PiratesFORKids sets sail Tuesday to feed rural kids

Pirates Hideaway is hosting a big adventure on the high seas next Tuesday to benefit Feed Our Rural Kids (FORK) and combat food insecurity for local families.

The “PiratesFORKids” fundraiser will take place Tuesday, Aug. 18, from 4 to 8 p.m. at Pirates Hideaway, located just north of downtown Eagle River.

Opening the doors of the popular pirate-themed attraction located on the Eagle River Chain of Lakes, this family-friendly destination will share loot raised that day with FORK through a series of on-site activities including seats on the famous pirate ship for a reduced rate of $25. All proceeds from the rides will go toward feeding children from food-insecure households.

Pirates Hideaway also will donate a portion of the food and drink sales from the day back to FORK. Menu selections include wood-fired pizza and a fully stocked tiki bar with specialty drinks, along with an ice cream shop, gift shop and lawn games for more entertainment.

Food and live music also will be available throughout the evening, with performances by local favorites Bret and Frisk, who play classic folk and rock covers; and the unique “bluecountry-folkgrass” stylings of Scotty Kirby who will roll out a new song penned specifically on the topic of food insecurity titled “Hunger’s Call.” (See related story in this week’s Lifestyle section.)

All guests that attend the PiratesFORKids event will have a chance to win nearly $2,000 in door prizes with donations accepted to help FORK pay for the year’s upcoming programs.

Themed baskets include collections celebrating the Northwoods with different adventures, kids’ activities, sporting goods, grilling-themed items and more.

Everyone older than 18 will get five chances to win just by putting their entries in the buckets of their choosing.

As an additional incentive, those who share and comment on FORK’s PiratesFORKids post on Facebook will be entered to win a Pixel 10 Pro CL phone and accessories valued at $1,200.
In addition to ticket and food sales going to benefit FORK, representatives of the nonprofit also will be on site throughout the afternoon selling brats and hot dogs for $5 to raise funds toward funding programs.

FORK’s mission is to provide nutritional support to children from food insecure homes across Vilas and Oneida counties. It fulfills that mission through four free food programs for children within the Northland Pines, Three Lakes and Phelps school districts.

In addition, the Family Food Helpline, a partnership with the Vilas and Oneida County departments of Human Services, provides a food security resource across both counties for residents of all ages. Additionally, through its Legacy Fund, FORK provides financial support to other nonprofit organizations who share its mission of feeding kids.

Seats on the pirate ship cruises are limited so early registration is encouraged. To reserve a spot, visit eagleriverpirates.com, scroll the calendar into August and click on your desired time at PiratesFORKids event.

Pirates Hideaway is located at 1998 Highway 45 N in Eagle River.

Feed Our Rural Kids is a registered 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization. To learn more about FORK, visit feedourruralkids.org.