The Heart Behind Wanna Ride Foundation
You know those special people who leave footprints on your heart and tire tracks in the mountains? That was my sister LaWanna Windley-Ford, who left us way too soon on Mother's Day 2022 at 51. But here's the thing about my sister – she never did anything halfway, including teaching me to love Wyoming's wild places. (Though I'm pretty sure she laughed at my first attempts at trail navigation!)
So when it came to honoring her memory, I figured "Why not go big?" – just like she would have done. That's how the Wanna Ride Foundation was born, mixing our shared love of outdoor adventures with something that would make a real difference in people's lives.
We're doing two main things that would make LaWanna grin from ear to ear:
First, we're helping students chase their dreams through the LaWanna Windley-Ford Scholarship Fund. Because if there's one thing my sister believed in, it was helping others reach for the stars (though she'd probably add "just make sure you've got a good map first!").
Second, we're showing some love to Southeast Wyoming's OHV trails. These aren't just paths through the wilderness – they're gateways to adventure, memory-makers, and let's be honest, occasionally humbling experiences that make for great stories later. We're helping maintain and preserve these trails because, as LaWanna would say, "Nature's beauty is meant to be explored, not just viewed through a window."
The foundation combines everything LaWanna stood for – helping others, loving the outdoors, and creating opportunities for people to experience both. Every trail we maintain and every student we help through school carries a piece of her spirit forward.
Want to be part of the adventure? Check out our Rides page for upcoming Memorial/Charity Rides. Come join us in making some noise (and some difference) in LaWanna's memory!
Because sometimes the best way to remember someone is to keep doing what they loved – just with a few more people along for the ride.
LaWanna Windley-Ford: A Legacy of Love, Laughter, and Living Life to the Fullest
LaWanna Windley-Ford left this world far too soon on May 8, 2022, at the age of 51, but boy, did she know how to make those years count! A proud Jackson Hole High School graduate, she called Star Valley, Wyoming her home – and anyone who knew her would tell you she made it a brighter place just by being there.
If there was ever someone who could turn strangers into friends in record time, it was LaWanna. Armed with her signature smile and a genuine interest in everyone she met, she had this magical way of making you feel like the most interesting person in the room. Her laugh? Well, let's just say it was as contagious as a yawn in a meeting, but way more fun!
LaWanna's backyard was a slice of Wyoming heaven, where she created her own perfect blend of garden paradise and hobby farm. Her gardens weren't just gardens; they were her pride and joy, blooming with the same vibrant energy she brought to everything in life.
Her love for animals showed in the way she cared for her beloved pets, each one becoming a cherished part of her family. Her home was a warm and welcoming place for both two-legged and four-legged friends alike.
Come summer, you'd find LaWanna heading to the mountains as soon as the snow melted. She turned camping into an art form, creating memories under the stars and proving that the best adventures often come with a side of marshmallows and mountain air.
When she wasn't tending to her garden or spending time with family and friends, LaWanna poured her energy into the Star Valley Mud Bogs fundraiser, helping local charities while adding her special touch of warmth and enthusiasm to every event.
Her LDS faith was her compass, guiding her through life with grace and strength, though she never lost her playful spirit along the way.
LaWanna didn't just live life – she embraced it with open arms, a ready smile, and a heart full of love. She showed us all how to find joy in the simple things, love without limits, and laugh like you mean it.
She may have left us too soon, but her spirit lives on in every garden that blooms, every kindness shared, and every laugh that echoes across the Wyoming skies she loved so much.
What is the Wanna Ride Scavenger Hunt?
The Wanna Ride Scavenger Hunt Fundraiser is a unique event that combines a memorial ride in the Snowy Range with an exciting scavenger/treasure hunt. Participants are given a mission list on the morning of the ride at the designated "Starting Location." These missions can range from taking photos to finding hidden treasures along the way.
For example, one mission might be to reenact the famous Crane Kick from the movie Karate Kid in front of Albany Lodge. The photo must include Albany Lodge to be valid, and completing this mission could earn you 400 points. Each mission is assigned a different point value, so participants have the opportunity to accumulate points throughout the event.
It's worth noting that not all missions are worth points. Some missions are designed to lead participants to special prize locations. The first person to find the prize location wins the prize associated with that mission.
At the end of the ride, participants present their photos to the judges at the "Finish Location," where points are tallied. The participant with the most points is declared the winner. After the ride, a complimentary lunch is provided to all participants.
But the excitement doesn't stop there! Following lunch, there are even more FUNdraising activities to enjoy. These include a thrilling live auction, a punch box filled with amazing prizes, raffles, a 50/50 draw, and so much more.
It's a day packed with exhilarating rides, thrilling adventures, valuable treasures, and unforgettable memories.