All Class ramps up with $10,000 fundraiser raffle
by Nick Wognum
Ely’s All Class Reunion is getting close to happening and now there’s a fundraiser to go along with it.
Committee members are selling 300 tickets for a $10,000 grand prize along with a second prize of $2,000 and three more $1,000 prizes.
Tickets are $100 each and can be purchased from committee members or at Zup’s Food Market in Ely.
“I think these tickets are going to go fast,” said Jim Zupancich. “Plus buying a ticket gets you in the Patriotic Sponsor 300 Club so you or your business will be recognized for your contribution.”
Proceeds will help fund activities happening during the All Class Reunion Week. Winners will be drawn on April 15.
Reunion planning is coming along nicely, according to committee chair Ann Johnson.
“Registration has started and for $25 you get in to the two Rock the Park events, the All Class Mixer, the Variety Show and you get a swag bag,” said Johnson.
“We encourage everyone to register if you are participating in any of the events happening this week. This will help in coordinating more events, space and food for the week. Also, it will help you connect with other classmates who are attending.”
Coming up next is the March 1 deadline to nominate Ely athletes who graduated between 1980 and 2009 for the Hall of Fame.
Johnson said the schedule has really started to fill up from July 29-July 6.
“There’s a full day of Mining Heritage events on Monday at the Pioneer Mine with All Class Mixer hosted by the Ely Echo that night. Come and meet classmates and enjoy live music at the Miner’s Dry.
“There’s also an alumni golf tournament and if you would like to join a team, contact Rob Wilmunen. We’re doing boat tours on Sunday and if you’d like to be part of that contact Brian Johnson.”
There will be day at school tours and the Variety Show are set as well for Wednesday.
“We have some fun skits we’re working on. We have Dave Anderson who will be the emcee. We’re looking for choir, poms, cheerleading and band member alumni. Anyone interested in the Variety Show can send us an email,” said Pam Turnbull.
Additional activities are still being worked on but the schedule of events (see box) has been filling up.
Johnson said volunteers are always needed.
“We will need volunteers for the events during the week. People can email us elyallclass2024@gmail.com or check our website at ElyAllClassReunion.com. Clothing will be available as well through pre-orders, we are working on proofs for that as well.”
Johnson said if people are interested in doing individual class reunions to contact the committee so they can be publicized to classmates.
Tom Coombe said there will be an alumni baseball game on Friday “as well as other activities we’re working on.”
