Supporting Partners
What’s inside:
A note from the Director of Adventure
Remembering Tara Gluski
A rising tide lifts all boats
A partnership built on confidence, trust, and compassion
Gluski Park Campaign Kickoff: Be There!
New on Made UP Podcast
Events with 906AT
A note from the Director of Adventure
Much of our story over the past 12 years has been well-documented. We started with one coach and five kids. The program has since turned into 650+ coaches and more than 1,300 kids in 17 communities across the Midwest.
We created events that are regarded as some of the most challenging endurance events in the Midwest. Marji Gesick is regarded by many as the “hardest single-day mountain bike event in America.” If you can qualify, you’ll be inducted into a “Hall of Pain.” We promote the doing of hard things, finishing what you start, and personal accountability, to name just a few.
Neither the youth program nor the events follow traditional formats. You don’t come to the U.P. to win our events, you come up here hoping to survive them. Adventure Team, our youth resilience program, emphasizes character development and skill development. We meet kids where they are. We’re patient and invested in them beyond how fast or far they can ride a bike. The endurance event we’re focused on preparing them for is life.
Sport has been historically male-dominated. Not here. 46% of our leadership is female. Girls and young women account for more than 42% of all youth participants. 30% or more of all participants in Polar Roll, The Crusher, and Marji Gesick, are women, too.
Like I said at the start, all of that has been well documented. The next part has not. I have watched who we reach change. I have watched the program get to kids and families other programs cannot. We’ve expanded our reach well beyond the traditional cycling community. We’re not a race team. The majority of these kids are not rolling into bike club on two, three, four thousand dollar bikes. They’re riding a Huffy, or a hand-me-down their brother and sister rode five years ago. We see unicorn helmets, baskets hung on the handlebars, and tassels dangling from the grips. For a lot of these kids this might be their only real outdoor activity all week. This matters to them in ways most of us can’t understand.
This summer, we’re breaking ground on a new chapter: Gluski Park – a community trailhead for outdoor adventure. The park will be the vehicle that allows us to create new programs, venture into outdoor education, and reach more kids. It’s not an ending, it is a beginning, and we hope you’ll join us.
We created events that are regarded as some of the most challenging endurance events in the Midwest. Marji Gesick is regarded by many as the “hardest single-day mountain bike event in America.” If you can qualify, you’ll be inducted into a “Hall of Pain.” We promote the doing of hard things, finishing what you start, and personal accountability, to name just a few.
Neither the youth program nor the events follow traditional formats. You don’t come to the U.P. to win our events, you come up here hoping to survive them. Adventure Team, our youth resilience program, emphasizes character development and skill development. We meet kids where they are. We’re patient and invested in them beyond how fast or far they can ride a bike. The endurance event we’re focused on preparing them for is life.
Sport has been historically male-dominated. Not here. 46% of our leadership is female. Girls and young women account for more than 42% of all youth participants. 30% or more of all participants in Polar Roll, The Crusher, and Marji Gesick, are women, too.
Like I said at the start, all of that has been well documented. The next part has not. I have watched who we reach change. I have watched the program get to kids and families other programs cannot. We’ve expanded our reach well beyond the traditional cycling community. We’re not a race team. The majority of these kids are not rolling into bike club on two, three, four thousand dollar bikes. They’re riding a Huffy, or a hand-me-down their brother and sister rode five years ago. We see unicorn helmets, baskets hung on the handlebars, and tassels dangling from the grips. For a lot of these kids this might be their only real outdoor activity all week. This matters to them in ways most of us can’t understand.
This summer, we’re breaking ground on a new chapter: Gluski Park – a community trailhead for outdoor adventure. The park will be the vehicle that allows us to create new programs, venture into outdoor education, and reach more kids. It’s not an ending, it is a beginning, and we hope you’ll join us.
“My goal in life is hopefully to live it as honorably as she did.”
-Sandy Gluski
On a quiet and cold morning in April, Sandy Gluski and her husband Paul, sit with me at their dining room table. We laugh, we smile, and we also wipe tears from our faces as they remember and share stories of their daughter, Tara Gluski. Tara was the 906AT Adventure Coordinator for over five years. She worked alongside Todd, growing Adventure Team programming, creating systems for managing data, sharing her love of the outdoors with youth and the community. She was well known and well loved.
She had a number of jobs before moving from the Lower Peninsula to the Upper Peninsula – she worked for a cleaning company, a gardening company, for ETNA – which brought her to the Upper Peninsula two times a year. Sandy says she was drawn here for the outdoors. She fell in love with Marquette.
