Ann Wolf completes her annual ‘labor of love’

Ann Wolf of Sheffield wrapped up her annual ‘labor of love’ last week by conducting her annual Plant Sale in the back yard of her residence.

The event was held June 2-6 and featured the sale of hostas and perennial plants.

All of the proceeds from the sale go to promote the fight against ALS — otherwise known as Lou Gehrig’s Disease.

ALS stands for Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis. It is a progressive neurodegenerative disease that affects nerve cells in the brain and the spinal cord. Motor neurons reach from the brain to the spinal cord and from the spinal cord to the muscles throughout the body.

Both Ann and her husband, Tom, served as longtime teachers in the Sheffield-Chapin school system. Tom, who also coached a number of sports, was stricken with ALS and died in 2009.

The Plant Sale — which completed its 14th year — has raised more than $90.000.

Many of the plants that are part of the sale each year come from Wolf’s yard.

“I also get many plants and pots brought to me from regular visitors to the sale and several newcomers,” she said.

Word has spread over the years throughout the area, which has led to the popularity of the sale.

“The sale has begun to take on a life of its own,” she smiled.

This year’s event was particularly special, as Wolf said that going into Thursday she had 63 hostas available to purchase.

“They didn’t last long, however. We had one lady come in and buy 50 of the hostas. It didn’t take long for the rest of them to be purchased,” she said.

Wolf added that the plants that have been sold over the years have accounted for about $50,000 of the funds that have been raised.

“Many other generous persons have also donated funds to our cause,” she said.

Wolf explained that preparing for the sale takes many months of hard work, but she obviously has gained much in what the event has been able to accomplish.

She helps to coordinate The Wolf Pack, which annually takes part in the ALS Walk in Des Moines. This year’s walk is planned for Saturday, Oct. 3.

“Our team always ranks among the leading contributors to the cause,” she added.

What are her future plans?

“My idea is to continue to do this event as long as I am physically able. Eventually, I will probably scale back my involvement,” she concluded.