For the past 11 years, Julie and Elmer Braegelmann have opened their Minnesota farm to the community for a special fall tradition: a pumpkin patch fundraiser brimming with fun, family-friendly activities. Guests can pick pumpkins, enjoy horse rides and hayrides, take part in crafts and games, and delight in face painting—all while supporting a meaningful cause. Initially started to benefit the MS Society, the event has since shifted its support to ACP. With their heartfelt dedication, the Braegelmanns have turned pumpkins and play into a powerful force for hope and change.
Julie and Elmer live on a picturesque 100-acre farm near Richmond, MN, where they raise grass-fed beef, cattle, chickens and goats. They also share their farm with two friendly horses, which they love to ride, along with nine dogs and four cats. Together, they have a blended family of six children – five daughters and one son – and are proud grandparents to 11 grandchildren, with one more on the way.
Julie, a retired Special Education teacher, is passionate about helping people live fulfilling and independent lives. Elmer, an avid sportsman, is preparing to retire from Liberty Paper, a recycled containerboard mill. Together, they run Companion Retrievers, a small family business specializing in breeding English Labradors as exceptional family pets, hunting dogs, as well as, therapy dogs.
“My eldest sister had cerebral palsy, so I grew up with an understanding of special needs. Now, my grandson also has cerebral palsy. I spent years working in early childhood as an autism specialist, a role I truly enjoyed. That experience inspired me to start breeding English Labs, believing they could be a valuable resource for families. Unlike traditional dog training organizations that have long two-year wait times, I wanted to give families – especially those with children who have autism or other disabilities – access to well-bred dogs they could train themselves to meet their specific needs more quickly.” – Julie Braegelmann
Julie’s son was diagnosed with MS in November 2018. She shares, “He’s going to be 40 soon and has been able to keep his symptoms down to a minimum. He doesn’t have any new lesions and if he has a flare up it isn’t even enough to talk about. He’s stable and I thank God for that. I wish it was gone, I wish it wasn’t hanging over our heads and wondering what happens later, but for now he’s doing really, really well.”
For the past 11 years, Julie and Elmer’s farm has been home to an annual pumpkin patch fundraiser held each mid-October to support causes close to their hearts. In Julie’s words, “When we started, I said, ‘we’ve got all of this land, outbuildings, tractors and horses. Let’s do something for the community, or at least our friends and family to start, and then the community so they can enjoy what we get to enjoy.’ We started that way and then moved to the fundraiser part. We donated to the MS Society for the first few years. From 2022 on, we’ve done a fundraiser for ACP.”
“Thanks for all you guys do. A cure wouldn’t even be possible if organizations like ACP didn’t step up and go for it.” – Julie Braegelmann
The Braegelmann’s fundraiser attracts between 60 and 200 guests each year. This year, 70 people attended the event on October 19, 2024. According to Julie, “We spread the word through Facebook, our church, and the local preschool that my grandson attended. I also send texts to all of my friends and puppy buyers. Some of them come, and it’s a wonderful chance to catch up and see how they’re doing.”
The event offers activities and entertainment for all ages. One of the highlights is the Braegelmann’s expansive pumpkin patch, where everyone gets to pick and take home a pumpkin. Guests enjoy face painting, horse rides, a hayride, and games like miniature golf and a bean bag toss to knock down cans. Elmer even built a train with three cars from a riding lawnmower, delighting the kids.
A craft table offers creative projects, including making pictures or beading necklaces and bracelets. Attendees are treated to delicious food, such as sloppy Joes, chips, coffee, cider, bowls of candy, and fresh popcorn from a popcorn machine. The event creates a welcoming atmosphere where people gather to have fun and support a good cause, with a goodwill bucket available for donations.
“We’ve added something new each year. Last year the train was new. This year I had 6 baby goats for everyone to enjoy. I’ve got an idea for next year for a new basketball game… I also try to find prizes that spread the gospel, like pencils that say “Jesus loves you.” Some year I’m going to attach bible verses to the pumpkins so our guests can just read them and enjoy.” – Julie Braegelmann
The Braegelmann’s have raised over $3,800 for ACP over the past three years. Their connection to ACP began with Julie’s son, who introduced them to the organization. In her words, “Each year, I ask him where he thinks I should donate. He told me about ACP, explaining it was new. I love the idea that we can not only accommodate the needs of folks with MS, but that we can actually continue to search diligently for a cure. That’s why we’re committed to fundraising for ACP. If I could give even more, I would – and someday, I will.”
The Braegelmanns’ pumpkin patch party is far more than a fun fall tradition – it’s a heartfelt mission to make a difference. Over the years, Julie and Elmer have transformed their beautiful Minnesota farm into a gathering place where joy and generosity come together for a higher purpose. Inspired by their family’s connection to MS, they are deeply committed to supporting research and working toward a cure that benefits everyone affected by the disease. Julie and Elmer have proven that even small-town events can have a big impact. With every pumpkin picked, every laugh shared, and every dollar raised, they are helping to create a future where MS no longer defines lives. Their passion, dedication, and generosity remind us all of the power of community to inspire hope and drive change.
We at ACP are deeply grateful for the Braegelmanns’ generosity. Events like these are essential to advancing our mission – improving diagnosis, optimizing treatment, and ultimately finding a cure for MS. If you have a favorite activity or a special talent you’d love to share, why not turn it into a fundraiser? It’s a fun and meaningful way to bring people together while supporting ACP’s work. To learn more about hosting your own event, visit our website or contact Lindsey Santiago at lsantiago@acceleratedcure.org.
