On Saturday, October 20th, Langton Minor Hockey will host their VETS AND VINTAGE Fundraiser at Gopher Dunes Raceway.
Parents and Players will be on the grounds all day helping with flagging and food/beverages while cheering on the veteran racers that come out specifically for this event in hopes of raising lots of money - which all goes towards Langton Minor Hockey.
Rain date will be October 21st
LMH Association is looking for Volunteers for this event - please contact Kendell Zajac to sign up!
Article Printed in the Port Rowan Good News about the VETS AND VINTAGE events held in 2017
Written by S.Wiebe
Three years ago Langton Minor Hockey and Gopher Dunes partnered to come up with a unique and enjoyable fundraiser that went beyond chocolate bar sales or car washes and its success was far greater than anyone would have expected.
“We were approached by the Langton Minor Hockey Association to see if we would be interested in coming up with a way to raise money to help offset costs associated with hockey and registration fees” says Frank Shooster, previous owner of Gopher Dunes Raceway. “We are a facility built around kids and so it was a natural fit for us to get involved...we wanted to do what we could to help.”
That was when the Vet and Vintage fundraiser was born and according to LMHA Equipment Manager and Registry, Sheri Columbe, who helps with organizing the event, it's a fun, carefree day that it strictly focused on having a good time. “It’s a great day, and so fun to watch...there’s no trophies to win - just bragging rights, which is sometimes more valuable.” she jokes.
Taking place on the Gopher Dunes Practice Track, the Vet and Vintage fundraiser is a whole race day set aside for retired racers with vintage bikes, which Frank says is anything from 1996 down to 1970. “The guys who register are happy to participate in an event like this because it's going towards a good cause. They get to get some mud on their wheels, tell a few tall tales and fill up on a homecooked meal at the end of the day.”
In its third year this fundraiser has totaled almost $10,000 which has gone straight back into Langton Minor Hockey. “100% of profits is donated by Frank and his family” says Sheri. “He is such a giving man and our organization is so grateful for his willingness to give and give and give.”
With the recent changes in the Jr and Sr IP Program in Minor Hockey, a new divider wall and smaller nets are needed to accommodate the half ice rules and according to Sheri, the money raised through this fundraiser will help to purchase these items.
“There are so many people to thank for their help with this fundraiser” says Sheri. “Obviously Frank is one of those people, as well as Kendall Zajac (The Country Fork in Port Rowan), who flipped burgers all day and supplied the meal for the racers. Also Tara Romboute, Dave VanHaverbeke, the local kids who came out to flag and the retired EMS who were on scene in case of an emergency... many hands were on deck to make this day a success.”
Although they aren't certain if the fundraiser will continue next year, or end on a high note in its third year -- Frank says that he has many great memories of his own kids playing Hockey in Langton and will continue to support that association in any way he can.