For many years, snowmobilers from Minnesota and Ontario have
gathered in February to ride in the Snowarama for Easter Seals event,
raising money to assist children and youth with physical disabilities
in the Thunder Bay area. In addition to knowing they are donating to
a great cause, there is a new twist this year, thanks to the
collaboration of the Grand Portage Lodge, Grand Portage Trail Riders
Snowmobile Club, and Polaris Industries. At the ride, on Saturday,
February 20, riders have the opportunity to win a 2010 550 Polaris IQ-
Shift snowmobile.!
Mary Ann Gagnon of the Trail Riders was happy to make the
announcement at a promotional visit by Snowarama for Easter Seals
Ambassador Zachary Pylychuk. Six-year-old Zachary, who has been
diagnosed with spinal muscular strophy (SMA), sometimes referred to
as children’s Lou Gehrig’s disease, was more interested in trying to
talk the Trail Riders to letting him drive off on a snowmobile.
However, riders will be excited at the possibility of winning a brand-
new machine. To ride in Snowarama, riders must raise a minimum of
$100. After the initial $100, every rider who raises an additional
77.77 will be entered in the drawing for the snowmobile.
Gagnon said they are grateful to Polaris Industries and to Sonju
Motors who worked with Grand Portage to make it available.
Zachary’s mom, Jacqueline, expressed appreciation to all of the
riders and to the Easter Seals organization. She said the
organization has been very helpful to their family, assisting with
major purchases such as a van with a roll-in lift. However, it’s more
than that, she said. “It’s not just about equipment. Easter Seals
gives families the ability to help their children be as independent
as possible. It supports kids to be able to move around and do things
on their own. The support for families is wonderful,” she said.
The ride itself is wonderful too, on the beautiful and well-groomed
Grand Portage snowmobile trails. There are always fun activities in
conjunction with the ride—bonfires, a dance, and a spaghetti dinner
on Saturday night.
Pledge forms for Snowarama are available at the Grand Portage Lodge,
Grand Portage Trust Lands, Northern Wild, and the Cook County News-
Herald. For more information about Snowarama for Easter Seals Kids,
call (800) 668-6252.
