WAUPACA COUNTY, WI (WTAQ-WLUK) – Bart Starr is being remembered for the more than 50 years he spent helping at-risk youth in Wisconsin at Rawhide.
The Packers great helped start Rawhide and was a frequent visitor.
“Without Bart and Cherry Starr, Rawhide would not be what it is today,” said Alan Loux, current president of Rawhide.
While Loux has only been at Rawhide for a year and a half, he tells FOX 11 he was able to spend time at the Starr’s home last year.
“It was just an awesome experience to see the man who is a legend in many ways but also just a real person like you and me.”
Bart and Cherry Starr are a prominent piece of Rawhide today. The facility is home to the Bart and Cherry Starr Museum.
The museum is filled with pictures and memorabilia from Starr’s career and from the couple’s continued involvement with Rawhide.
“When you go through and see their involvement, their memorabilia, and their history, you can just feel the passion of who Bart and Cherry are,” Loux said.
Loux says the Starr’s showed their dedication to Rawhide by being present.
“They didn’t just give their money or their name, they actually gave of themselves so they would spend time here at the ranch with the boys, with their families doing activities.”
WLUK-TV spoke with Bart Starr during a visit he made to the facility 1992.
“It’s a wonderful example of what can happen when people work together for the betterment of youngsters,” Starr said at the time.
While Bart Starr will no doubt be remembered for his Hall of Fame football career, Loux says Starr’s generosity and service to others will be his greatest legacy. One which will live on at Rawhide and with those it serves.
“We can’t think about replacing Bart Starr because Bart has been part of this organization for so long and he will live on as in his legacy and in his memory forever.”
The Bart and Cherry Starr Museum at Rawhide is open Monday-Friday from 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. There is no admission charge.
