The Grill Next Door takes the plunge to support Special Olympics

For the second year in a row, Gardnerville Ranchos restaurant The Grill Next Door has formed a Polar Plunge team to benefit the Northern Nevada Special Olympics program.

There’s still time to jump in on the fun. Anyone interested in participating is welcome to join TGND roster by visiting specialolympics.donordrive.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=donorDrive.team&teamID=7391. 

The link may also be used to make a monetary donation in support of TGND team, which is currently about halfway to their $5000 fundraising goal.

The 2022 Polar Plunge takes place Saturday, April 23 at Round Hill Pines Beach Resort, 300 Hwy 50 in Zephyr Cove. Participants who sign up as a “plunger” commit to entering the water the day of the event; the team’s registration page says, “You can dip your big toe or your whole body, it is completely up to you.” Another option is to sign up as a “towel holder” and cheer for the team from dry land. All team members will enjoy the day’s festivities, which include games, activities, awards, and an optional costume contest. Registration starts at 9 a.m., and the plunge is scheduled for 12:30 p.m.

TGND team members who collect donations will receive a breakfast burrito and beverage the morning of the plunge. Every $5 raised earns those on TGND roster a raffle ticket to win 2 free burger meals at the restaurant, and those who raise $125 or more earn a long-sleeved Polar Plunge t-shirt.

For more information, check out TGND Facebook page at facebook.com/people/The-Grill-Next-Door/100038169860927/, stop by the restaurant at 1281 Kimmerling Road, Suite 11 in the Gardnerville Ranchos, or call 775-392-5800.

Special Olympics Nevada aims “…to provide year-round sports training and athletic competition in a variety of Olympic-type sports for children and adults with intellectual disabilities. This gives them continuing opportunities to develop physical fitness, demonstrate courage, experience joy and participate in a sharing of gifts, skills and friendship with their families, other Special Olympics athletes and the community” (sonv.org). 

Ham it up at Bingo this weekend

The Kiwanis Club of Carson Valley hosts their 2022 Ham Bingo Saturday at the CVIC Hall, 1604 Esmeralda Ave., in Minden. The family friendly event has two sessions, the first at noon and the second at 3 p.m.

Paper bingo cards are two for $1, and daubers are available for $1 each. Participants may play as many cards per game as they like, and games will last until all hams are awarded. A special grand prize will be given out at the end of each bingo session.

Raffle tickets will be sold for a chance to win prizes donated by local community businesses and Carson Valley Kiwanis members. Complimentary popcorn and coffee will be served; and hot dogs, chips, water, and soft drinks will be available for purchase. 

Members of the Douglas High School Key Club and the Aktion Club of Carson Valley, two local service leadership programs through Kiwanis International, will be on hand to help out during the event.

Kiwanis is an international service organization open to men and women who want personal involvement in the leadership and improvement of their communities, with an emphasis on helping youth grow and succeed. The Kiwanis Club of Carson Valley hosts numerous fundraisers throughout the year to support their scholarship fund and other worthy initiatives that benefit the wellbeing of local children and families. 

Member meetings are held every Thursday at 6:30 a.m. at the C.O.D. Casino, 1593 Esmeralda Avenue in Minden. All are welcome to attend. For more information, call 775-339-8882.

Elks present awards

The Tahoe-Douglas Elks Lodge held their annual Pins and Awards night on March 23. Exalted Ruler Anne Marie Neacy presented pins and awards to Elks members including Joyce Jones, Officer of the Year; Virginia Bennett, Rodney Snead Award; and Marjorie McGee, Elk of the Year. Congratulations to all who were recognized at the event.