Easter Seal's annual Snowarama event set for fundraiser no. 13

Zach Pylychuk says Easter Seals’ annual Snowarama fundraiser make a world of difference in people’s lives.

“It’s really, really great and I think the world needs more of this,” the 12-year-old said on Thursday, helping to launch the 13th annual snowmobile event, slated for Feb. 20 at Grand Portage Lodge and Casino just south of the border in Minnesota.

Zach has been the face of Snowarama for the past nine years and says he loves it. Not only does it help raise money – $40,000 alone in 2015 – but also for the social aspect of it too.

“I get to talk to and see a bunch of the riders again and again and again and I also get to see new faces,” he said.

Rhonda Harrison, a senior development officer with Easter Seals Ontario, said the event helps raise money used to help children with mobility issues, purchase communications device and pay for summer camp experiences.”

It’s continued popularity isn’t difficult to explain, she said.

“It’s a great community event. A lot of snowmobilers come for the first time and then they come every year. They make new friends and have a great time. A lot of people make a whole weekend out of it at Grand Portage Lodge and Casino,” Harrison said.

Conditions are incredible this year, says casino spokesman Frank Vecchio, with about 100 miles of trail open for riding.

To celebrate the 13th year, organizers are offering up 13 prizes, each participant getting a ballot for every $100 they raise. The top prize is a 2016 Polaris 550 Indy snow machine.

Trail permits, which cost US$36 and available at Ryden’s Border Store, are required for participants wanting to venture off casino property.

For more information about this year’s Snowarama and how to participate, visit www.easterseals.org or www.snowarama.org.