Last year, as the pandemic began to engulf Manitowoc County, the true, giving nature of humanity began to show through the cloud of negativity.
One man who was a big shining light during that time was Chad Koeppel, who owns Koeppel Concrete in Manitowoc. He teamed up with Workingman’s Friend in Manitowoc to give away $25 gift cards to healthcare workers.
We spoke with Chad, who said he wanted to give back again this year, this time at Wrap It Up by giving away $2,000 worth of drinks.
“I wanted to do something for police officers, paramedics, first responders, and firefighters,” he explained. “I just came to an idea based on how I did it last year with Workingman’s Friend. I wanted to help support another business in town and I figured what better place than there, with everything they went through.”
Chad was referring to the owners of the local eatery and coffee shop, Randy and Barb Lueptow. If those names sound familiar, they are the parents of Joshua Lueptow, who died after going missing in the Collins Wildlife Area in November.
Randy told us that he was very happy to join forces with Koeppel Concrete.
“We were very honored when we were approached with the concept,” he told Seehafer News. “[We are] familiar with what his organization did last year working with Workingman’s Friend. As I remember that was such a hit, it went out in like a day. I was very appreciative when we got that nod.”
The program last year with Workingman’s Friend was extremely successful, and Chad said that the medical workers were very appreciative.
“I couldn’t believe the people who, out of the blue, sent me a message on Facebook, or called me saying thank you,” Chad said. “They didn’t expect it and couldn’t believe someone was doing something for them and noticing everything that they do for everybody.”
We also asked Randy how the Manitowoc community has responded in the wake of his son’s death.
“Everybody is doing what they can, and that’s being loving and kind and supporting and definitely the prayers and thought,” he said. “All of that, cumulatively helps to get you through the hard days, just knowing that love is out there.”
The free drink promotion is scheduled for Monday but can go on all week as supplies last, so if you are a police officer, firefighter, paramedic, or first responder, simply show up at the restaurant located at 830 South 8th Street in downtown Manitowoc to claim your free drink.
