Wings Week begins May 4; Mexican dinner on the menu

During the last 16 years, Wings has raised more than $1.579 million and helped 2,380 afflicted with cancer in three counties.

Beginning Saturday, May 4, the non-profit group that assists cancer victims and their families with transportation and lodging costs as they receive treatment, will kick off its 17th annual Wings Week with many of the same favorite events as in the past and others that have been tweaked to make them better. Last year, the Wings effort raised $164,804 and benefited 197 people in Lincoln, Flathead and Lake counties.

The first Wings event of 2013 will come Saturday, May 4, when the annual Cinco de Mayo Mexican Buffet will be celebrated at the Libby Veterans of Foreign Wars post beginning at 5 p.m.. 

“We have just a limited number of tickets, so people may want to get their tickets early,” said Wings Volunteer Peggy Craver. 

Also on Saturday, May 4, a motorcycle poker run is scheduled. And, like all the events, proceeds from the run will benefit Wings.

“We’re so happy that Brent Teske and the Roughnecks Motorcycle Club have agreed to take this on,” said Wings Volunteer Kathy Dunham of the biker club whose members are military, police and emergency responders. 

“It begins at 11 a.m., but (motorcyclists) should get there by 10 a.m. to get registered,” she said of the Torgy’s starting point.

Participants will make seven stops and get cards at each location as they develop their poker hand.

On Sunday, May 5, a fun run/walk is scheduled at J. Neils Park This event kicks off at 1 p.m. 

Two bowling events — one in Libby and another in Troy — are scheduled for 7 p.m. Tuesday, May 7.

The Bowling for Wings events vary slightly. In Libby there will be a $15 fee and in Troy the event will include pledges per pins knocked down. 

Dollar Day is scheduled for Wednesday in both Libby and Troy. 

“We are asking for each person in Libby and Troy to just give $1 to Wings,” said Dunham. “If we can do that, it will help tremendously.”

On Dollar Day, Wings volunteers will go door-to-door seeking donations. Persons who wish to contribute but do not have someone come to their door, may drop off their donations at either First Montana Bank location in Libby or Troy.

The final Wings event of the week is scheduled Saturday, May 11, at the Yaak River Tavern. The Wings for Wings night, which begins at 5 p.m., is a new variation on the dinner at the Yaak River Tavern. Last year, the theme was a spaghetti dinner. 

The dinner begins at 5 p.m.