Baker community raises thousands for children during Shrine Game weekend
By Joe Hathaway on Wednesday, July 31st, 2024 in More Top Stories Northeastern Oregon News
BAKER CITY – Despite the challenges posed by nearby wildfires, the 72nd annual Oregon Shrine East-West All-Star Football Game drew crowds to Bulldog Stadium on July 27, where the Baker community raised thousands of dollars for children throughout a day filled with events.
The event began with the Cattlemen’s/Cattlewomen’s Famous Cowboy/Girl Breakfast. Organizers say 300 attendees enjoyed the hearty meal, a slight decrease from previous years attributed to the smoky conditions and road closures.
Following the breakfast, the Community and Shrine parade kicked off at 11 a.m., winding through downtown Baker City. The parade featured local groups, Shriners, and various community members, adding a festive atmosphere to the day’s events.
At noon, the Cattlewomen’s Gridiron Party Lunch served “End Zone” beef burgers and beef hot dogs. Despite a reduction in attendance, over 200 lunches were served. The silent auction, running from 7:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m., and the live auction of footballs signed by the East and West teams were highlights of the lunch event.
Michelle Kaseberg of the Baker County Cattlewomen 9 (and County Commissioner-elect) reflected on the day’s activities. “The numbers were down for lunch and breakfast, just due to the fire and smoke,” she said. “A lot of the Shriners are older, and we missed quite a few of those. But I was pleased that we still served over 300 for breakfast and over 200 for lunch.
The auctions, an integral part of the fundraising efforts, The Shrine Steer, owned by Paige Marlia, fetched $20,250 during halftime of the football game, continuing a long tradition of supporting the Shriners Children’s Hospital. “That was our 51st steer that we bought and donated back,” Kaseberg said. Additionally, two footballs signed by the East and West teams were auctioned off, raising further funds for the hospital.
Despite the challenges, the community’s support remained strong. “We had people that came out that have never helped before. They knew the need because a lot of people were on fires, and they came out and helped us,” Kaseberg said. “Our community is so special.”
