Camille Venn rides in memory of her father

The sudden temperature drop didn't stop snowmobile enthusiasts from heading out on the 100 km Snowarama ride in support of Easter Seals yesterday.

For the second year in a row, seven-year-old Camille Venn (pictured, middle), with the help of friends, family and social media, was the event's top fundraiser, donating a total of $2,650 to the cause.

Venn has been taking part in Snowarama for the past three years, riding in memory of her father Danny who was the victim of a tragic snowmobile accident.

She was accompanied yesterday by her mother Corry and brother Chase.

Wes Moore, chair of Snowarama, told SooToday.com that the annual event doesn't set a donation goal, but attempts to maximize community involvement and awareness.

"In the 37 years of Snowarama, we've raised in excess of $1 million which makes us one of the most successful Snowarama events in the province."

Although participation was down from previous years, the event exceeded Rotary's expectations in terms of funds raised.

All donations go to support Easter Seals.

Full text of a news release issued by the Rotary Club of Sault Ste. Marie follows.

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Hungry to ride, snow machiners pull out the stops for Easter Seals!

SAULT STE. MARIE - It may have been -20 C outside, but the generosity of participants made the 37th running of Snowarama for Easter Seals Kids a warm place indeed!

Approximately 80 riders raised over $32,600.

“Once again Sault Ste. Marie has come through and supported Easter Seals children. Even though participation was down this year, pledges were up by close to $10,000!” expounds Wes Moore, Snowarama chair/Rotary Club of Sault Ste. Marie. “As many participants have said, it’s about the children , with the ride being a bonus at the end of the day."

Lack of snow this winter is cited as the likely cause for the lower ridership, but for one 2 km section of the trail used for Snowarama, the trails were in good condition.

“The Sault Trailblazers have worked very hard to make the trail system as enjoyable as possible,” Moore says. "Groomers were even out last night pulling snow onto a logging road to try to make it passable for ride participants."

The George Willis trophy, named in honour of the St. Joseph Island resident who consistently brought in the most donations to Snowarama for many years, went to Camille Venn who raised $2,650.

Other high fundraisers include Terri Triplet who raised $2,630, Landon Odom who raised $2,427, and John Trumble who raised $2,162.

There were also three riders who raised over $1,000 each.

Winners of the local dealer draws are:

Polaris jacket donated by RiverCity Motorsports: Adam Carricato

Stihl leaf blower donated by Construction Equipment Co.: John Trumble

Yamaha sports bag donated by H and S Outdoor Equipment: Harold Walker

Carhart jacket and pants donated by North Shore Sports and Auto: Jeff Johnston

Easter Seals Ontario is proud to celebrate 90 years of helping children and youth with physical disabilities. 

2012 also marks the 75th anniversary of Easter Seals fully accessible summer camps and the 65th anniversary of our annual Easter ‘seals’ direct mail campaign, which continues to be one of our most successful campaigns.

For 90 years, Easter Seals has played an important role in providing support for children and youth with physical disabilities.

Thanks to our generous donors, we continue to offer programs that allow kids to experience freedom, independence and a sense of accomplishment. 

For families, Easter Seals is somewhere to turn for help when they need it. 

Your support means so much to these children and their families.

Easter Seals Ontario - Celebrating 90 years of helping children and youth with physical disabilities achieve their potential.

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