“From day one in Marquette she worked for nonprofits – she had to do something she felt good about in her heart.”
She always wanted to work with children – at one time aspiring to be a special education teacher. Her mom says she always loved kids – loved being outdoors with kids and helping them.
Tara died in a car accident in 2024, ten months after 906 Adventure Team purchased the property on Lakeshore Boulevard and plans began for a park on the green space behind the building. The loss devastated her family, the community and her 906AT friends and family.
The organization pressed forward determined to continue to work and find a way to honor and carry her energy, spirit and passion in everything they would do. 906AT decided to name the park, Gluski Park – a tribute to a woman who believed in the mission of empowering people to become the best version of themselves through outdoor adventure with everything she was.
“It means everything to us,” says Sandy. “How many people who’ve lost someone they loved so much, has something named after them? It means everything.”
Tara’s dad Paul stops at the 906AT property every morning for a cup of coffee. He feels connected to her in the space. He talks to her. He knows her car will never again be in the parking lot, but it’s a place he can go to feel the mark she made on this world.
Sandy says, “We are fortunate to have known such a person, a person who created such an impact on the community that she will always be remembered. It’s heartwarming that she’s always here.”
It’s beautiful to listen to the stories of Tara’s life. Of her childhood playing in the woods and in the lake. Hearing the story of her wedding day on Presque Isle, the laughter she shared with her husband, the happiness she felt traveling, spending time outdoors, adventuring. Her dedication to 906AT and the work she did with Todd for youth, families and the community. She made an impact.
As we move into the next phase of the Gluski Park project it’s important to look forward, but it’s equally as important to reflect back and never forget where the project began – with Tara and Todd. Tara is an example of a life well lived, and the difference one person can make. For her work, for her dedication, for her passion, spirit and energy – we’ll honor Tara with every speck of dirt and drop of sweat that goes into building Gluski Park – we’ll carry her with us.
Sandy says Tara is always with her, in her heart, in the breeze, in the sunshine on a cold April morning, “My goal in life is to hopefully live it as honorably as she did.”
She had a number of jobs before moving from the Lower Peninsula to the Upper Peninsula – she worked for a cleaning company, a gardening company, for ETNA – which brought her to the Upper Peninsula two times a year. Sandy says she was drawn here for the outdoors. She fell in love with Marquette.
“From day one in Marquette she worked for nonprofits – she had to do something she felt good about in her heart.”
She always wanted to work with children – at one time aspiring to be a special education teacher. Her mom says she always loved kids – loved being outdoors with kids and helping them.
Tara died in a car accident in 2024, ten months after 906 Adventure Team purchased the property on Lakeshore Boulevard and plans began for a park on the green space behind the building. The loss devastated her family, the community and her 906AT friends and family.
The organization pressed forward determined to continue to work and find a way to honor and carry her energy, spirit and passion in everything they would do. 906AT decided to name the park, Gluski Park – a tribute to a woman who believed in the mission of empowering people to become the best version of themselves through outdoor adventure with everything she was.
“It means everything to us,” says Sandy. “How many people who’ve lost someone they loved so much, has something named after them? It means everything.”
Tara’s dad Paul stops at the 906AT property every morning for a cup of coffee. He feels connected to her in the space. He talks to her. He knows her car will never again be in the parking lot, but it’s a place he can go to feel the mark she made on this world.
Sandy says, “We are fortunate to have known such a person, a person who created such an impact on the community that she will always be remembered. It’s heartwarming that she’s always here.”
It’s beautiful to listen to the stories of Tara’s life. Of her childhood playing in the woods and in the lake. Hearing the story of her wedding day on Presque Isle, the laughter she shared with her husband, the happiness she felt traveling, spending time outdoors, adventuring. Her dedication to 906AT and the work she did with Todd for youth, families and the community. She made an impact.
As we move into the next phase of the Gluski Park project it’s important to look forward, but it’s equally as important to reflect back and never forget where the project began – with Tara and Todd. Tara is an example of a life well lived, and the difference one person can make. For her work, for her dedication, for her passion, spirit and energy – we’ll honor Tara with every speck of dirt and drop of sweat that goes into building Gluski Park – we’ll carry her with us.
Sandy says Tara is always with her, in her heart, in the breeze, in the sunshine on a cold April morning, “My goal in life is to hopefully live it as honorably as she did.”
By Elizabeth Peterson
“A rising tide lifts all boats.”
