To submit a story, Contact Kathy Karkula (karkulak300@outlook.com) or Janel Vorel (janelvorel@hotmail.com).
Wrap up Story of the 32nd Northland 300
February 3, 2020
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
CONTACT: Kathy Karkula
Development Director
Special Olympics Minnesota
612/840-9660
Northland 300 Becomes $5Million Ride
As of January 25 when Janel Vorel, Financial Director, read the figures for the 2020 Northland 300 she also announced that the 32nd Annual Northland 300 passed $5,076,411 as the accumulative total for this event. 76 participants raised $187,304 this year.
The Baker’s Dozen (Top 13 Fundraisers) consisted of:
Jim Reger $14,572
Rick Tysk. 11,877
Janel Vorel. 8,375
Tarry Trout. 8,230
Marc Williams. 7,540
Diane Reger. 5,887
Dave Gerlach. 5,180
Pooker Meister. 4,625
Jason Reinsch. 4,520
Deb Campbell. 4, 022
Lauren Patrin. 3,945
Dean Townsend. 3,820
Tom Babin. 3,555
Total raised by Baker’s Dozen $86,148.
Special Awards were awarded as follows:
JOHN MARSCHALL TOUGH LUCK AWARD – Jens Selin
TOM PATTERSON NORTHLANDER OF THE YEAR AWARD – Dean Townsend
STEVE JAEGER SPITIT AWARD – Turquoise 2 Team
CJ RAMSTAD UNSUNG HERO AWARD – Diane Reger
BILLY MEISTER “NEWBIE” AWARD – Adam and Kayla Zechmann
MIKE DOLNEY LIVING LARGE AWARD- Tarry Trout
RECOGNITION FOR 32 YEARS OF PARTICIPATION- Marc Williams
2020 GOLD MEDAL TEAM – Yellow Team
Photography was provided by Steve and Karn Matthews and Chris Ellerbrook for the drone picture presentation.
Music for Saturday night’s celebration was provided by Gold Medal Sponsor Night Life Entertainment DJ’s, Pete and Marie Dimich.
Thanks to Bob Niskala and the Ely Color Guard,
To Mayor Chuck Novak, to Eva Sabasta from Ely’s Chamber of Commerce, to Billie Rouse and the Ely High School Unified Choir for the National Anthem, the Ely Police and Fire Department and Mary Zupancich from Grand Ely Lodge and all the Northland 300 participants for making the Opening Ceremony so memorable.
3 beautiful photos were submitted to the Ely Echo which they printed on a full page presentation.
The 2021 Northland 300 is a work in progress. The new venue will be announced following the February 11 Board of Directors Meeting. Exciting changes are underway.
Thanks to all participants, volunteers, sponsors friends and family who make each and every success possible
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
CONTACT: Kathy Karkula
Development Director
Special Olympics Minnesota
612/840-9660
Northland 300 Becomes $5Million Ride
As of January 25 when Janel Vorel, Financial Director, read the figures for the 2020 Northland 300 she also announced that the 32nd Annual Northland 300 passed $5,076,411 as the accumulative total for this event. 76 participants raised $187,304 this year.
The Baker’s Dozen (Top 13 Fundraisers) consisted of:
Jim Reger $14,572
Rick Tysk. 11,877
Janel Vorel. 8,375
Tarry Trout. 8,230
Marc Williams. 7,540
Diane Reger. 5,887
Dave Gerlach. 5,180
Pooker Meister. 4,625
Jason Reinsch. 4,520
Deb Campbell. 4, 022
Lauren Patrin. 3,945
Dean Townsend. 3,820
Tom Babin. 3,555
Total raised by Baker’s Dozen $86,148.
Special Awards were awarded as follows:
JOHN MARSCHALL TOUGH LUCK AWARD – Jens Selin
TOM PATTERSON NORTHLANDER OF THE YEAR AWARD – Dean Townsend
STEVE JAEGER SPITIT AWARD – Turquoise 2 Team
CJ RAMSTAD UNSUNG HERO AWARD – Diane Reger
BILLY MEISTER “NEWBIE” AWARD – Adam and Kayla Zechmann
MIKE DOLNEY LIVING LARGE AWARD- Tarry Trout
RECOGNITION FOR 32 YEARS OF PARTICIPATION- Marc Williams
2020 GOLD MEDAL TEAM – Yellow Team
Photography was provided by Steve and Karn Matthews and Chris Ellerbrook for the drone picture presentation.
Music for Saturday night’s celebration was provided by Gold Medal Sponsor Night Life Entertainment DJ’s, Pete and Marie Dimich.
