An annual fundraiser outside of Thunder Bay is celebrating 50 years of operation and 20 years of partnership with Grand Portage Lodge and Casino.
The Grand Portage Lodge and Casino Snowarama for Easter Seals Kids is a fundraiser that encourages snowmobilers from across the region and Minnesota to come out for a fun ride for a good cause.
The event is being held in Grand Portage just over the border 45 minutes outside of Thunder Bay.
“For 50 years, the caring individuals behind our Snowarama events have made a meaningful difference in the lives of countless children and youth with physical disabilities,” says President and CEO at Easter Seals Ontario, Kevin Collins. “This milestone year is a celebration of the incredible impact of our enduring partnerships with local sponsors and riders who make these events successful year after year. Snowarama continues to exemplify what can be achieved when communities come together with a shared purpose.”
All Snowarama participants will enjoy a complimentary dinner and live Saturday night entertainment, featuring The Hoolies.
Snowarama is a family event offering trails, a bonfire, and prizes throughout the weekend.
Weather impacted last year’s event, but this recent snowfall is setting this year’s event up for success.
“I was talking to a member of the Trail Riders Club in Grand Portage last night and he says they are out there thankful for the snow we’ve been getting lately and they are out packing the trails and going to start grooming,” explained the Manager of Community Engagement for the Northern Region, Easter Seals, Rhonda Harrison. “There’s going to be two rides to choose from if we get more snow, a long ride and a short ride.”
To celebrate the 20th year at Grand Portage Lodge and Casino, every $100 participant raises will get them entered into a ballot to win a Snowarama prize package.
The minimum donation to enter is $100.
Over the past 20 years, the Grand Portage Lodge and Casino Snowarama has raised over $610,000 for children and youth with physical disabilities.
Snowmobilers will hit the trails on February 8.
Easter Seals is dedicated to helping children and youth with physical disabilities.
They run an Ambassador Program to give the youth an opportunity to develop leadership, communication, and public speaking skills.
They serve as role models helping to educate people by sharing their stories and challenges.
In the region, Snowarama is supported by 14-year-old Emilie Pike.
She’s been involved with the event for almost a decade and highlights its benefits.
“I think it’s really good honestly, to help people and help kids like me succeed in what they want to do in life,” explained Pike. “I just want to help kids feel like kids.”
She helps out with events and organization on ride day.
For more information or to register/donate, click here.