In April, 906 Adventure Team received its biggest contribution to Gluski Park in the form of an $800,000 investment from the Daniel J. Kobasic Foundation. The generous gift and commitment are a huge boost to the project, the energy surrounding the park and the organization. This gift is truly remarkable and brings the campaign 60% of the way to the final goal of $2.1 million.
The Daniel J. Kobasic Foundation was created in 2017 to honor the legacy of Daniel J. Kobasic – an Escanaba entrepreneur and merchant marine. He was a father, grandfather, brother, and friend to many.
Danica Stanciu, daughter of Daniel and President of the DJK Foundation board describes her dad as a brilliant man. “He was a visionary. He was bold and he was driven.”
Daniel came from a modest background – one of 11 children. Danica recalls someone once telling her, “Your dad was one in a million – no, he was one in a hundred million – he was truly an extraordinary person.”
After graduating high school, Daniel walked onto an iron ore ship. He started as a deck hand and worked his way up to second mate through hard work and applying himself in a way people didn’t expect of him. He circumnavigated the globe three times, sailed for years in southwest Asia and after seeing the world decided to come back home to Escanaba.
Upon returning he built Shakey’s pizza restaurant and started a successful marine fabrication business after building a commercial fishing vessel. He expanded to ice breaking, owning a couple of tugs and breaking ice for the commercial shipping industry in Lake Michigan.
DJK Foundation’s Chief Financial Officer Todd LaFave remembers Daniel as an honest man. “He was as straight a shooter as anyone you would meet. He was unique. I’ve never met anyone like him and will never meet anyone like him again.”
Daniel left the bulk of his estate to the DJK Foundation with a mission focused on increasing the wellness of individuals from Escanaba, Delta County, the Upper Peninsula and even extending nationally and internationally. The foundation is focused on opportunities that align with the values of Daniel – determination, hard work, grit, strength, dedication, resilience.
Sound familiar? Daniel’s character, built on doing hard things – and pushing against the odds – runs parallel to the mission of 906 Adventure Team. Plus, Danica says her dad loved to ride his bike and spend time outdoors, whether that was in the woods or on the water.
LaFave says, ” We wanted to show 906AT that we’re behind you guys and we want you to be behind Delta County. All we can really do is put our money into things that we believe in – we can’t do the work. We’re careful to pick entities that can do the right thing with our support. We’re hopeful support builds that this gift creates momentum and that the Marquette community will get behind it and take it the rest of the way.”
Danica looks at Gluski Park and knows that it aligns with her dad’s values – she says there couldn’t be a better way to remember him.
“We love the breath and the greatness of the vision. My dad saw a shipyard where there was an abandoned train depot – he saw something and had a vision. Todd sees something and has a vision. We recognize the similarities and want to support that. I think our hope is that it becomes a destination – and in that way, a living memorial to Tara – and a place of learning, growth and accomplishment for area youth and a place that will serve generations.”
Danica sees the investment as a long-term partnership with an organization dedicated to ensuring youth develop the character and values her dad embodied.
It is a gift built on the determination of two men from different generations. Daniel, who manifested his destiny through hard work. And Todd Poquette, who is dedicated to ensuring today’s kids (and tomorrow’s) understand what it takes to become a man like Daniel J. Kobasic.
Danica refers to a phrase commonly attributed to John F. Kennedy: “A rising tide lifts all boats.” A beautiful sentiment for this Gluski Park, the support of DJK Foundation and a new partnership with endless possibilities.
The Daniel J. Kobasic Foundation was created in 2017 to honor the legacy of Daniel J. Kobasic – an Escanaba entrepreneur and merchant marine. He was a father, grandfather, brother, and friend to many.
Danica Stanciu, daughter of Daniel and President of the DJK Foundation board describes her dad as a brilliant man. “He was a visionary. He was bold and he was driven.”
Daniel came from a modest background – one of 11 children. Danica recalls someone once telling her, “Your dad was one in a million – no, he was one in a hundred million – he was truly an extraordinary person.”
After graduating high school, Daniel walked onto an iron ore ship. He started as a deck hand and worked his way up to second mate through hard work and applying himself in a way people didn’t expect of him. He circumnavigated the globe three times, sailed for years in southwest Asia and after seeing the world decided to come back home to Escanaba.
Upon returning he built Shakey’s pizza restaurant and started a successful marine fabrication business after building a commercial fishing vessel. He expanded to ice breaking, owning a couple of tugs and breaking ice for the commercial shipping industry in Lake Michigan.
