Family business gives free Christmas meal

MENOMONIE, Wis. (WEAU) – The Whispering Emerald Ridge Game Farm in Menomonie is giving back to their community this Christmas by continuing their tradition in giving a free meal to all.

For more than 15 years, community members have been given a free meal on Christmas and it’s all made possible by members of the farm.

Margo Neverdahl is the owners’ daughter in law.

“And we get a few new people every year, but a lot of times it’s the same people coming back that look forward to it year after year.” she said.

Margo and her husband Bruce put together the free meal on Christmas and have had quite the turnout in recent years.

Bruce Neverdahl is the owners’ son and the club house manager for the farm.

“I want to say 50 to 65, this year we’re at about 40 to 50 right now but we go util five o clock.” he said.

With an entire Christmas feast, and some sweets.

“Beef tips, mashed potatoes, corn stuffing. A plethora of desserts, pies and cookies of course.” he said.

Aside from the free meal, community members were also offered free winter gear like homemade hats and scarves.

Even though this has been going on for well over a decade, it had to start somewhere.

“Years and years ago, and you know we’ve been pretty blessed as a family to be able to do stuff on Christmas. We like to put this on so people that don’t have a place to go, you have a place to come and eat.” he said.

Making sure that no one is left out, they give a ride to those who can’t make it on their own and lend a helping hand up the mountain.

“Every year Cody Limousines donates one of their shuttles, out of Eau Claire I go pick it up on Christmas morning. So for people who don’t have a ride or can’t figure out how to get out here, we definitely can.” he said.

Margo added, “so anybody can come out, it doesn’t matter your age, ability limitations, just come on out. Enjoy Christmas. Christmas is for all ages and so are we.”

“As a family, that we feel like everyone should have a place and feel like they belong.” she said.

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