Thanks to Bob Niskala and the Ely Color Guard,
To Mayor Chuck Novak, to Eva Sabasta from Ely’s Chamber of Commerce, to Billie Rouse and the Ely High School Unified Choir for the National Anthem, the Ely Police and Fire Department and Mary Zupancich from Grand Ely Lodge and all the Northland 300 participants for making the Opening Ceremony so memorable.
3 beautiful photos were submitted to the Ely Echo which they printed on a full page presentation.
The 2021 Northland 300 is a work in progress. The new venue will be announced following the February 11 Board of Directors Meeting. Exciting changes are underway.
Thanks to all participants, volunteers, sponsors friends and family who make each and every success possible
Northlands own Stephanie Gerlach and family were featured in the Andover Today Newsletter in September after finding the cities hidden medallion. They donated their $500 medallion winnings to the Northland 300, Special Olympics.
Our very own Trout family Held the 1st OMT Fun Ride in Wisconsin and made the local paper.... Check it out..
February 2019
Northland News in the Polaris Post
Northland's Own: Steve Mathews Featured!
NORTHLAND 300 RECEIVES SPECIAL OLYMPICS AWARD
On Saturday, September 24, 2016 at the Pentages Theatre, the participants of the Northland 300 received the award for the 2016 Outstanding Non Profit Organization of the year Award. Steven Eull made the introduction and Mike Richards accepted the award on behalf of the Northland 300.
On Saturday, September 24, 2016 at the Pentages Theatre, the participants of the Northland 300 received the award for the 2016 Outstanding Non Profit Organization of the year Award. Steven Eull made the introduction and Mike Richards accepted the award on behalf of the Northland 300.
Steven All Set For The Polar Plunge!
In 2009, Steven was the first Special Olympic athlete to join the Northland 300 snowmobile trip. He describes the event, “It’s a guys trip. We stay in a lodge and on our free day we drive around Ely”. Although he proclaims this as his guy trip, his mother Patsy Eull volunteers for the Northland 300 as a care van aid. The trip begins in Two Harbors traveling North 150 miles for an overnight stay in Ely. After a day of fun they continue their journey back to Two Harbors, making an overall 300 mile trip. He looks forward to the adventure with his coach and dear friend Jason Reinsch every year. The ride has raised over $4 million dollars and 100% of the funds from the Northland 300 is given to support Special Olympics of Minnesota.
It doesn’t take long to realize that Steven’s life has been a series of adventures that have made him a man who is rich in relationships, a champion in physical endurance, successful in facing his fears, and willing to take risks. He lives a very special life that brings happiness to those who are blessed to be in his company.
In 2009, Steven was the first Special Olympic athlete to join the Northland 300 snowmobile trip. He describes the event, “It’s a guys trip. We stay in a lodge and on our free day we drive around Ely”. Although he proclaims this as his guy trip, his mother Patsy Eull volunteers for the Northland 300 as a care van aid. The trip begins in Two Harbors traveling North 150 miles for an overnight stay in Ely. After a day of fun they continue their journey back to Two Harbors, making an overall 300 mile trip. He looks forward to the adventure with his coach and dear friend Jason Reinsch every year. The ride has raised over $4 million dollars and 100% of the funds from the Northland 300 is given to support Special Olympics of Minnesota.
It doesn’t take long to realize that Steven’s life has been a series of adventures that have made him a man who is rich in relationships, a champion in physical endurance, successful in facing his fears, and willing to take risks. He lives a very special life that brings happiness to those who are blessed to be in his company.
Remembering Billy Meister, Northland 300 Snowmobiler and Friend
By Kathy Karkula (March 2013)
THE NORTHLAND REMEMBERS BILLY MEISTER
I can remember Pooker asking what age his son had to be to come on the Northland 300. At 21, he magically appeared on the ride and there could be no one more proud than Pooker and me.
2013 marked the 2nd Northland 300 that Billy Meister participated and this time, the Baker's Dozen was his goal. By the Awards Ceremony announcements, Billy achieved his goal. He came in 3rd place raising a total of $4,575 for the athletes of Special Olympics Minnesota. Billy understood what the Northland 300 was all about. It was about safe and responsible snowmobiling and it was about fundraising for Special Olympics. He accomplished it all and he did it well.
Then on February 16, 2013, a fatal snowmobiling accident took place and we lost one of our fellow Northland 300 snowmobilers. It is hard to write this when we can all remember Billy getting the "high fives" from all those on the Baker's Dozen as his name was read. We will never know what actually took place that Saturday but we do know that we will miss 22 year old Billy Meister.