DJK Foundation’s Chief Financial Officer Todd LaFave remembers Daniel as an honest man. “He was as straight a shooter as anyone you would meet. He was unique. I’ve never met anyone like him and will never meet anyone like him again.”
Daniel left the bulk of his estate to the DJK Foundation with a mission focused on increasing the wellness of individuals from Escanaba, Delta County, the Upper Peninsula and even extending nationally and internationally. The foundation is focused on opportunities that align with the values of Daniel – determination, hard work, grit, strength, dedication, resilience.
Sound familiar? Daniel’s character, built on doing hard things – and pushing against the odds – runs parallel to the mission of 906 Adventure Team. Plus, Danica says her dad loved to ride his bike and spend time outdoors, whether that was in the woods or on the water.
LaFave says, ” We wanted to show 906AT that we’re behind you guys and we want you to be behind Delta County. All we can really do is put our money into things that we believe in – we can’t do the work. We’re careful to pick entities that can do the right thing with our support. We’re hopeful support builds that this gift creates momentum and that the Marquette community will get behind it and take it the rest of the way.”
Danica looks at Gluski Park and knows that it aligns with her dad’s values – she says there couldn’t be a better way to remember him.
“We love the breath and the greatness of the vision. My dad saw a shipyard where there was an abandoned train depot – he saw something and had a vision. Todd sees something and has a vision. We recognize the similarities and want to support that. I think our hope is that it becomes a destination – and in that way, a living memorial to Tara – and a place of learning, growth and accomplishment for area youth and a place that will serve generations.”
Danica sees the investment as a long-term partnership with an organization dedicated to ensuring youth develop the character and values her dad embodied.
It is a gift built on the determination of two men from different generations. Daniel, who manifested his destiny through hard work. And Todd Poquette, who is dedicated to ensuring today’s kids (and tomorrow’s) understand what it takes to become a man like Daniel J. Kobasic.
Danica refers to a phrase commonly attributed to John F. Kennedy: “A rising tide lifts all boats.” A beautiful sentiment for this Gluski Park, the support of DJK Foundation and a new partnership with endless possibilities.
A partnership built on confidence, trust and compassion
A partnership between 906 Adventure Team and the Great Lakes Sports Commission came early in the development of the project. 906AT submitted for a grant in 2022, originally for assistance in purchasing the property on Lakeshore Boulevard. As time went on, and the property was purchased, the request morphed into an opportunity to be one of the first supporters of Gluski Park. The Great Lakes Sports Commission awarded 906AT $150,000 in 2023. GLSC Executive Director Eric Marvin says the project aligned with their mission to promote sports, recreation and tourism in Northern Michigan. They saw it as an opportunity to invest in a community development project with a strong economic component. They believed then, as they do now, Gluski Park will improve the quality of life for residents and visitors – he says it was an easy yes. But he knew the biggest challenge was the funding gap. Raising $2.1 million is no easy task.
“It was a bit of trust exercise. We felt like the support that the organization has, the confidence in Todd, through all the conversations, we felt like this was an organization that had the capacity and ability to raise additional funds and bring the project to fruition,” said Eric.
He admits they knew 906AT had a long way to go and that they didn’t know how long it would take.
“We’re so grateful to be sitting here today so close to the point of dirt moving. This will be a huge benefit to the region. What 906AT does for youth and ultimately everyone in the region – there are so many benefits – we’re excited to be a part of it.”
It was an investment made nearly three years ago. And here’s the thing – grants like this typically need to see action made within the year. It’s unusual for the terms of a gift, especially one of this size to be adjusted. And that’s what makes this partnership exceptionally unique and remarkable. GLSC, through the loss of Tara and the subsequent delay of the project, stayed firm in their support. They served as a foundation of strength during a time when 906AT was reeling and learning how to move forward. GLSC continued to show up with grace and understanding.
“When we did the announcement of support – no one was more excited and passionate than Tara. That stood out to me. In the short amount of time that we worked with her – the enthusiasm, passion and energy from her – you could see it and feel it,” recalled Eric.
GLSC Assistant Director Susie Fox said, “Even though Tara is no longer with us in body – I don’t think her spirit will ever leave the 906 Adventure Team – she’s a guiding light – with grace and compassion – her story is important – she’s someone who really cared enough to make this happen.”
Eric and Susie both agree despite the difficult and challenging circumstances – it’s been Todd’s constant movement forward – keeping everything going. GLSC remained confident in him and the organization. Yes, it was taking longer, but they believed in 906AT and they knew it wasn’t easy.
