Guns N’ Hoses race raises $2,100

Metro Wire Staff

Golden Sands Speedway owners Cody Smiley (third from left) and Shannon Huppert (second from right) present its donation to the Guns N’ Hoses Committee on Sept. 5.

The $2,124 was raised during its Aug. 3 race between local law enforcement and Stevens Point firefighters.

According to Sheriff Mike Lukas, the funds will be combined with donations raised during the Sept. 9 Guns N’ Hoses softball game at Doug’s Sports Pub in Plover, and later distributed to local veteran-related causes. The game was not intended to be an official Guns N’ Hoses event until the last minute, Lukas added.

Local organizations to benefit include the Never Forgotten Honor Flight, Ageless Aviation Dream Flight, and the Portage Co. Veteran Emergency Relief Fund, according to Lukas.

“All the money stays local,” said Kevin Ruder, co-chair of the committee and former SPPD Chief. “So everyone who donates can feel safe in knowing their dollars will only be used for veterans from Portage Co.”

In its first four years, Guns N’ Hoses fundraising efforts have brought in more than $137,000 for local veterans organizations, Ruder said.

Sunday’s game will begin at 1:30 p.m. at Doug’s Sports Pub, 6225 Hwy. 54 in Plover. A 50/50 raffle will be held at Doug’s will provide food for the event.