The Merrill Community New Year Ride’s Executive Committee is proud to announce the organization’s 2019 support recipients, as selected during their annual organizational meeting on Oct. 23. Of a field of 13 applications submitted on behalf of both local non-profit organizations and local community members, three local veterans were selected, as well as the Northwoods chapter of Bikers Against Child Abuse (BACA).
2019 marks the third year of the organization’s work in assisting those in need in the Merrill area.
US Marine Corps Veteran BJ Lipke and US Army National Guard Master Sergeant Arnold “Vic” Viljevac have been selected support recipients for the organization’s 2019 fundraising kick off “Sleds and Jams” event on Feb. 2. US Army veteran and Bronze Star recipient Tim Messer has been selected support recipient for the “Mud ‘N Jams” ATV-Motorcycle Ride fundraiser in June. BACA has been named support recipient for the organization’s “Rosco’s Ride” motorcycle ride fundraiser in September.
The Sleds and Jams Poker Run and Raffle Fundraiser for BJ and Vic is set for Saturday, Feb. 2 at Tripp & Kim’s Northway Club (N2198 Cty. K, Merrill). Festivities include basket and grand prize raffles, as well as 50/50 raffles throughout the evening. Live entertainment will open at 8 p.m., provided by Stevens Point-based rock quartet, Noise Complaint, generously sponsored by the Cosmo Theatre and Studio 808.
Master Sergeant Viljevac is an actively serving member of the US 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 United States Marine Corps. 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. 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.
All proceeds from the poker run, raffles and other festivities will be donated directly to the Lipke and Viljevac families.
Lipke, Messer and MSG Viljevac were nominated for support by Steve Sabatke-Former Post Commander, Hamburg VFW Post 10203.
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/