Many communities are taking advantage of the winter weather to plan poker rally fundraising opportunities.
Here are some that held their events in Janurary.
St. Benedict
Organizer Helen Martinka says the snow conditions were a little concerning before the Jan. 6 St. Benedict Poker Rally. But organizers who were out preparing the 25 mile trail north of St. Benedict were quite happy with snow conditions as were the approximately 80 riders who took advantage of the beautiful weather to get out on the trails.
All their fundraising and planning efforts paid off with just under $10,000 raised, says Martinka.
People come out to support the rally whether they have snow or not, she says.
Along with poker hands, 10 silent auction items and two tables of bucket raffle prizes also helped raise money for the St. Benedict community centre.
“The funds we raise help pay utilities and maintenance.”
Sponsors from Prince Albert, Humboldt, Wakaw, Cudworth, St. Benedict, Pilger, and Middle Lake helped make the poker rally a success, says Martinka.
“We really appreciate that,” she says.
St. Gertrude
Heading south on Jan. 6 made a world of difference for the St. Gertrude Poker Rally event with only passable snow conditions and beautiful weather for their rally to go forward.
Origanizer Jerome Hinz said that 45 sledders took to the trails around St. Gregor. Around 100 people stayed for a dance in the evening with the event netting about $3,500 to be donated through the St. Gertrude community club to local charities or families in need around the area.
“We try to help out wherever it’s needed. That’s what the money is for.”
Bruno
There was no snow for the Jan. 18 Bruno Lions Club Poker Rally but organizer Chris Lepage says that there was still poker hands, draws, and 50/50 leading up to the steak night in the evening.
“Wasn’t that great of a turn out but still made some money at it,” says Lepage.
All the money will be distributed by the Lions Club to local projects.
Past donations have helped teams purchase jerseys, Christmas hampers, and maintaining the campground building.
Around 15 people pitched in to help with the event and many sponsors from the surrounding area donated raffle and door prizes.
Pilger
Thanks to a large and sudden amount of snow on Jan. 26, lots of sleds made their way to the Pilger poker rally, says Wanda Krentz. Around 75 sledders came out which was more than walk in traffic which is a good way to be, she says.
While they do not have a final total, Krentz says the fundraising efforts, which included poker hands, raffles, 50/50, and a canteen, are going to be around the average that they make, around $3,500-$4,000 raised.
The Pilger Rec Board stepped up to plan the event with a handful of volunteers helping out as well, says Krentz.
“It’s one day a year so lots of us put in a full day and get it done.”
Naicam
The Naicam Snow Blasters also benefitted from Friday’s sudden snowfall but were also hindered a little bit.
While the snow made conditions perfect for snowmobiling, some members could not make it out because of questionable road conditions.
Audrey McMillan with the Snow Blasters says they had around 174 riders come out to enjoy their 292 kilometres of trail with riders ranging in age from three to 86. McMillan says that the club had around 200 riders last year.
Fundraising efforts included silent auctions, bucket draws, 50/50, and liquor basket with McMillan saying that they will still raise $13,000 for the club to continue maintaining the trails, signage, machinery and warming shacks that stretch from Humboldt to Pleasantdale.
Prizes came in from businesses in Saskatoon, Prince Albert, Melfort, Humboldt, and area.
