Skydivers soar, raise money for local animal welfare

Cheryl Hentz

Contributor

September 14, 2026

WAUSAU – The Humane Society of Marathon County recently received a $5,000 boost in its coffers, thanks to a skydiving fundraising event sponsored by Pat’s Body Shop & Restoration.

Fifteen people – including Pat’s Body Shop Owner Andy Grundman, his wife, one of his employees, Humane Society Executive Director Lisa Leitermann and others who she recruited to jump – took part in “High Falls for Small Paws.”

The Aug. 1 event took place from 13,000 feet up and raised pledges from people to help sponsor the jump. 

Grundman said the more pledges they got, the less the participants had to pay for their jumps. 

He said the tandem jumps gave skydivers the thrill of free-falling for part of the jump, with a canopy ride the rest of the way down. 

Even though they received only 10 minutes of instruction, Grundman said it was completely safe because experienced skydivers participated.   

“Lisa, from the humane society, was really unsure if she wanted to jump,” he said. “I explained to her that it was safe and she’d be in good hands. She told me afterward that she was glad she did it and that she came down a different person than she went up. So, that was pretty cool.”

While the jumpers raised $5,000 for the humane society this year, Grundman said they already have a date and backup date – July 31 and Aug. 7, respectively – for next year’s jump, at which they hope to raise $10,000.

“Next year, we’re going to actually be teaming up with another local business, called the Cop Shoppe Pub,” he said. “They do a corn roast for the humane society every year. They were able to raise about $2,300 this last year. So, we’re going to do the dinner afterward at the corn roast. The jumpers can get all-they-can-eat corn, roasted pig or shredded pork, and beer.”

Following this year’s jump, Grundman said participants enjoyed dinner at El Tequila Salsa.  

About 12 years ago, Grundman said he raised approximately $2,300 for Habitat for Humanity through another jump.  

“I think we had six or seven jumpers, but I didn’t execute it very well,” he said. “I didn’t use all my resources to promote that event – things like social media and my connections. When I do things like this, I want to work with a nonprofit that has really good PR, good networking abilities and good social media presence. That helps me out as well as them.”

While most fundraisers involve walk-a-thons, bowl-a-thons or the like, Grundman said he enjoys things that are more out of the ordinary – things that are a little faster-paced, exhilarating and even a little daring.

“A lot of events are very [run-of-the-mill], but that’s not me,” he said. “I wouldn’t call myself an extremist, but I’m more of an adrenaline junkie. I like things fast, I like things extreme and I love being up in the air, too. I am in the process right now of getting my pilot’s license.” 

While Grundman and Pat’s Body Shop do things to benefit several local nonprofits, he said the humane society and other animal-related organizations are especially near and dear to his and his wife’s hearts.

“My wife and I are animal fanatics,” he said. “We’re down to four dogs and four cats right now, and then we have two full-size horses, a miniature horse and a donkey that are all rescues. The humane society is fighting for those that can’t even stand up or speak for themselves. You can help people by communicating with them about their needs, but that’s not the case with animals.”

Grundman said the humane society fills the need for those animals and helps keep them out of harm’s way once they take them in. 

“Lisa and her staff are great to work with,” he said. “Plus, it’s a noble cause, and we’re happy to help support them in any way we can.”

At the time of the skydiving event, Grundman said the shelter was caring for nearly 200 animals.

He said the $5,000 raised will go toward medical care for those animals, as well as pet food, utilities and other expenses involved in operating an animal shelter.

Giving to countless others in the community

Grundman said he struggled with addiction earlier in his life, and having the support of his family and community made him want to help others and give back. 

Now that he’s doing well and is successful in being “the best person I can be,” he said he enjoys mentoring and life coaching for others who are going through addiction problems, relationship issues or having other struggles finding their way in the world.  

Besides the Humane Society of Marathon County, Grundman said he and his family, as well as the business, have organized fundraisers for or made donations to many nonprofits in the area: 

Paws for Patriots

Per patriotk9s.org, each year, local business NorthStar Restoration Services sponsors Paws for Patriots, a special 5K Dog Walk & Walk held in honor of the National Day of the Deployed. 

This community event supports Patriot K9s of Wisconsin, with proceeds helping provide a trained service dog for a veteran who’s in need due to PTSD or some other issue related to previous military service. 

Grundman said the fundraising goal for this year is $24,000 – the cost of one veteran/service dog team. 

This year’s event will be held Saturday, Oct. 24. 

Let’s Go Fishing

A Minnesota-based nonprofit organization has recently opened a chapter in Wausau, according to wausau.lgfws.com.

Through the organization, volunteers take veterans, seniors, youth and individuals with disabilities on a safe, two-hour fishing and boating trip on a handicap‑accessible pontoon boat for up to 10 guests. 

New Heights Climbing & Fitness 

This new business in Wausau – per its website, climbatnewheights.com – offers climbing, fitness, wellness amenities and community activities for all ages. 

Grundman said he was one of the first people to donate $1,000 to the organization, and plans to help however he can moving forward. 

Extra Innings

According to extrainnings-wi.com, this nonprofit organization raises money to support local cancer patients and their families, striving to foster “a sense of belonging, ignite hope and empower individuals to face the challenges of cancer with strength and resilience.”

Wisconsin Road Knights Meet & Greet Car Show

Grundman said this annual car show not only celebrates automotive culture but also raises funds for local firefighting efforts.

Making his mark

Grundman said he also participates in a group called Helping Businesses Build Assets (HBBA), which comprises about 30 entrepreneurs from the community. 

“If I find an event or cause that pulls at my heartstrings, I’ll definitely help out,” he said.

Professionally, Grundman said he took over ownership of Pat’s Body Shop & Restoration from his father in 2025. 

Besides the body shop, he said he owns a company called Good Faith Payment Systems – but his contributions to the community don’t stop there. 

“I have taught at Northcentral Tech College for four years and am the former president of the Wisconsin Collision Repair Professionals (WCRP), Wisconsin’s biggest trade organization for collision repair,” he said. 

Pat’s Body Shop & Restoration is located at 1302 S. 3rd Ave. in Wausau and can be reached at (715) 848-9153.