Raffle supports Alpine Kids

Alpine Kids is holding a raffle for a valuable piece of Washoe Indian art: a lamp beaded by Dale Bennett of the Hung a lel Ti Community. Tickets may be purchased for $1 each or six for $5 at the Woodfords Station on Pony Express Road or from any Alpine Kids member.

The artist learned to bead from Delores Ellis, who was Bennett's matron at the Stewart Indian School in Carson City. Bennett has perfected her art over the past 25 years and now specializes in custom orders for items such as embellishments for walking sticks, canes, fishing poles, and pens. Bennet can be reached at (530) 694-1710 for more information and orders.

Bennett donated the lampshade, which is valued at more than $200, to the Alpine Kids, a support program for families who live or work in Alpine County. The organization once occupied a portable classroom on the campus of Diamond Valley School, but the school purchased the portable and Edie Veatch is running the program from her home.

"Many people think that we no longer exist, but I want to get the word out that we are still in business," Veatch said.  

The goal of Alpine Kids is to provide a safe and fun setting for families to enjoy. 

"The outings will continue, including a trip to Wild Waters, a campout at Grover's Hot Springs, a bus trip to Six Flags amusement park, bowling, bingo night, and a New Year's Eve pizza party," she said.

Each family pays a small membership fee that includes all activities for the year. Alpine County has granted funds to the organization for many years, but there is still a need for money and volunteers to cover transportation and supplies. 

The staff of Alpine Kids is all volunteer, and includes Dave Zelmer, John Crawford, Linda Merrill, Skip Veatch, Jo Daugherty, and Lyn Snyder.

There are more than 40 families registered for Alpine Kids for the coming year. 

"There is a good mix of single parent and dual-parent families, and a range of families from all over," Veatch said. "There are several Washoe families and even some from Bear Valley."

More than 400 members of Alpine Kids attended the activities last year. The organization benefits from the knowledge and expertise of members, such as camping activities led by Michelle Green and Kim Galvez.

Alpine Kids also raises money by cooking spaghetti dinners for Death Ride participants, and has received donations from entertainer Billy Idol and the Too Much Fun Club, a motorcycle club that recently vacationed at the Carson River Resort.   

Joyce DeVore is an Alpine County resident.