Fern 45 event raises more than $75K

One of the biggest fundraisers to support veterans in Northern Nevada has raised more than $75,000 for five programs, reports the Fern 45 board of directors.

The Fern 45, an off-road poker run that raises money for veterans causes, was held Nov. 2-4 south of Fernley High School at the 95 Motorsports Complex.

The contributions from the annual event generated donations to the following originations: Northern Nevada State Veterans Home in Sparks, $15,050; Honor Flight Nevada, $15,000; Veterans Guest House, $10,050; and the Nevada Veterans Coalition, $10,000.

An additional $25,000 will be earmarked for a new program, “Donate to Heartbeats,” which provides direct support to those local veterans in need. The board said veterans who need help or those who know of a veteran who needs assistance should go to forms.gle/yTbqt2zBJStkpfLo9 and fill out the application.

The Fern 45 board commended its participants for supporting the area’s veterans.

“Once again, thank you for standing with us in support of our veterans,” the board said. “Your generosity is making a lasting and positive difference in the veteran community and we would not be able to do what we do, without you guys.”

Shari Walsh, who spoke to the Fallon Rotary Club in May, said about 48% of the participants live in Northern Nevada. She added many of the participants who competed in the three-day event live in the Sacramento area.

After the first running of the Fern 45 in 2015, the event generated $1,200 and a new laptop computer for the NVC. The first off-road race event drew about 130 people, but Walsh members said the number has more than quadrupled in nine years.

With this year’s distribution of donations, the Fern 45, which is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit, has donated more than $175,000.

For information or to become a sponsor, go to www.fern45.com or email info@thefern45.com.