“Todd’s going to fight like hell until he gets it done. You’re reaching far and wide and not stopping for any reason,” said Susie.
And isn’t that what this project is about? Doing Hard Things. Showing Up. Determination. Grit. And supporting one another – even when it’s not easy. Thank you GLSC for supporting Gluski Park and for being an example of what support should look like – steady and unwavering.
“It was a bit of trust exercise. We felt like the support that the organization has, the confidence in Todd, through all the conversations, we felt like this was an organization that had the capacity and ability to raise additional funds and bring the project to fruition,” said Eric.
He admits they knew 906AT had a long way to go and that they didn’t know how long it would take.
“We’re so grateful to be sitting here today so close to the point of dirt moving. This will be a huge benefit to the region. What 906AT does for youth and ultimately everyone in the region – there are so many benefits – we’re excited to be a part of it.”
It was an investment made nearly three years ago. And here’s the thing – grants like this typically need to see action made within the year. It’s unusual for the terms of a gift, especially one of this size to be adjusted. And that’s what makes this partnership exceptionally unique and remarkable. GLSC, through the loss of Tara and the subsequent delay of the project, stayed firm in their support. They served as a foundation of strength during a time when 906AT was reeling and learning how to move forward. GLSC continued to show up with grace and understanding.
“When we did the announcement of support – no one was more excited and passionate than Tara. That stood out to me. In the short amount of time that we worked with her – the enthusiasm, passion and energy from her – you could see it and feel it,” recalled Eric.
GLSC Assistant Director Susie Fox said, “Even though Tara is no longer with us in body – I don’t think her spirit will ever leave the 906 Adventure Team – she’s a guiding light – with grace and compassion – her story is important – she’s someone who really cared enough to make this happen.”
Eric and Susie both agree despite the difficult and challenging circumstances – it’s been Todd’s constant movement forward – keeping everything going. GLSC remained confident in him and the organization. Yes, it was taking longer, but they believed in 906AT and they knew it wasn’t easy.
“Todd’s going to fight like hell until he gets it done. You’re reaching far and wide and not stopping for any reason,” said Susie.
And isn’t that what this project is about? Doing Hard Things. Showing Up. Determination. Grit. And supporting one another – even when it’s not easy. Thank you GLSC for supporting Gluski Park and for being an example of what support should look like – steady and unwavering.
Gluski Park Campaign Kickoff
Friday, May 15
906 Adventure Team Basecamp
955 N. Lakeshore Blvd., Marquette
6:00-8:00 PM
906 Adventure Team Basecamp
955 N. Lakeshore Blvd., Marquette
6:00-8:00 PM
Join us on May 15 to tour Gluski Park, learn more about the vision, talk with the park’s generous supporters, Adventure Team coaches, kids and parents, and find out how you can be part of what comes next!
Through a donation from Mama Russo’s, enjoy a brat or pulled pork sandwich!
Thanks to the Daniel J. Kobasic Foundation, every individual gift will be matched dollar for dollar, up to $155,000 – so your support goes twice as far.
New on MADE UP!
Episode 48 – Aaron Peterson – Aaron is the owner and a filmmaker at Aaron Peterson Studios and co-founder/organizer of the Fresh Coast Film Festival. Through storytelling and visual artistry, he’s brought the outdoors to life in a vibrant and engaging way. Learn more about his experiences and he sees the outdoor industry in the U.P. evolving.
Episode 49 – Joe Thiel – Joe is the Chief Executive Officer at Innovate Marquette Smartzone whose mission is: “to strengthen Marquette’s economy by providing innovators access to critical resources, mentorship, business services, talent, funding, and network collaboration.” He’s leading the charge to create an entrepreneurial ecosystem with an emphasis on ventures in outdoor innovation, creative technology, and sustainable technology.
Episode 50 – Julie Cunningham & Elizabeth Peterson – Elizabeth shares about an experience she had talking to Negaunee Middle School 6th graders about Adventure Team Youth Programming, and the impact the program has had on her son’s life. Julie and Todd discuss the pillars of the Youth Program. A great episode for parents and coach volunteers alike.
Episode 51 – Sean Lynch – Sean is the owner/operator of Winnebago Bicycle in Oshkosh, WI. When he’s not servicing bicycles and running a business, Sean lifts heavy weight, sets down heavy weight, and researches how he might lift heavier weight. Sean recently presented (Demystifying Bike Maintenance) at the 2026 906AT Leadership Summit and shares his perspective on the event and participates in the seemingly annual “MeatHead Report.”
Trilogy Partners
