Team River Runners

Team River Runner, a nationwide veteran’s organization with chapters in several states, is hosting the 21st annual Pig Roast fundraiser on Saturday, July 19th from 6 to 10 pm at the Emigrant Outpost, located at 70 Murphy Lane in Emigrant. Proceeds from the event will be used to fund the Outta Sight Clinic, a weeklong workshop for blind, visually impaired and amputee veterans to learn whitewater kayaking with direction from veteran instructors.

From July 14th to July 20th, ten participants and fifteen team leaders, all of whom are veterans, will kayak down the Yellowstone River through Yankee Jim Canyon in the Custer Gallatin National Forest. Led by event coordinator and team leader Celiann M. Gonzalez, participants will first train at the dredge and receive instruction from fellow veterans, primarily relying on auditory cues for guidance.

The clinic is an opportunity for veterans to learn new skills, become physically active and experience a sense of camaraderie with fellow veterans. Veterans will be staying in Gardiner at the Yellowstone River Motel during the clinic.

The fundraising event is open to public and will include food (an entire pig) and alcoholic beverages (a full bar including liquor, wine and beer) for purchase, live music from local favorite Blake Brightman, a raffle with several prizes donated by local businesses, a silent auction, and storytelling from veterans. Raffle tickets will be sold for $20 each or six for $100 and are available for purchase before and during the event. The silent auction will include a Winchester XPR 270mm, donated by Amy Gray from Whistler Towing and valued at $759, as well as a metal laser print portrait from C. Thomas Hoff at Wild West Gallery in Gardiner valued at $1,000.

Other event sponsors include The Murray Bar, Sage Lodge, Ace Hardware, Kenyon Noble, Murdochs, Whiskey Creek, Foodworks and Matt’s Old Fashioned Deli, the latter of which will be providing sandwiches during the clinic.

“Special thanks to the veterans and volunteers for their service and camaraderie. They’re amazing. It’s nice to see people with disabilities overcome,” says fundraiser coordinator Deborei Lyn, who has been involved with the event for 10 years.

On behalf of Team River Runner, Lyn expresses gratitude for Whistler Towing, Sage Lodge and Chuck Tanner, chef & owner of the Emigrant Outpost.

Please join Team River Runner at the annual Pig Roast fundraiser in a show of support for veterans on Saturday, July 19th.

For more information or to donate an auction item, please contact Deborei Lyn at 678-373-7005.