The Cabin Fever Benefit has become known for featuring unique auction items. This year is no exception.
The benefit for the Bismarck Ronald McDonald House is Saturday at the Dickinson Eagles Club. It starts at 4 p.m. with a social and silent auction, beef barbecue and music by Midnight Ride.
The Dickinson Roughrider Commission is sponsoring the benefit for the 18th year.
Bidding for the larger items is held throughout the evening. Items include a jukebox, flat-screen television, cribbage board made out of Badlands cedar, set of golf clubs, wine basket, silver jewelry and numerous prints.
"A lot are hand-crafted, western-themed items," said member Jada Monroe. "We get a lot of things from business people and people who support the benefit."
ADVERTISEMENT
She said auction items are accepted until the start of the social event.
Other gaming activities include a Texas Hold 'Em table, in which the participants play to win either a rifle or the poker table. In another hat auction, the grand prize is a 22-250 rifle with a 3-by-9 scope.
While the games, barbecue and dance are fun, member Dennis Kohler participates because it's a fundraiser for the Ronald McDonald House.
He recently learned of a Bowman family whose 4-year-old child is being treated for leukemia in Minneapolis. While there, the family is staying at the Ronald McDonald House.
The Roughrider Commission provided them with a $250 debit card for gasoline, and is helping to pay for lodging.
"We support anybody in southwestern North Dakota. That doesn't just mean Bismarck," he said. "That's why I stay with this."
Other Cabin Fever events include a raffle, with the winner having a choice to attend the 2009 National Finals Rodeo, the 2009 PBR Finals or a 2010 NASCAR race.
The evening concludes with a midnight breakfast.
ADVERTISEMENT
The timing of the fundraiser coincides with the middle of the winter season.
"It's cabin fever. Everybody is ready to let loose," said Kohler.
Tickets are available at the door.
