NHSA Ride-In For
Easter Seals Camp Sno-Mo
Coos County Democrat
February 9, 2011
DIXVILLE NOTCH — Mother Nature has been
very kind to Granite State snowmobilers, and hundreds of them gathered over the
weekend in Dixville Notch, at the Balsams Grand Resort Hotel, for the 39th
Annual Ride-In to benefit Easter Seals NH’s Camp Sno-Mo located in Gilmanton
Iron Works.
Through fundraising effort throughout the year, such as spaghetti suppers and
bake sales, the New Hampshire Snowmobile Association (NHSA) clubs raised more
than $80,000, bringing the 39-year total to nearly $2.3 million dollars. This
money will be used to create lifechanging experiences for campers, ages 11 to
21, with disabilities and special needs. Easter Seals campers inclusively
participate alongside Boy Scouts in a wide variety of activities including water
sports, team sports, hiking, archery, a ropes course and crafts.
"Thousands of snowmobilers across New Hampshire demonstrate their commitment to
Easter Seals campers year after year through their hard work and support," said
Easter Seals NH President and CEO Larry Gammon. "We can always count on NHSA
members to rally to the cause and continue to make a profound difference at Camp
Sno-Mo.
Their dedication is extraordinary."Each year, The Union Leader sponsors a
variety of awards for this incredible event. This year’s winners are: Youngest
Person Driving to Ride In — Shawn Whiting, traveled 30 miles; Longest Ride to
Event — Matt, Mike and John Eddy of Albion, Me., traveled 256 miles; Largest
NHSA Club Participation — Pittsburg Ridge Runners, 17 members; Eldest Rider —
Ray Mitrano, age 73, Epping, traveled 75 miles; Longest One-Way Distance
Traveled in NH — Bryan McElroy and Phil Behrens, both from Londonderry, but
riding from Twin Mountain, traveled 96 miles.
Pictured, left to right, in the group photo are Phil Behrens, Bryan McElroy,
John Eddy, Matt Eddy, Mike Eddy and
Helga Ziegler from Pittsburg Ridge Runners
For 75 years, Easter Seals NH has provided exceptional services to ensure that
all people with disabilities or special needs and their families have equal
opportunities to live, learn, work and play in their communities. Easter Seals
services include autism
services, inclusive child care and early intervention, special education,
medical rehabilitation, camping and recreation, vocational services, senior
services, substance abuse services, adult day programs, community based
services, individual service options, transportation services, residential
service options, dental services and veteran services. As a leader in health
care
services for individuals with disabilities and special needs, ESNH employs more
than 1,400 individuals who serve 23,000 children,
adults and seniors in over 60 programs throughout the state. To learn more about
Easter Seals NH, visit
www.eastersealsnh.org.
Editors Note:
The WMRR club won 1st place for raising the most funds in Coos County and 5th
place state wide for a 3rd straight year. Many thanks to those who
generously donated to our fundraising efforts giving five Easter Seals kids the
opportunity to attend Camp Sno-Mo tuition free this summer.