Rabbits Unlimited to hold annual Hunt to Cure MS event on Feb. 1

The 18th annual Rabbits Unlimited Ltd. Hunt to Cure MS will be held Saturday, Feb. 1, at Circle B Recreation Center in the Town of Cedarburg.

Begun as a labor of love by the extended Bell family in honor of loved ones who succumbed to the muscular dystrophy, the annual event has continued to grow, last year moving to larger quarters at Circle B.

The event features raffles, live and silent auctions, games, food and prizes that include guns, tools, tickets to sporting events, hunting and fishing gear and other items.

Admission is $25 per person and includes food and beer. Children 12 and younger are free.

The day begins with hunters, in teams of three, gathering for a morning of rabbit hunting. At midday, they join other volunteers and supporters for a day of raffles, auctions, games and food and beverages.

Hunter registration is 11:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. The event runs until 5:30 p.m.

The annual event began after the disease took the lives of Margie and Rich Bell, two of Don Eileen Bell’s seven children.

Last year’s event raised more than $60,000 and was attended by more than 400 people, including about 200 rabbit hunters, organizers said.

Since it started, the annual event has raised more than $418,000 to fight multiple sclerosis.

The event began in the Bells’ garage and then moved to the Railroad Station tavern in Saukville. This is the third year it will be held at Circle B.

Money raised goes to support multiple sclerosis research, scholarships for families afflicted with MS and to the MS Navigator’s Program, an organization that provides support and assistance to families affected by the disease.

For more information, email info@rabbitsunlimited.org.