Four years and running for a unique fundraiser that piggybacks on the popularity of reality television.
The Capital One Race for Kids brings teams of four together to compete in a series of challenges to earn a clue in order to figure out what and where the next challenge will be with kudos going to the team that finishes the fastest.
This year’s event brought in just under $16,800 with Team Ponoka Elementary School - consisting of Paula Wilkins, Shauna Wessner, Courtney Larsen and Maggie Henderson - taking the title of the fastest squad with Team Let’s Get Physiccal - consisting of Lisa Carr, Kim Roos, Courntey Bowes and Rebecca Cornall - placing second.
“The race was about the same toughness this year as in the past, with just the right mix of physical, mental and pure luck challenges,” explained Paige Brose with the Ponoka Youth Centre/Boys and Girls Club of Wolf Creek.
“All of the teams did extremely well and had a blast”
The challenges ranged from having to scarf down a ‘shot’ of various foods or condiments to performing firefighting jobs such as using a fire hose and dragging a ‘dummy’ as well as ‘walking’ in a group on a set of skis to collect pieces in order to complete a puzzle, ‘booking’ a criminal on a mischief charge and executing a successful country line dance.
Brose added it was Team County Cards - made up of Debbi Raugust, Donna Noble, Blaine Rose and Paul McLauchlin - that raised the most money for the cause while Team Heppy Feet - consisting of Kailey Wall, Jessalyn Adams, Alty Kanten and Jenna Pickett - bringing the second most funds. Raugust was the top individual fundraiser with $2,800 with Wall close behind raising $2,146.
“The purpose of the race is to raise funds, as well as awareness, for the Ponoka Youth Centre/Boys and Girls Clubs of Wolf Creek.” Brose stated.
“We also want it to be an event that gives back to the community as a fun way to say thank you for all they do.”
The race also wouldn’t be possible without the great support of many community businesses, services and organizations who supplied not only donations, but the facilities used for the 10 challenge stations.
“The community business support is essential. We ask the community businesses to sponsor the checkpoints where the teams participate in the challenges,” Brose said.
“We also have many corporate teams sign up and run as a staff group and plenty of local business-sponsored individual racers as well. We are so grateful for the businesses that allowed us to use their facilities for the checkpoints.”
All of the funds raised through the race remain in Ponoka to benefit the 13 different programs the organization offers to children and youth from ages five to 17.