Dana Logan and Tony Swader, members of the Grand Portage Trail Riders, are gearing up for the 2011 Snowarama on the beautiful Grand Portage Trails. Part of the preparation is meeting with the Easter Seals Ambassador Zachary Pylychuk, who enjoyed pretending to drive a snowmobile.
In 1922, when Easter Seals of Ontario began helping children and young adults with physical disabilities address life’s challenges and achieve personal goals, the founders probably didn’t envision the inventive ways the organization has raised funds to fulfill that mission—fashion shows, National Hockey League exhibitions, wine and cheese tasting events and Snowarama, one of the organization’s most successful fundraisers.
One of the reasons Snowarama is so successful is because not only does it benefit a great cause, it is a lot of fun, as the riders who have taken part in the Grand Portage Snowarama for the last seven years can attest. The 9th Snowarama for Easter Seals in Grand Portage promises to be another fun family event.
Joining the Grand Portage Lodge & Casino, the Grand Portage Trail Riders, and Easter Seals at a planning meeting on Tuesday, January 11, was Easter Seals Ambassador Zachary Pylychuk. The outgoing sevenyear old has spinal muscular atrophy (SMA), sometimes referred to as children’s Lou Gehrig’s disease. He has been the Easter Seals Ambassador for the Grand Portage Snowarama for three years now and has won the hearts of Easter Seals, the Grand Portage community—and this reporter.
Despite his challenges, including a recent emergency hospitalization, Zachary and his family travel and represent Easter Seals whenever they are called upon. Zachary’s mom Jacqueline Pylychuk said it is sometimes difficult, but she said Easter Seals is so important in so many children’s lives that she manages to find the time.
“It’s not just about equipment for kids. It’s about mobility and helping them achieve a greater level of independence,” said Jacqueline.
Rhonda Harrison, Easter Seals senior development officer expressed gratitude to Jacqueline and Zachary for traveling to Grand Portage last week to promote this year’s Snowarama. And she added thanks to everyone who took part in previous year’s Snowarama events, while encouraging them to take part in Snowarama 2011.
There will be the traditional ride, spaghetti supper and awards ceremony Saturday night followed by a dance with the Shackshakers.
Also, riders will have the chance to win a $2,500 shopping spree at their choice of these snowmobile dealers—Smith’s RV Centre, J&J Sports, North Country Cycle & Sports, Gear Up for Outdoors, Gordon Trailer Sales & Rentals, and Excalibur Motorcyle in Thunder Bay or Duluth Lawn & Sports and RJ Sports & Cycle in Duluth. Each rider must collect $100 to ride in Snowarama, but as an additional “8-ball” bonus, for each $88 over that amount, riders will win an entry in the drawing for the shopping spree.
Frank Vecchio, Grand Portage Lodge & Casino Sales & Marketing, reported that the 2010 Grand Portage Snowarama was the second-most successful event in Ontario. Vecchio said, “Sault Ste. Marie beat us by just a few hundred dollars. Let’s try to make our Snowarama the most successful this year!”
If you would like to take part in the fun of Snowarama, contact the Grand Portage Lodge & Casino at (218) 475-2441 or Easter Seals of Ontario at (807) 345-7622 for more information.
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