Minnesota Outdoor Adventure Foundation

06/12/2026

If you were at our banquet, you probably remember meeting Gabe Kessel, captain of the White Bear Lake wrestling team, who was diagnosed with Diffuse Midline Glioma and given 8–12 months to live.

We are saddened beyond words to share that on June 5th at 2:17 a.m., Gabe’s battle came to an end.

While losing Gabe so young is truly heartbreaking, we take comfort in knowing that during his final year he was able to experience two incredible adventures — a Colorado bull elk hunt and a Manitoba black bear hunt. Gabe even got to see his bear mount the day before he passed, and he smiled.

Rest in peace, Gabe. You inspired more people than you ever knew.

06/10/2026

Here is a great video of Nate Noonan's black bear hunt at DOA Outfitters in Manitoba. Congrats Nate!

06/02/2026

Big news for one brave young warrior!
Winnie Hathaway, who has been courageously battling T‑Cell Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia since 2024, is gearing up for an unforgettable Brainerd adventure.

Winnie will be staying at The Lodge at Brainerd Lakes, splashing her way through unlimited waterpark fun, and spending two days fishing with exceptional guide Nate Berg!

Let’s send Winnie all our encouragement as she heads out to enjoy some well‑earned joy on the water.

05/28/2026

If you’ve been to our fundraising dinner banquets, you probably remember Konner and Karver Repp. Between them, these incredible young men have endured eight open‑heart surgeries and one heart transplant. Last year, Konner spent six months at Mayo Clinic waiting for a new heart, followed by another three months of recovery after the transplant.

Today, we are thrilled to share some amazing news.
Konner and Karver will be heading out on a once‑in‑a‑lifetime Alaskan fishing adventure! Their trip includes salmon fishing on the world‑famous Kenai River, trolling for king salmon, a combo fishing adventure with Miller’s Landing in Seward, a breathtaking glacier helicopter tour, and a remote fly‑in float‑plane trip to fish alongside the bears.

This adventure is so well deserved, and we cannot wait to hear all about it.
Konner and Karver — take it all in, enjoy every moment, and don’t forget to take lots of photos.

05/26/2026

Gavin Gilbertson was diagnosed with Spinal Muscular Atrophy (SMA) Type 2 when he was just 13 months old. Now a wheelchair user, he continues to show incredible strength, positivity, and a love for the outdoors.

We're thrilled to announce that Gavin is gearing up for an unforgettable Bemidji fishing adventure at Ruttger’s Birchmont Lodge, complete with guided time on the water with Dan Reiners of Cedar Swamp Guide Service.

We can’t wait to see the memories he reels in on this trip. Congratulations Gavin!

05/25/2026

05/22/2026

We’re proud to share that Isaac Rodriguez, a U.S. Army veteran who served for 4 years, will be heading out on an all‑expense‑paid fishing adventure to Lake of the Woods later this year.

Isaac was deployed in 2013, where he was injured by an IED and later awarded the Purple Heart for his sacrifice and service.

Have an amazing time, Isaac — you’ve earned it.

05/19/2026

We are excited to share that 13 year old Falan Dobis is heading out on a salmon fishing adventure on Lake Michigan with RV Charters.
Falan was diagnosed with stage 4 Wilms tumor and bravely fought through multiple surgeries, 21 weeks of chemo and radiation, and the removal of a 3½‑pound tumor.

Falan’s strength is incredible, and we’re honored to send her on this well‑deserved adventure. Have a great time Falan!

05/15/2026

Some adventures just mean more than others. Joe Kessel, a 17‑year U.S. Army veteran from White Bear Lake, carries injuries from burn pit exposure during his service in Iraq. Joe is the father of recipient Gabe Kessel, who bagged his Manitoba black bear the day before.

This Manitoba black bear hunt gave Joe and Gabe something priceless — time together in the wilderness, sharing an experience neither will ever forget.

Our thanks to Darryl and Dylan at DOA Outfitter for helping make this happen.

Congratulations Joe & Gabe! We couldn't be happier for you!

05/14/2026

The last week has brought an unforgettable moment for Gabe Kessel of White Bear Lake, MN. On his guided black bear hunt in Manitoba, Gabe harvested a Canadian black bear — a milestone earned through patience, determination, and heart.

Because of his illness, Gabe had to learn to shoot left‑handed just to make this hunt possible. Watching him overcome that challenge and succeed in the field is something none of us will forget.

A big thank you to Darryl & Dylan Kantimer of DOA Outfitters for helping to make this possible.

Incredible grit. Incredible moment. Congratulations, Gabe!!