After the September fundraising event in Humboldt that exceeded all expectations, the Rush for Gold committee is still drinking in the taste of success.
"It was such an amazing event," said committee chair Michelle Bankowski, "We're still recovering from it, and just kind of resting on our laurels right now."
Many volunteers and people from the community put time and effort into the two-day event, the mission of which was to raise funds for Humboldt's two Olympic athletes, Brianne Theisen and Lyndon Rush.
Both athletes were in attendance for the whole event that began on September 20 with a 24-hour marathon run by local resident Andy McAnally, and ended with a gala dinner, September 21, at Jubilee Hall in the Uniplex in Humboldt.
Bankowski estimates that the final figure for funds raised will be just short of $55,000.
"We still have people sending in money even after the event is over," she said in amazement.
In addition, Bankowski said there are still the proceeds from a raffle to be counted in. The committee is selling tickets for a beautifully painted NHL Locker, an item that was sponsored by Nutter's Bulk Foods and Edge Auto Body, who also painted the locker.
According to Bankowski, the committee will be keeping a low profile for the next while.
"We don't have any other events planned for now," she confirmed. "Perhaps when it's closer to the Olympic date for Rush. We'll see how things go."
Theisen and Rush were both moved and more than grateful for the support they received from the community of Humboldt and area. The proceeds from the event will be shared between the two athletes so that they can devote their time to training for their next Olympics.
After winning a bronze in the 2010 Olympic Winter Games in Vancouver, bobsledder Lyndon Rush is going for gold in the 2014 Olympic Winter Games in Sochi, Russia.
Theisen came home from her first Olympic Games in London this past summer, placing 11th in the heptathlon. She plans to attend the next summer games in Rio de Janeiro in 2016.
