Collin Lueck
Editor
The 2018 Merrill Community New Year Ride fundraiser will benefit Anne Germain of Merrill, who is currently engaged in her 2nd bout with Medullablastoma, a rare form of brain tumor normally found in children. The New Year Ride governance board unanimously selected Germain from among the applications received in October.
Germain underwent surgery to remove a portion of the tumor in August and is now undergoing various treatments to combat the tumor.
“The board felt we could bring the community together to support her,” said New Year Ride chairman Jeremy Ratliff.
“It was a unanimous decision.”
Benefit cards went on sale last week.
The $20 cards carry close to $400 in savings when used at participating businesses. Merrill’s west side business community has recently gotten behind the effort, dubbed ‘Welcome to the Ward Showcase.’ Participating businesses include DAT Bar, Beacon Bar and Restaurant, Holiday-West, West Side Market and Stacy Literski Photography.
The benefit cards can also be used to collect poker run stamps, between now and January 20. Stops on the poker run include Kathy and Cal’s Club 64, Pagels Pub, Beacon Bar, Collin’s Bar, Ed & Sharon’s and DAT Bar.
Once purchased, be sure and hang on to your card for a free raffle ticket and to be eligible for food discounts at DAT Bar on the evening of Jan. 20.
During the New Year Ride fundraiser event on Jan. 20, those with poker run stamps from at least five different stops, can draw a poker hand to win cash prizes. Card drawing is set for 7:30 that evening.
The entire fundraiser event will be held at DAT Bar, with a snowmobile show and chili cookoff from noon to 3 p.m. followed by the snowmobile poker run at 3 p.m. The poker run will be held, snow or no snow, and cars/trucks are welcome to participate.
The Chili Cook-Off is open to the first 10 to register at Salvo’s Pizza, due to space limitations. The Snowmobile Show is open to the first 75 sleds to be registered at any of the five card sales outlets. Cash prizes will be awarded in 3 classes; Antique (40 years old or older), Vintage (20-40 years old), ‘Generation Z’ (Year 2000 or newer) and Best in Show (Best overall sled). Cash prizes will also be awarded in the Chili Cook-Off for Grand Champion and Peoples Choice
Dinner at DAT Bar at 7 p.m. will be followed by Bobby Blues Tortured Soul Band playing from 8 p.m. to midnight.
All proceeds from the fundraiser will be donated to Anne and her family for her treatment and related costs.
The cards are available at AmericInn, Salvo’s Pizza, DAT Bar, Beacon Bar and Studio 808 through Jan, 20.
For more information, visit the New Year Ride on Facebook at ‘Community New Year Ride’ or email [email protected]
The Merrill Community New Year Ride organization would like to thank the members of it’s 5-member governance board for their effort and dedication in making the January event possible, as well as the many community members for their input and support.
Special thanks to Wausau-based blues-rock band ‘Bobby Blues Tortured Soul’ for their generous support as well as DAT Bar owners Dennis and Traci Fick ,for donating their entire establishment and parking lot to host the upcoming benefit. Those interested in donating to support Anne and the event can do so via the ‘Community New Year Ride’ account at Lincoln Community Bank.