Annie's House Fueled by Volunteers - KXNet - Bismarck/Minot/Williston/Dickinson

Annie's House Fueled by Volunteers

Annie's House is starting to look more and more like that -- a house, or ski lodge to be specific -- a lodge for athletes of all abilities.

The project at Bottineau Winter Park is slowing getting closer to completion.

Perry Olson shows us the progress made...and the men who are working hard to see it to its completion.

Outside, the weather is ripe for skiing. New snow falling, the runs are perfect at Bottineau Winter Park...and soon, a new gem looking over the park will be ready as well to house visitors here...Annie's House should be partially open around February 1st.

(Cedric Jacobson - Volunteer) "The more volunteers the better. We have lots of projects to do...lots of little things to do."

Cedric is a part of a dedicated crew who spends most weekdays here getting the project complete. The lodge is in honor of Anne Nicole Nelson, the Stanley native killed at the World Trade Center in 2001. But it won't build itself...

(Larry Marchus - Volunteer) "Everyday you notice it...more help would be good...but we are getting it."

Larry Marchus has devoted about 600 hours of volunteer work here...and others too. In fact, just recently Mohall-Lansford-Sherwood students were here, and are coming back next month to work. It takes everyone working together to get this facility complete.

(Duane Larson - Volunteer) "It is a great project and volunteer projects seem have meaning to the community and the people who use it so I am happy to have a chance to help."

Anyone can stop by and volunteer. Each weekday work is ongoing here north of Bottineau. These men work because they believe in the project -- honoring Nelson by building a facility that will bring joy to many...

(Duane Larson - Volunteer) "We care about our people in the area and the people who will come in and use it. I hope they can get some real enjoyment out of it." (Larry Marchus - Volunteer) "It is for wounded warriors, people with handicaps, we just hope it works out."

Perry Olson, KX News.

Jacobson says the hope is to have the facility partially open by February first -- moving the ski rental area in along with having a functioning kitchen and bathrooms.