Everything was beautiful in sending Billy Meister to Heaven and to keep his memory alive. From the Northland 300's view, he will be commemorated with a new torch with his name engraved. Thanks to Janel Vorel and her Birthday Fundraiser at Meister's Bar and Grill on March 22. This new torch will help carry on the memory as we use it at our Opening Ceremonies. The torch bearing athlete will be accompanied by Pooker Meister to dedicate this loving memory.
Billy was registered for the 2014 Northland 300 and we will be paying respects to his memory on the 2014 ride also.
By Kathy Karkula (March 2013)
THE NORTHLAND REMEMBERS BILLY MEISTER
I can remember Pooker asking what age his son had to be to come on the Northland 300. At 21, he magically appeared on the ride and there could be no one more proud than Pooker and me.
2013 marked the 2nd Northland 300 that Billy Meister participated and this time, the Baker's Dozen was his goal. By the Awards Ceremony announcements, Billy achieved his goal. He came in 3rd place raising a total of $4,575 for the athletes of Special Olympics Minnesota. Billy understood what the Northland 300 was all about. It was about safe and responsible snowmobiling and it was about fundraising for Special Olympics. He accomplished it all and he did it well.
Then on February 16, 2013, a fatal snowmobiling accident took place and we lost one of our fellow Northland 300 snowmobilers. It is hard to write this when we can all remember Billy getting the "high fives" from all those on the Baker's Dozen as his name was read. We will never know what actually took place that Saturday but we do know that we will miss 22 year old Billy Meister.
Everything was beautiful in sending Billy Meister to Heaven and to keep his memory alive. From the Northland 300's view, he will be commemorated with a new torch with his name engraved. Thanks to Janel Vorel and her Birthday Fundraiser at Meister's Bar and Grill on March 22. This new torch will help carry on the memory as we use it at our Opening Ceremonies. The torch bearing athlete will be accompanied by Pooker Meister to dedicate this loving memory.
Billy was registered for the 2014 Northland 300 and we will be paying respects to his memory on the 2014 ride also.
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Press Releases
Press Releases and advertisements of the Northland 300 and Special Events are submitted periodically to publications. If you are looking for a press release to submit to a local publication, you will find it here.
Jan 18, 2015: Mesabi Daily News - 'The Northland 300 is never cancelled'
Jan 31, 2014: Snowmobilers Are An Inspiration to All
Jan 07, 2014: Quarter Century of Snowmobiling Inspires New Flame - Grand Ely Lodge - Gold Supporter
Jan 07, 2014: Quarter Century of Snowmobiling Inspires New Flame
Sept 10, 2013: 26 Years of... Riding for Champions
Aug 08, 2013: Northland 300 26th Anniversary Ad
Feb 01, 2013: 25 Years of Hitting the Trails with Care
Jan 13, 2013: Northland 300 Night Time Opening Ceremony at Grand Ely Lodge
Jan 10, 2013: Ski-Doo Demo Rides... Grand Ely Lodge
Press Releases and advertisements of the Northland 300 and Special Events are submitted periodically to publications. If you are looking for a press release to submit to a local publication, you will find it here.
Jan 18, 2015: Mesabi Daily News - 'The Northland 300 is never cancelled'
Jan 31, 2014: Snowmobilers Are An Inspiration to All
Jan 07, 2014: Quarter Century of Snowmobiling Inspires New Flame - Grand Ely Lodge - Gold Supporter
Jan 07, 2014: Quarter Century of Snowmobiling Inspires New Flame
Sept 10, 2013: 26 Years of... Riding for Champions
Aug 08, 2013: Northland 300 26th Anniversary Ad
Feb 01, 2013: 25 Years of Hitting the Trails with Care
Jan 13, 2013: Northland 300 Night Time Opening Ceremony at Grand Ely Lodge
Jan 10, 2013: Ski-Doo Demo Rides... Grand Ely Lodge
Published News
Enjoy news about Northland 300 events, participants, and much more...
Enjoy news about Northland 300 events, participants, and much more...
