Bundled up against the cold, these riders were part of the 11th annual Snowarama for Easter Seals in Grand Portage on Saturday, February 8, 2014. There are many scenic spots along the trails like this one. See more about Snowarama on page A3.
As Easter Seals Development Officer Rhonda Harrison welcomed everyone to the banquet at the Grand Portage Lodge at the end of the 2014 Snowarama for Easter Seals Kids on Saturday, February 8, she said, “Kids with disabilities just want to do the same things other kids do. But they can’t without assistance—without Easter Seals. And Easter Seals couldn’t do what we do without your help.”
“Your support matters,” said Harrison describing the Easter Seals camps that are specially designed to give youths with disabilities the experience of summer camp, such as swimming, archery, canoeing, fishing, and spending time around the campfire. Harrison introduced two young women— Kendall Douglas and Ericka Valiharju – who were able to attend Easter Seals camp. “Things like this wouldn’t happen if it weren’t for all of you.”
Harrison introduced Grand Portage Band of Lake Superior Chippewa Chairman Norman Deschampe, who also said thank you to all the participants and the volunteers. “Grand Portage is proud to be part of this event every year. The cause speaks for itself,” said Deschampe.
Everyone enjoyed the delicious banquet at the end of a day of riding in the Snowarama for Easter Seals on Saturday, February 8. After dinner, it was revealed that riders had raised $36,000 for Easter Seals of Ontario. Grand Portage Tribal Chair Norman Deschampe was happy to help Easter Seals Ambassador Zachary Pylychuk hold the big check celebrating the 2014 total.
Tony Swader of the Grand Portage Trail Riders also spoke, earning a round of applause when he said, “I hope you all had fun!”
Another round of applause followed for Grand Portage trail supervisor Bob Vogel, who had the trails groomed to perfection and for the Trail Riders volunteers who rode the route and made sure all of the 120 riders made it back to Grand Portage Lodge safely.
Swader also thanked Easter Seals Ambassador Zachary Pylychuk. “You’re a great representative for Easter Seals,” Swader said to 10-yearold Zachary, who then had the job of drawing for the wonderful prizes for riders.
After prizes were announced and happily accepted, Harrison announced the top fundraisers for 2014. The surprise of the night was that Andrew Bouley of Thunder Bay, who had been the top fundraiser for many years, had been bumped from the top spot. Bouley still raised an impressive $2,860 for Easter Seals of Ontario.
Easter Seals Ambassador Zachary Pylychuk (with his little brother Nathaniel behind) was happy to pose with the top two Snowarama fundraisers Andrew Bouley (left) and Wayne Muloin (right). The two men have a friendly competition going to see who can raise the most money to benefit Easter Seals.
At last year’s event, Wayne Muloin of Thunder Bay pledged that he would beat Bouley and he did, raising $4,304 for Easter Seals.
Their efforts, along with the other riders, raised $36,000 for Easter Seals, one of the best fundraising years to date. Grand Portage Lodge & Casino Marketing Director Frank Vecchio, a member of the Snowarama committee, said it was also one of the top fundraisers in all of Ontario. The total raised by the Grand Portage/ Thunder Bay event over the 11 years is $292,750.
Wrapping up the evening, Easter Seals Ambassador Zachary Pylychuk said, “Thanks to everyone who came out to help me and kids like me in wheelchairs and for your support of Easter Seals.”
To learn more about Easter Seals and how it has helped kids with physical disabilities succeed for over 90 years, visit www.easterseals.org.
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