Inaugural Fundraising Event to Include Go-Kart Racing, Silent Auction and More
In the aftermath of Hunter Houle’s death on Jan. 6, 2017, the Houle family formed the Hunter Houle Memorial Foundation, a nonprofit corporation based in Forest Lake, Minnesota, on April 3, 2017, and will ask the IRS to rule that it is a tax-exempt charity. The Hunter Houle Memorial Foundation is dedicated to helping those in need, the advancement of education, and engaging in other charitable purposes. The Foundation is designed to combine Hunter’s boundless passion for racing and helping others.
The Foundation’s first fundraising event is an afternoon of go-kart racing at MB2 Raceway in Fridley, Minn., on Saturday, April 29, 2017, beginning at noon. In addition to racing options for everyone from beginners to experts, the day will include food, a silent auction, raffle and door prizes, plus other activities for all ages.
“This kind of event is exactly what Hunter would have wanted to do, get together at MB2 Raceway with everybody for the afternoon,” said Jeremy Houle, Hunter’s oldest brother. “Friendly racing competition, teasing each other, eating and socializing, all with that classic Hunter grin on his face.” To further explain the foundation, Jeremy added, “Hunter’s influence within the sport he loved will continue with the Hunter Houle Memorial Foundation. Its purpose is to share Hunter’s spirit to live passionately, uplift others and support the youth and their families. For Hunter, living his passion was a way of life. The Foundation will help others to pursue a similar passion.”
Registration is $50 for anyone who would like to race. The event will include both competitive and leisure racing. All racers are guaranteed at least two races.
The competitive racing will start at noon, and consist of multiple classes offered in bracket form- youth, beginner, expert and women. The competitive racing bracket consists of two or more races depending on your talent as you work your way to the final in your class. Racers registered in bracket competition will compete for trophies awarded in each class and, of course, bragging rights.
If leisure racing is more your style, you are still able to register for a two-race package to test out your racing talent. There will be opportunities to jump in and take a spin around the track throughout the day.
If you plan to attend, please register/RSVP on the Hunter Houle Memorial Foundation Facebook page or email to hunterhoulefoundation@gmail.com. You may also call or text 612-991-4920. If you have an item you would like to donate for the silent auction, raffle or door prizes, please email hunterhoulefoundation@gmail.com. Upon the IRS’ approval of the Foundation’s charitable status, contributions to it (even those made before the IRS rules) will be tax deductible, subject to normal tax rules.
About the Hunter Houle Memorial Foundation: On January 6, 2017, 18-year-old Hunter Houle of Forest Lake, Minn., died from injuries sustained while pursuing his passion for snowmobile competition. He was a top competitor on the USXC cross-country race circuit during a four-year career that began at age 14. The Hunter Houle Memorial Foundation exists because of Hunter’s strong passion for helping people and his true love of racing. Combining these two passions will keep his spirit moving forward.