Archived News & Highlights
- 25 Years of Hitting the Trails with Care (March 2013)
- It's snow fun for the 25th Northland 300 ride (March 10, 2013)
- Remembering Kevin DeVaan, Northland 300 Snowmobiler & Friend (February 2013)
- Northland 300 participants gathered at the Grand Ely Lodge (February 2, 2013)
- Opening Ceremony for the Northland 300 (February 2, 2013)
- Community Service, Northland 300 - 2013 Ride for Special Olympics (February 1, 2013)
- Snowmobilers Riding 300 Miles for Special Olympics (January 24, 2013)
- Northland 300 Ely Opening Ceremony Set for Friday (January 19, 2013)
- Northland 300 hits the trails (January 3, 2013)
- How to live, how to love (December 27, 2012)
- Northland 300 marks 25 years on North Shore's snowy trails (December 10, 2012)
- Northland 300, January 23-27, Based In Two Harbors (December 2012)
- 25 Years of Turning Silver Into Gold (September 2012)
- Northland 300 Celebrates 25 Years Riding for Special Olympics (September 2012)
- 25 Years of Abilities on the Trails Helping Disabilities in Lives (September 2012)
- Northland 300 Snowmobilers Raise $182,000 Plus for Special Olympics (March 2012)
- Northland 300 Snowmobilers Raise $182,000 Plus for Special Olympics (February 2012)
- Northland 300 Kicking Off Despite Lack of Snow (January 30, 2012)
- Riders Get Ready for Northland 300 (January 26, 2012)
- Northland 300 Ride Comes to Tower (January 14, 2012)
- North Shore State Trail Renamed After Snowmobile Fanatic (October 13, 2011)
- Charity Navigator Awards Special Olympics Four Stars (October 11, 2011)
- C.J. Ramstad Trail Dedicated (October 5, 2011)
- Northland 300 Event (August 11, 2011)
- Hookers Fishing Tournament (Hosted by Fisherman's Wharf) (August 10, 2011)
- Hookers Fishing Tournament (Hosted by Fisherman's Wharf) (July 27, 2011)
- Hookers Fishing Tournament (Hosted by Fisherman's Wharf) (July 27, 2011)
- Hookers Fishing Tournament (Hosted by Fisherman's Wharf) (July 21, 2011)
- Hookers Fishing Tournament (Hosted by Fisherman's Wharf) (July 19, 2011)
- Dan Young, Northland 300 Participant and Legal Counsel (July 3, 2011)
- Dan Young, Northland 300 Participant and Legal Counsel (April 13, 2011)
- David VanWie, Former Northland 300 Participant (March 9, 2011)
- Pinstripes Bocce on Ice Tournament (February 11, 2011)
- Pinstripes puts bocce on ice for charity (February 10, 2011)
- Northland 300 Benefiting Special Olympics Minnesota Kicks Off (January 27, 2011)
- Snowmobilers Ready to Ride for Great Cause (January 21, 2011)
- Meister and Co. ready to ride for Special Olympics (January 21, 2011)
- Public invited to opening ceremony for Northland 300 (January 15, 2011)
- Riders coming Jan. 27 (January 14, 2011)
- Snow, Snow, Snow... Northland 300 Snowmobilers Ready to Ride for a Great Cause! (January 13, 2011)
- See the snowmobile ralliers (January 12, 2011)
- Northland 300 benefit returns (January 15, 2010)
- Northland 300 to again include Ely on snowmobile trek (January 9, 2010)
- Special Olympics athlete continues the legend... Northland 300 22nd ride (January 8, 2010)
- U of M Women's Soccer Team Showcases Special Olympics Athletes (October 4, 2009)
- 2010 Northland 300 - The Time is Now! (September 2009)
- Marc Williams, Northland 300 Participant, Farmington Grand Marshall (June 26, 2009)
- Marc Williams, Northland 300 Participant, Farmington Grand Marshall (June 25, 2009)
- Skied for Speed (March 2, 2009)
- Special ride for special reasons (February 7, 2009)
- Northland 300 stops in Ely, makes history (February 7, 2009)
- Olympian makes historic ride (February 4, 2009)
- The Northland 300 (January 24, 2009)
- Follow the journey--Northland 300 underway (January 23, 2009)
- Northland 300 around the corner (January 9, 2009)
- Special olympian first to make 300-mile snowmobile ride (Janaury 7, 2009)
- Northland 300 About to Set History (December 2008)
- Northland 300 about to Embark in Making History (November 17, 2008)
- Northland 300 about to embark in setting history Coach and Special Olympics athlete to team up for January event - Two Harbors to Ely and back (November 8, 2008)
- Janel Vorel receives Wells Fargo Volunteer Service Award (October 29, 2008)
- Marc Williams receives FAA Civil Servant Award (February 20, 2008)
- Good Deeds (February 20, 2008)
- Northland 300 celebrates 20 years (February 16, 2008)
- FAAer Earns His Title as a Truly Special Olympian (January 10, 2008)
- Money Man (January 10, 2008)
- Reaching out for Special Olympics Minnesota (2006)