Plans Announced For New Sport Court In Waite Park -Help Requested

MEET CHARLIE BOIKE

Charlie Boike, son of Jeff and Erika (Vossen) Boike, grew up in St. Augusta and he became active in hockey at a young age. He was currently a junior at St. Cloud Tech High School, where he played hockey for the “Crush” hockey team, and volunteered for the St. Cloud Norseman Hockey team in many capacities. Charlie was also the founder of “Farmer Charlie’s Produce.” He was a member of the Bethlehem Lutheran Church in St. Cloud, and a member of the National Honor Society.

Charlie died in a single-vehicle accident on a Saturday.

Since that time, Charlie's family has carried on his legacy of kindness by working through their loss, by getting involved in their community. They tell me that being involved with the community has helped the family on a healing journey in some capacity.

CHARLIE'S DREAMS BECOME REALITY

The Charlie's Corner Sports Court is a seed that was planted by Charlie Boike himself. His Mom Erika said,  "Charlie was a frequent user of the Omni training facility, and he was passionate about finding an area there to build an area for shooting pucks.  Since Charlie’s passing almost two years ago, it has now become a mission for my family and me to make this passion come true.  We approached Leah and Colin, (the owners of Omni) about our ideas, and they were 100% on board."

HONORING CHARLIE

She went on to say, "This sports court will not only have a shooting area for hockey, but will also have wall ball for lacrosse players, and a pickleball court, that will also be open for adaptable pickleball.  This court will be open to the community. It’s our way of honoring Charlie and giving back to this community that helped us through our darkest hours when we lost Charlie."

Although the project will cost about $100,000 to complete, The Boikes have had an outwarming of support, and are well on their way of reaching that goal.

FUNDING- GIVE TO THE MAX DAY

"We are in need of raising about $60,000 to get this project off and running. Give to the Max Day is tomorrow, November 21st; and if you’re interested in donating to this project, funds can be donated through Central Minnesota Community Giving; a 501C. For business owners, it’s a benefit for tax purposes.  If you’re not able to give financially, we also have a large need for supplies and materials to help build the court to help keep the cost down," Erika said.

NEEDS

If you are a business or someone who can help with the needed supplies, the following is a list of things that will be needed.:

• Fencing
• Pouring concrete
• Building materials

Whether you can donate your time, donate funds, donate materials; Erika and Jeff wanted everyone to know that they appreciate everyone for however they want to participate. "The gift of time is just as important and we will be looking for volunteers when we kick off this project in the spring of 2025. We are hoping to have this wrapped up by what would've been Charlie's 20th birthday on October 9th, 2025," said Erika.

Again, if you'd like to help with this project you can click HERE to give through Central Minnesota Community Giving. Then simply search for the Charlie Boike Memorial.

Exciting! Music to the video is by The Imagine Dragons, who gave Jeff Boike permission to use the song for this great purpose! Thank you Imagine Dragons for recognizing Charlie and his family!