By Shelley Winger
The Vilna-Bellis community came out in strong numbers August 16 to support the Vilna-
Bellis Citizens on Patrol at its annual BBQ and silent auction on Main Street, with
approximately 300 to 350 people attending.
The silent auction raised approximately $1,400, with proceeds going toward patrol
mileage and education for the volunteer organization.
The BBQ was held alongside Vilna’s annual car show, giving residents and visitors
plenty of reasons to stop by. Attendees could check out the cars, enjoy a free burger or
hotdog and, for the younger visitors, take part in free face painting.
“It’s a really nice event, and we had great weather,” said Jennifer Trider, who runs the
Vilna-Bellis Citizens on Patrol Facebook page and has been a member of the
organization for more than five years.
The Vilna Golf Course also helped make the event possible, with Ed Cordero providing
the burgers, hotdogs and all the fixings.
The organization thanked the many people who donated items for the silent auction,
which helped raise funds for its ongoing work.
“We definitely want to thank everyone who donated,” Trider said.
The annual BBQ is one of several fundraising efforts undertaken by the group throughout
the year. Members also attend community events, including the Spedden Fish and Game
event at Garner Lake, where they sell tickets for their annual meat draw.
The meat draw is the organization’s biggest annual fundraiser. Tickets are available for
the November 28 draw, with prizes including a first-place meat package valued at $1,200,
a second-place package valued at $550 and a third-place prize of four cases of meat
valued at $100.
For the Vilna-Bellis Citizens on Patrol, this year’s BBQ was another opportunity to bring
the community together while raising money to support the organization.
Jennifer Trider photo
Your source for local news in Redwater, Thorhild, Smoky Lake and surrounding areaas