Over sixty celebrities from the worlds of NASCAR and hunting will be among the participants at the 7th Annual Zippy’s Crusade for Kids snowmobile charity ride held at the Ole Barn in Inlet on Friday and Saturday, January 25 and 26.

Zippy’s Crusade for Kids is a not-for-profit organization founded by Greg and Nan Zipadelli to raise funds through community events that will be donated to help kids in need on a national and local level.

Last year, over $100,000 was raised for the cause which enabled the Zipadellis to make donations to a number of organizations.

Among the organizations that benefited were The Children’s Hospital of New York, the Special Needs Fund at Levine’s Children’s Hospital in Charlotte, NC, the Summer Backpack Program, and The Dream Factory.

The event will begin Friday with sign-up at 5 p.m. A meet-and-greet autograph session with the celebrities and music by Kim Fox and country music star, Bobby Kendall will follow.

Nan Zipadelli said her favorite part of the event is when they get to meet the special guests—local folks who will benefit from this year’s funds.

She said they will also have the opportunity to meet with the Beals and Owenses, two local families who have previously benefited from the event who are offering to help out this year.

Saturday’s activities will begin at 10 a.m. with a brunch at the Ole Barn, followed by the snowmobile ride at 11 a.m.

The ride, according to event organizer Spot Ste. Marie, would not be possible without the generosity of their sponsors—notably, long-time sponsor, Arctic Cat.

Each year, Arctic Cat provides the celebrities with sleds to ride as well as all of the equipment needed for the event.

This year the snowmobile company will provide an Arctic Cat side-by-side Prowler valued at $14,000 as a first place raffle prize.

An abundance of Arctic Cat swag has also been donated for giveaways throughout the weekend.

“I think Zippy’s is a great cause and a great event,” said Arctic Cat District Manager Dan Glucky.

“I know it is well supported locally as well as by people outside of the community. We just love being a part of these events.

“It’s always good to be able to say thank you to the customers who ride our product. But more importantly, it’s great to help other people so they are better able to enjoy some of the stuff we do.”

In addition to a number of raffles for prizes that include three hunting trips with Drop Zone TV, and an Ez-Go Golf Cart, there will also be a silent auction, which opens on Friday, and a live auction on Saturday evening.

To learn more about Zippy’s Crusade for Kids and to see a complete schedule of events, visit www.crusadeforkids.com.