History
In the fall of 2003 Jeff Geiger and Pat Kelly were
watching football and throwing a few cold ones back when the discussion turned
from sports to a charity event idea Jeff had hatched. He shared with Pat
the need to raise funds for a home for special needs men that his
brother Gregory lived at.
Jeff’s idea was realized after years of attending an
annual event (started by his Uncle) in Wyoming called the Big Horn Mountain
Roundup (BHMR) where 120+ guys were invited guests to camp and ride horses
for days while taking in the beauty of the mountains. This event created
tremendous camaraderie and fellowship due to sharing the rugged trail all day
with other riders, lowering the flag while singing God Bless America, eating great
western meals, playing poker and hanging in the bar tent until wee hours. Many
of the current Directors and guests have attended the BHMR. The question was: could
a comparable event that had some of the great qualities of the BHMR
in Central Ohio be created. The lack of a mountains and horses was a problem.
Nevertheless, the BHMR became the blueprint for the Mt. Al’s Roundup. Jeff’s
idea began to take shape after Larry Clark, the owner of the Made from Scratch
catering, offered to provide his culinary and planning expertise. Additionally,
Larry’s father-in-law at the time, Champ Smith, now deceased, had a beautiful property just
outside Sugar Grove that was perfect for a base camp. Coincidentally, Hidden
Haven Gun Club was conveniently located just down the hill from the base camp.
So we thought, who needs horses? Guns are a lot more fun! A group of Directors were assembled who
would support such an even by inviting their guests. Guests would shoot sporting
clays, participate in a black powder and open shoot, sing God Bless America
while lowering the flag, play poker, hang in the bar tent and pitch their own
tent and camp. Although horses were available the first year for photo
opportunities, there was no riding. Thank God! Dave Brutzer and Willis “Kirty”
Kirkbride became Directors and were key to early success due to their expertise in and sharing of
their weaponry. Guests are provided a unique opportunity to shoot antique black
powder rifles, a wide array of pistols and other modern high power long guns.
The inaugural
Roundup in 2004 was very successful! Many guests
who attended the first year have continued to come back each year. The Greg Geiger Memorial Mt. Al’s
Roundup has become one of the most enjoyable and unique fund 20raising events in
the Midwest. This event is held annually the weekend after Fathers Day. A
website was created at no expense by one of our guests Joe Jorgensen owner of Robintek. www.mtalsroundup.com. This will be the 20th
Annual and final Greg Geiger Memorial Mt. Al’s Roundup. All of the Directors appreciate your participation,
financial support, generosity and commitment. We hope you will experience and
share in the fellowship, patriotism, adrenaline rush, laughter and camaraderie
that makes this event so special!
