Saturday evening, the Merrill Community New Year Ride will host the “Sleds and Jams” fundraiser in support of local veterans BJ Lipke and Arndold “Vic” Viljevac at Tripp and Kim’s Northway Club.
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 to remove the tumor 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.
Saturday’s festivities in support of BJ and Arnold kick off at 5 p.m. when basket and grand prize raffle tickets go on sale at Northway Club. Then at 7 p.m. cash prizes will be awarded for this year’s poker run for top three hands. Immediately following, over $4,000 in donated prizes will be raffled off including numerous gift certificates, snowmobile gear, music festival tickets and a 4050-watt generator.
The organization’s third annual poker run consisting of 15 stops opened earlier this month. Cards complete with instructions, rules and participating locations are now available by contacting the Merrill Community New Year Ride via Facebook here for pickup at The Sawmill Brewing Company, Bills Bar, Z’s Fork Horners Bar and Grill, Katie and Baron’s Dugout Bar and 365 Powersports (formerly Snow Shack).
Cards are due to be turned in for drawing by 6 p.m. Saturday evening at Northway Club, with a $15 donation per card. Half of the total cash pot from the poker run will be paid back, while the remaining half will be added to total funds raised and donated to the Viljevac and Lipke families.
Then from 8 p.m.-midnight live music will open from Stevens Point-based rock band “Noise Complaint,” sponsored by the Cosmo Theatre and Studio 808, with 50/50 raffles throughout the night.
The Merrill Community New Year Ride Executive Committee would like to thank the many local businesses, individuals and organizations who have contributed to making their 2019 winter event possible.
Participating locations of this year’s poker run include:
East Route- *Snowmobile trail access is open as of noon, Friday, Feb 1.*
Pine Ridge Mobil
Bills Bar
Gleason Bowling Center
Gails Place Banquet Hall.
Boars Nest Bar
Ma’s Place Restaurant
Z’s Fork Horners Bar and Grill
West Route- *Snowmobile trail access is not yet available*
Tripp & Kim’s Nothway 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 (formerly Snow Shack)
Since its inception in 2017, the Merrill Community New Year Ride has partnered with the Merrill community in raising thousands of dollars in support of fellow community members and organizations. The organization 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 them on Facebook https://www.facebook.com/MerrillCommunityNewYearRide/