An unexpected cash infusion and a major dump of snow thrilled organizers of the annual Easter Seals Snowarama last week.
Ski-doo along with King's Sport Leisure & Marine announced on November 14 the donation of a brand new 2013 snowmobile to the fundraiser.
John Denysek, regional director, Yorkton branch of the Saskatchewan Abilities Council (SAC), said the donation means the organization will be able do much more for Saskatchewan children with disabilities.
"It's a direct deduction in our expenses," he said. "The value of the sled is in excess of 10,000 dollars, that means as a Snowarama planning committee there's 10,000 dollars less in expenses that we'll have as we put on the 2013 event. So, what I always convert it to is how many more kids can we send to Camp Easter Seal? That represents eight more children."
Camp Easter Seal is a wheelchair accessible resort on the shore of Lake Manitou.
In the past, the Snowarama committee has had to purchase the grand prize.
Spy Hill's Bailey Clark, the 14-year old Easter Seals Saskatchewan ambassador for 2013, was on hand for the announcement. She said the experiences provided by Easter Seals, the Abilities Council and events such as Snowarama are fantastic opportunities for kids like her.
"It is amazing and nothing makes me happier than meeting new people and having fun," she said.
Bailey was diagnosed with a brain tumour shortly after her fourth birthday. Subsequent to surgery and chemotherapy, she requires a wheelchair and has other limitations.
Meanwhile, the nearly half-metre of snow that covered southeastern Saskatchewan between November 9 and 11 bodes well for the ride, traditionally the highlight of Snowarama, but which had to be cancelled last year because of lack of snow.
"This year I think there is a tremendous amount of excitement and pent-up demand, if you will," said Paul Smolinski, owner and general manager at King's Sport. "Since the snow on the weekend, we've been incredibly busy at the store here, and I expect the ride is going to be bigger and better than ever."
Even though the ride was cancelled in 2012, the event took in approximately $125,000 between individual fundraisers, corporate sponsorships and the banquet. Denysek expects to exceed that in 2013.
"This year we're targetting 155,000 dollars," Denysek said. "We're finding that corporate sponsorships are up across the board, so that's really great to see. We're also hoping with the snowfall now that people's enthusiasm will be there to get out there and we'll be able to attract some new riders."
Previous riders and new ones will leave the Gallagher Centre at 10 a.m. on February 9, sled to Good Spirit Lake Golf and Family Resort where lunch will be served and return to the Gallagher Centre for the evening banquet.
SAC is currently accepting registrations for Snowarama. Riders are expected to raise a minimum of $150. For every increment of $150 raised, participants will receive one ballot in a draw for the snowmobile, a 2013 Skidoo MXZ Sport 600 ACE.
People who do not wish to take part in the ride can still attend the banquet Saturday night. Banquet tickets are $30. Non-participants in the ride can also have a shot at the grand prize by raising money in increments of $150.
The banquet will feature a live auction and raffle, as well as special awards. These will be presented to: the oldest driver, the driver from the furthest distance, the driver of the oldest snow machine, junior achievement (age 12-17), and top youth fundraiser.
