The annual Wings fundraiser week begins Saturday to provide financial assistance to cancer patients.  

Wings is a grassroots organization that provides support for people in Lincoln, Flathead and Lake counties who are being treated for cancer. The grants help defray out-of-pocket expenses associated with cancer treatment. The support goes to assist individuals with expenses such as housing, transportation and meals. 

“We serve a lot of people,” Volunteer Peggy Craver said. 

Wings has grown every year since beginning in 1997, giving out about $1.7 million to date. The weeklong fundraising event includes a motorcycle poker run, barbecue, walk and run, bowling tournaments and chicken wing dinner. 

Volunteer Karen Stickney said the community continues to support Wings year after year with a variety of events. 

“It’s something wonderful that we don’t want to see go away,” she said. “You can find anything you like to do and then attend.”

Stickney pointed to a few community groups that have held fundraisers of their own including the Troy High School that raised about $2,500 in March.

Last year, Wings provided 161 grants to residents of Lincoln, Flathead and Lake counties adding up to almost $190,000. In Lincoln County, 55 grants provided about $52,000 to cancer patients and their families. 

One of the most talked about parts of Wings week is when volunteers dress up in clown costumes and canvass businesses in Libby seeking donations. This year the clowns will be out on Wednesday, May 7. Donations will also be taken in the evening when volunteers canvass neighborhoods in Libby and Troy. 

Craver has been dressing up as a clown since the beginning and says everyone is generous. 

“We’re seldom told no,” she said. “We ask for a dollar, but most the time we get more.”

Wings week events run Saturday, May 3 to Saturday, May 10. 

On Saturday, May 3 the Roughnecks Motorcycle Poker Run begins at 11 a.m. at Torgy’s Casino. Cost is $10 per hand. Call Brent at 291-9311.

Wings Western BBQ Bash and silent auction is Saturday, May 3 from 5 to 7 p.m. at Libby Elks Lodge.  Dinner is pulled pork, corn on the cob, beans, coleslaw and dessert. Tickets are $10 for 13 and up, $5 for ages 6 to 12 and 5 and under free. Call Donna at 293-7373.

On Sunday, May 4 is the  John Craver Memorial 5K Walk/Run at the J. Neils Park walking path at 1 p.m. Cost is $15 per person or $25 family. Call Peggy at 293-7842.

Bowling tournaments are set for Tuesday, May 6. 

In Libby, the tournament is at Lincoln Lanes. Call Peggy at 293-7842.

In Troy, the tournament is  at Trojan Lanes. Call 295-5024.

Dollar Day is Wednesday, May 7. Volunteers will canvass their neighborhoods for donations in both Libby and Troy. Volunteers meet at 5 p.m. at both the Libby and Troy fire halls. 

Donations can also be mailed to Wings, P.O. Box 1160, Libby, MT 59923 or drop off at First Montana Bank in Libby or Troy. 

On Saturday, May 10 the  Wings for Wings dinner is at 6 p.m. at the Yaak Tavern, along with a silent and live auction. Tickets are $8 each. Call the Yaak Tavern at 295-5159.