Raising up Wolfgang Kemp

I didn't know Wolfgang or his father when I read this article in the Northwest Herald in late September, but that didn't stop me from trying to do what i thought was right to try and help this kid.

Below is an excerpt from the Northwest Herald, who originally ran the article.

Every weekday morning in the summer of 2014, Wolfgang Kemp woke up and hit the road by 6:30.

With no available ride, Wolfgang walked to Woodstock North High School, 5 1/2 miles from where he lived, so he could attend voluntary football workouts and lift weights.

The workouts started at 9 and ended at noon, at which time Wolfgang showered and began his walk back.

Every day.

Wolfgang didn’t complain about the heat or the distance, because he needed football. It was what kept him moving, keeping things positive.

Wolfgang and his father, Wilbur Kemp, are homeless.

“Some days it would be hot, mentally challenging,” said Wolfgang, now a senior. “It was a struggle. Some days you felt like you’d want a break, but you have to keep on moving, keep pushing, move on to the next day and next practice.”

That, right there, epitomizes Wolfgang Kemp. Always moving, always forging ahead, always positive despite the struggles life presents. And for Wolfgang and his father, the challenges have been overwhelming the past five years.

They have been staying at McHenry County’s PADS (Public Action to Deliver Shelter) for a year and a half. Because their last residence was in the Woodstock North boundaries, Wolfgang attends North, although it is more than 5 miles from the facility on Kishwaukee Road, west of Emricson Park.

Eventually, Thunder football coach Jeff Schroeder discovered what Wolfgang was doing every day and bought him a bicycle to get back and forth to school. He marvels at Wolfgang’s determination and what he has overcome.

“We can’t make [summer] camp mandatory, but you can imagine when kids miss camp for minor reasons, we’re not as understanding as we would have been, knowing this kid is walking four hours a day [back and forth] just to go to camp,” Schroeder said. “We always talk about what people do on the field. This kid’s a Hall of Famer for what he does just to get to the field.”

The natural question that comes to mind is: Why don’t his teammates give Wolfgang a ride every day?

Sometimes they do. Sometimes Wolfgang kindly turns them down, not wanting to impose.

“He doesn’t want to ask for rides because he feels like he’s wasting our gas money,” Thunder senior lineman Jake Varys said. “We’d love to give him rides and stuff. I’ll be going out to lunch, and he’s walking back home. It’s crazy. I don’t know what it is. I’d love a ride every day.

To read the full story please see the link below.
http://m.nwherald.com/2015/09/10/homeless-woodstock-north-football-player-proving-inspiration-to-team-community/afiyzbk/

What this boy does day in and day out to get to school, to get to football practice and to keep going is awe inspiring. I had the chance to speak with his father and there are no words to describe the gratitude they feel that someone, whom they never met would do something like this for them. We're all human and I'm just trying to help someone and pay it forward.

Wolfgang and his father lost their home well over a two years ago and have been struggling to get back on their feet. They currently reside in transitional housing which is five miles from Woodstock north high school. 

The article brought tears to my eyes but also showed me what determination this young man has. My hope is this campaign will raise enough money to help Wolfgang and his father get back in their feet and find a place to call home.

Wolfgang is a senior this year and I truly hope this young man can go to college. I can't imagine what life is like in his shoes but his tenacity, determination and will to keep moving forward should be an inspiration to all.

I'm just a concerned citizen, raising a son of her own and looked at this story and thought, what if this were me and my kid?  I grew up in Woodstock, went to Woodstock High School when the prospect of another highschool was just a glimpse in all of our eyes.  I currently live in McHenry but still have my ties to Woodstock, including teachers at North who have taught Wolfie and have reached out to me.

I want a happy ending for Wolfgang and will do what I can to make that happen and with your help I think we can all do it!

I've had the pleasure of speaking to both of them over the last couple of weeks and hope to meet them soon.

Every dollar that is donated will go to both Wolfgang and his father. I know he has a lot of classmates who support him and understand his situation along with family and friends.

An account will be set up for Wolfgang with the help of a tax attorney to ensure the family doesn't have to pay taxes on the monies received.  Please note that GoFundMe will take 7,9% of each donation received so it's truly important to me that this campaign get as close to the goal I set, and if it surpasses it then even better!  It  just means more help for a deserving young man.

UPDATE: Some of you may be wondering who I am.  My name is Lonny Huffar, and i grew up in Woodstock, my parents still live there and I went to Woodstock High School, graduate of Class of 93.  I have a son of my own and currently reside in McHenry. 

I chose to do this because I saw someone who needed help and this campaign is proof that one person can help make a change in someone's life.  With the help of all you, you have made that dream a reality for Wolfgang and his dad.  So many extended family and friends have reached out to me about this and about the family it is amazing.  I did finally meet Wolfgang on October 21 and discussed how this campaign was going and what I needed him to do on his end to get funds into their hands in a responsible manner.

Here's your chance to help make a real difference in someone's life!