For the Antigo Times

Beginning at noon on Saturday, DAT Bar of Merrill and the Merrill Community New Year Ride will host the Flip Off Cancer: Round 2 Benefit in support of Anne Germain of Merrill.

A full day of events is planned, beginning with a Chili Cook-Off and Snowmobile Show/Contest at noon. Then at 3 PM, a poker run open to both snowmobiles and personal vehicles will leave DAT Bar, with stops at the Beacon Bar, Ed and Sharon’s Restaurant, Pagels Pub & Grub, Collins Bar and Kathy and Cal’s Club 64. Following the poker run, a raffle consisting of over $3,000 in prizes will be held at DAT Bar, along with dinner and live music by Wausau-based Blues/ Rock band ‘Bobby Blues Tortured Soul.’

$300 in cash prizes will be awarded for the top 3 poker run hands as well as cash prizes for the best in 3 classes of snowmobiles; Generation-Z (1998 and newer); Classic (1997-1983) and Antique (1982 and older). Cash prizes will also be awarded for Grand Champion and People’s Choice in the Chili Cook-Off.

Additional contests will be held as well as prizes throughout the afternoon.

“We are very excited for Saturday,” comments New Year Ride board chairman Jeremy Ratliff.

“Our five member governance board has been working steadily since October to organize and plan our annual fundraiser. We can’t even begin to express our appreciation to local businesses and employers for their generous support! It has been a very rewarding experience to rally the Merrill community around a very deserving cause for the second consecutive year. Anne’s story was brought to our board, by board member and Secretary/Treasurer Beth Anne Rekowski at our first meeting in October.”

Anne is currently fighting her second bout with Medullablastoma, a rare but aggressive brain tumor normally found in children. Originally diagnosed in 2012 at the age of 23, Anne fought the tumor to remission, only to learn the tumor had returned after four years. In August, Anne underwent her third surgery to remove portions of the tumor and is currently undergoing an aggressive treatment regimen at the UW-Hospital in Madison.

“Although we had received several applications, the decision to support Anne was unanimous for the board without a second thought,” Ratliff adds.

“To even begin to understand what Anne has been through is next to impossible. But one thing for certain is she’s a fighter and a very courageous young lady. We are proud to have the opportunity to support her and bring the support of the community as well.”

Registration in advance is available now at the Beacon, the AmericInn, Studio 808 and DAT Bar. Due to space limitations, the Chili Cook-Off is limited to the first 10 to register at Salvo’s Pizza.

Otherwise registration will open at 10 AM Saturday morning at DAT Bar located at 1404 W. Main Street Merrill.

“We humbly thank the Merrill Community New Year Ride for nominating Anne for this wonderful gift, and the hard work and generosity they all provide to make this event happen,” adds Anne’s mother Laurie.

“We thank all our family, friends, coworkers, acquaintances, and allies we never met,  who come together to comfort, encourage, and sustain Anne during her crusade against brain cancer.”

For more information, contact DAT Bar, Jeremy (715) 536-8494 or Beth Anne (715) 921-2018. Or visit the Community Ride’s Facebook page at https://www.facebook.com/MerrillCommunityNewYearRide/

Monetary donations are welcome via the ‘Community New Year Ride’ account at Lincoln Community Bank.