The Friday Flyer | Paddles and funds raised at fun Quartermania

Paddles and funds raised at fun Quartermania

Eager paddle-wielding participants filled the Canyon Lake Lodge Holiday Bay Room Sunday for The Canyon Lake Family Matters Club Annual Quartermania. The wild event, where buyers purchase numbered paddles and raise them for a chance to make purchases, raises funds for the club.

The club makes its funds by selling the paddles. It sold 80 VIP paddles and a couple dozen general paddles to excited guests. As auctions were announced, paddles were raised and numbers drawn to determine the winner of the prize. At each auction, quarters were collected for each paddle raised.

This year the club received more than 80 items that were bid on and the club also had lots of freebies they gave away.

“We want everyone to be able to take something home today,” Club Founder Shawna Bowen said. “We appreciate each and every one of you. This event helps us give back to the children of Canyon Lake.”

Tarrie Sullivan, inside the Cash Cube, grabs bills adding up to $39.00 after winning one of three chances at the cube. Kailey Alduena came out of the cube with $25.00 and Krista Shaw $59.00. Photo by Dawn Rankins

There were nearly 20 raffle items available and 12 silent auction items up for bids.

Silent auction items that were available included Pretty Little Faces, a Pechanga hotel night, a skateboard, an IV by Lisa Beckett, vanilla, wine, dream dinners, a handmade cross made by Tim Hurley, an assorted Disney box and a Yoda necklace with matching earrings.

Vendors were available before Quartermania started and during each of the breaks. A buffet-style lunch of pizza, hotdogs and nachos was also available.

The Family Matters Club uses funds raised at events like Quartermania to fund upcoming projects, such as its Letters to Santa and the Winter Wonderland which will be on Dec. 3 in the Canyon Lake Town Center.

There were three numbers chosen for the Cash Cube. The individuals who had their number called, entered the cube and had 30 seconds to catch the flying cash bills. The first winner was 10-year-old Kailey Alduenda who was able to grab $25. The second winner, Krista Shaw, took home $59 and the third winner, Tarrie Sullivan, was able to haul in $39.

Photo by Dawn Rankins

“It was such a fun day,” Jeannie Hoonnirun, president of The Family Matters Club, said. “I am so appreciative for me being a part of this club. I want to thank everyone who came today. Your support means so much to this club.”

Renee Griffiths, the president of the Canyon Lake POA, participated in Quartermania and said she enjoyed the day.

“This was my first time at Quartermania,” Renee said. “Josh Steeber told me I better come this time. He said this is the best thing ever and he was right. Today was a blast. I love seeing how people, and clubs such as Family Matters, invest in the community. I love it.”

“What a fabulous turn out,” Kathy Wood said. “I love how Family Matters brings families together. I had a blast today and the vendors were amazing.”