Spin the night away for a good cause

COEUR d’ALENE — The 11th annual Guns N Hoses charity ride to benefit the Kootenai County Police and Fire Memorial Foundation takes place March 1.

This year’s event will be held for the first time at the Coeur d’Alene location of Peak Health and Wellness after outgrowing its former home at the Post Falls facility, where it was held the past 10 years.

This spin-a-thon style fundraiser kicks off at noon. Participants will form teams of 12 to pedal away until midnight, with each rider putting in one hour of spinning. Interested individuals may call and sign up to participate and be placed with a team if needed.

The theme this year is Luau. Other activities throughout the day include a costume contest and photo booth, “minute-to-win-it” type games, a scavenger hunt, a 21-plus beverage lounge, food and refreshments. The last two hours of the event will turn into a karaoke and dance party as the last of the riders wrap up.

Silent auctions will provide a chance to win prizes, as well as special experience packages provided by local businesses, like the chance to be a “Sushi Chef-for-a-day” or a “Brewmaster-for-a-day.”

This fundraiser is one of several annual events held to help local first responders and their families when they may face unforeseen circumstances like illness or injury, with 100 percent of proceeds going to the foundation. The KC Police and Fire Memorial Foundation also grants a merit-based college scholarship each year to a dependent of local first responders. Last year, about 500 people attended the event and helped raise nearly $35,000.

For information, to register a team or to become a sponsor, contact event organizer Heath Wiltse, 208-773-0601.