Saturday February 2, the Merrill Community New Year Ride organization and Tripp & Kim’s Northway Club will host the “Sleds and Jams” fundraiser for local veterans Bj Lipke and Arnold ‘Vic’ Viljevac.
2019 marks the third year of the organization’s efforts to assist community members in enjoying a better, brighter new year. In an effort to further support the Viljevac and Lipke families, the organization has partnered with 16 Merrill and Gleason area businesses for its 2019 Poker Run.
Master Sergeant Viljevac is an actively serving member of the Army National Guard with a service tenure spanning 29 years, including two tours in Iraq. A recent disorientation issue prompted medical attention for MSG Viljevac which revealed a brain tumor. Emergency brain surgery has resulted in significant residual debilitating effects, as well as a significant financial burden for MSG. Viljevac and his family.
While serving in the Marine Corps. Mr. Lipke sustained a debilitating injury. At only 36 years old, he now supports a wife and four children. BJ has since been diagnosed with, and is now battling a rare auto-immune disease. This potential killer disease has attached to his heart and liver and is advancing. Mr. Lipke is in need of much more care and operations.
The Lipke’s 8-year old son has a severe spinal disorder requiring frequent treatment in Madison and is facing major surgeries.
Poker run cards are now available for pickup at Z’s Fork Horners Bar and Grill, Bill’s Bar, 365 Powersports (formerly Snow Shack), Chris and Karen’s Hub Inn and the Sawmill Brewing Company. Cards are free of charge upon pickup and should be turned in no later than 6 PM on Feb 2 at the Northway Club with a $15 donation per card. 50% of cash donations will be awarded for the top 3 poker hands beginning at 7 PM, along with grand prize and basket raffles. The remaining 50% of cash donations will be donated to the Lipke and Viljevac families.
This year’s run consists of an east and west route, each consisting of 8 stops.
Participating businesses include:
East Route-
Pine Ridge Mobil
Bills Bar
Gleason Bowling Center
Gails Place and Banquet Hall
Boars Nest Bar of Gleason
Ma’s Place Restaurant of Gleason
Z’s Fork Horners Bar and Grill
West Route-
Tripp & Kim’s Northway Club
Katie and Baron’s Dugout Bar
Brett’s Hillside Bar
Collins Bar and Grill
The Beacon
Ed and Sharon’s Restaurant
County Line Pub
365 Powersports
Each card is complete with participating locations, rules and instructions. All participating businesses are on or near local snowmobile trails.
“On behalf of our executive committee, we would like to sincerely thank each of our participating businesses for their generosity,” explains New Year Ride Chairman Jeremy Ratliff.
“Since our organization was founded three years ago, the Merrill community has been absolutely amazing in rallying around our support recipients. Without the support of the many local businesses, organizations and individuals in our community, our efforts would not be possible.”
Those interested in donating, or for more information on the February event, please visit the Merrill Community New Year Ride on Facebook, email at [email protected] or call (715) 536-8494.
Since its inception in 2017, the Merrill Community New Year Ride has partnered with the generous local business community in raising thousands of dollars in support of fellow community members and organizations. The organizaton holds three events annually, each taking advantage of the rich outdoor recreational opportunities the Merrill area has to offer, while focusing on giving back to the Merrill community by supporting fellow community members and organizations in need.
For more information, visit us on Facebook https://www.facebook.com/MerrillCommunityNewYearRide/