Jr. came up with the pirate them and is merely keeping his father's creation alive.
"His dedication is honoring his father," Berrey said. "That's his drive and the reason he keeps on doing it."
And with the success of the Pirates of the Carribbean, the decision got everyone fired up. Even moreso than when star Johnny Depp filmed part of his upcoming thriller "Public Enemy" in Darlington.
"It was kind of a hot topic at the time and Johnny Depp has been in our area with the movie-making," Berrey said.
"We're hoping he'll show up, but I don't think so," she joked.
Golfers will take aim at the rolling holes of the country club both days after a 6 a.m. continental breakfast. All day, the Kubly family will host non-golfers and the itinerary has something for everyone. With a swimming pool, card games abounding and even John Powless conducting a tennis exhibition in the evening, there won't be a shortage of entertainment. Door prizes will be announced at 8:45 p.m. and the band hits the state at 6:30.
"We can grow in the Monday night party, because we have space," "And that's the party, really. On Tuesday, you're a Badger fan and excited about listenting to the coaches."
Burgers and brats will be served at 10 p.m., but anyone that pays for golf or a party will be treated to food and drink all day long.
"We do it all ourselves and there's a lot of employees that love doing it," Berrey said. "There's a lot of TLC in it."
If flooding or storms should chase the event into Ludlow Mansion on Monday, it would only be the second time in the event's history. And lightning wouldn't strike in the same place in back-to-back years after last year had to be moved indoors.
Last year, the gala raised $82,155.10. That hefty sum helps UW's outstanding coaches do what they do best - recruit and develop the youngest, brightest talent in athletics, as well as in the classroom.
Nationally-celebrated men's basketball coach Bo Ryan will show off his Philly roots as he talks up a storm and busts plenty of bellies in the process. Endearing public speakers like Bielema and men's hockey coach Mike Eaves will not only tell you about the upcoming phenoms, they'll mingle beforehand, shake hands, chat and show you why those rising stars want to be Badgers.
"We've been really lucky over the years to get all the main coaches there," Berrey said. "They put us on their calendar every year and we're very appreciative."
The meet and greet begins at 5 p.m. with dinner being served at 7. But before MC and voice of the Badgers Matt Lepay and the coaches take the podium, John Baumann will announce the winners from the golf outing. An extravagant list is headlined by a $5,500 cruise package. Another cruise, along with a 52-inch LCD television, a state-of-the-art set of golf clubs and many other prizes will have hackers and raffle-ticket buyers on the edge of their seats.
Registration is still available online (www.monroebadgerdays.org) with all pricing information and a full party itinerary. Or call Berrey at 328-8629 for more information.
Badgers head football coach Brett Bielema isn't the only regular at the fundraising event that lost his way a bit two years ago on his way to the island that is Monroe.
This upcoming Monday and Tuesday, in raising tens of thousands of dollars for the UW athletic department, those that enjoy the two-day event put on the Swiss Colony will party likes pirates.
A Buccaneers' Bash at Pirate Island will be sandwiched by two rounds of golf at the majestic Monroe Country Club. After partiers get their fill of magic, food, some casual competion and the fresh sounds of the Roots Rock Society at the Kubly residence, the festivities are wrapped up at the Ludlow Mansion Tuesday evening.
Raymond Kubly Jr. came up with the pirate them and is merely keeping his father's creation alive.
"His dedication is honoring his father," Berrey said. "That's his drive and the reason he keeps on doing it."
And with the success of the Pirates of the Carribbean, the decision got everyone fired up. Even moreso than when star Johnny Depp filmed part of his upcoming thriller "Public Enemy" in Darlington.
"It was kind of a hot topic at the time and Johnny Depp has been in our area with the movie-making," Berrey said.
"We're hoping he'll show up, but I don't think so," she joked.
Golfers will take aim at the rolling holes of the country club both days after a 6 a.m. continental breakfast. All day, the Kubly family will host non-golfers and the itinerary has something for everyone. With a swimming pool, card games abounding and even John Powless conducting a tennis exhibition in the evening, there won't be a shortage of entertainment. Door prizes will be announced at 8:45 p.m. and the band hits the state at 6:30.
"We can grow in the Monday night party, because we have space," "And that's the party, really. On Tuesday, you're a Badger fan and excited about listenting to the coaches."
Burgers and brats will be served at 10 p.m., but anyone that pays for golf or a party will be treated to food and drink all day long.
"We do it all ourselves and there's a lot of employees that love doing it," Berrey said. "There's a lot of TLC in it."
If flooding or storms should chase the event into Ludlow Mansion on Monday, it would only be the second time in the event's history. And lightning wouldn't strike in the same place in back-to-back years after last year had to be moved indoors.
Last year, the gala raised $82,155.10. That hefty sum helps UW's outstanding coaches do what they do best - recruit and develop the youngest, brightest talent in athletics, as well as in the classroom.
Nationally-celebrated men's basketball coach Bo Ryan will show off his Philly roots as he talks up a storm and busts plenty of bellies in the process. Endearing public speakers like Bielema and men's hockey coach Mike Eaves will not only tell you about the upcoming phenoms, they'll mingle beforehand, shake hands, chat and show you why those rising stars want to be Badgers.
"We've been really lucky over the years to get all the main coaches there," Berrey said. "They put us on their calendar every year and we're very appreciative."
The meet and greet begins at 5 p.m. with dinner being served at 7. But before MC and voice of the Badgers Matt Lepay and the coaches take the podium, John Baumann will announce the winners from the golf outing. An extravagant list is headlined by a $5,500 cruise package. Another cruise, along with a 52-inch LCD television, a state-of-the-art set of golf clubs and many other prizes will have hackers and raffle-ticket buyers on the edge of their seats.
Registration is still available online (www.monroebadgerdays.org) with all pricing information and a full party itinerary. Or call Berrey at 328-8629 for more information.
