Craig Woolheater

For those who may not know me, I’m Craig Woolheater, a longtime Mazda Miata enthusiast and the proud owner of multiple Miatas. Over the years, these little roadsters have brought me countless friendships, unforgettable road trips, and memories that simply can’t be measured in miles. What makes the Miata community so special isn’t just the cars—it’s the people. Every once in a while, a story comes along that reminds us why this community is unlike any other. When I read Michael Kosak’s story about taking his late father’s beloved 10th Anniversary Miata to Miatas at the Gap with his son Aiden—and carrying his father’s ashes on the drive his dad had always dreamed of making—I was deeply moved. It isn’t just a story about a car. It’s a story about family, love, tradition, and honoring a father’s memory in the most meaningful way possible. After learning that Michael hopes to keep his father’s cherished Miata in the family, I wanted to do what I could to help. I’m sharing his GoFundMe campaign not because anyone should feel obligated to contribute, but because I know this community has a remarkable way of coming together when one of our own needs a hand. If Michael’s story touches your heart as it did mine, I hope you’ll consider supporting his family’s effort—or simply sharing his story with others. Sometimes the greatest gift we can give is helping preserve not just a car, but the memories and legacy that travel with it. Michael’s Story Some cars are more than just machines. They become part of a family’s story. My father was a lifelong Miata enthusiast, and his pride and joy was his beautiful 10th Anniversary Mazda MX-5 Miata. He dreamed of making the pilgrimage to Miatas at the Gap (MATG) and driving the Tail of the Dragon surrounded by hundreds of fellow Miata owners. It was a trip he talked about often. Sadly, he passed away before he ever had the chance to make that dream a reality. This year, my son Aiden and I will make that journey in his honor. We will be setting out in the Miata tomorrow, August 3rd from West Fargo, ND. We’ll be driving Dad’s Miata through the Tail of the Dragon with his ashes riding along beside us, completing the drive he always wanted to experience. It will be our first trip to MATG—and, fittingly, our last. This isn’t just a road trip; it’s a memorial, a celebration of his life, and a chance for three generations to share one final drive together. When we return home, we face a heartbreaking reality. Dad had instructed that his Miata be sold. But as we’ve prepared for this journey, we’ve realized that this car has become much more than a vehicle. It carries memories of my father—his passion, his joy, and the countless dreams he had behind the wheel. Every drive reminds us of him, and every mile feels like a connection that we aren’t ready to lose. Several friends have asked how they can help us keep the Miata in the family. Their kindness is what inspired this campaign. I want everyone to know that there is absolutely no expectation or obligation to give. I’m more than willing to accept help when it’s offered, but I never want anyone to contribute unless it’s something they genuinely want to do. Your friendship, encouragement, and support already mean more to my family than you know. If enough people choose to help, our hope is to raise the funds needed to purchase Dad’s Miata from his estate so it can remain in our family. Instead of saying goodbye to the car he loved, we’d be able to preserve a piece of his legacy and someday let Aiden continue making memories in the very same Miata his grandfather cherished. This isn’t just about saving a car. It’s about preserving family history. It’s about honoring a father and grandfather whose love for the Miata community continues to inspire us. Whether you choose to donate or simply share our story, thank you for being part of this journey. Every kind word, every prayer, every share, and every contribution helps us celebrate my dad’s life and the memories he left behind. Thank you for helping us give Dad one final unforgettable drive—and, if we’re fortunate enough, helping us keep his beloved Miata in the family for generations to come. in loving memory of Bruce Kosak With heartfelt gratitude, Michael & Aiden

Establishing the Texas Bigfoot Museum in Jefferson – Bigfoot Capital of Texas Our Story For decades, people from around the world have traveled to East Texas searching for one of North America’s greatest mysteries—the legendary Bigfoot. Every year hundreds of visitors attend the Texas Bigfoot Conference in Jefferson, Texas. Families visit our Bigfoot statue, explore Caddo Lake, hike our forests, and learn about the folklore that has become part of East Texas history. Now it’s time to create something permanent. We’re launching a campaign to establish the Texas Bigfoot Museum, a nonprofit educational museum dedicated to preserving the history, evidence, folklore, and cultural impact of Bigfoot throughout Texas and beyond. This museum won’t just be about a creature. It will celebrate: * Texas history * Native American traditions * Pioneer folklore * Wildlife education * Scientific inquiry * Outdoor exploration * Critical thinking * Family tourism Together we can create a destination that attracts visitors 365 days a year while strengthening Jefferson’s economy. ⸻ Our Vision The Texas Bigfoot Museum will feature: • Historic Bigfoot reports from Texas • Sighting maps and interactive displays • Cast footprints and physical evidence • Audio recordings • Historical newspaper archives • Rare photographs • Texas Bigfoot Research Center archives • Cryptomundo exhibits • Children’s discovery room • Interactive touchscreens • Theater for documentaries and presentations • Rotating guest exhibits • Gift shop supporting museum operations • Research library • Event space • Outdoor Bigfoot sculpture garden • Educational programs for schools • Annual museum members’ events ⸻ Phase One Goals Funds raised will help us: ✔ Secure nonprofit 501(c)(3) status ✔ Lease or purchase a permanent building ✔ Renovate exhibit space ✔ Build museum-quality displays ✔ Acquire archival materials ✔ Preserve historical collections ✔ Install interactive exhibits ✔ Purchase display cases ✔ Obtain museum insurance ✔ Launch educational programming ✔ Create a volunteer docent program ⸻ Why Jefferson? Jefferson has embraced Bigfoot tourism unlike any other Texas community. • Home of the Texas Bigfoot Conference • Jefferson: Bigfoot Capital of Texas • Marion County: Bigfoot Refuge • Marion County’s Official Cryptid • Gateway to Caddo Lake • Thousands of annual visitors The museum will provide another reason for families to visit Jefferson year-round while supporting local businesses, restaurants, hotels, and attractions. ⸻ No sweepstakes, giveaways, or promotions are offered in exchange for any donations made to this GoFundMe campaign. ⸻ About the Organization The Texas Bigfoot Museum will be organized as a Texas nonprofit corporation and will seek recognition as a 501(c)(3) public charity. Tax-deductible receipts can generally only be issued after the organization receives IRS recognition (or as otherwise permitted under IRS rules), so donations made before that recognition may not be tax-deductible. Funds will be used to establish and operate the museum in accordance with the organization’s nonprofit mission. ⸻ Closing For generations, Bigfoot has inspired curiosity, wonder, and adventure. Now you have the opportunity to help preserve that history for future generations. Whether you believe Bigfoot exists or simply appreciate the mystery, your support will help create a world-class destination that celebrates exploration, education, and the enduring legends of Texas. Join us in building the Texas Bigfoot Museum—where legend meets history—in Jefferson, the Bigfoot Capital of Texas.