Derby team raises funds for bouts
The DeKalb County Roller Derby team, the Barbed Wire Betties, held a fundraiser Sunday for more bouts in DeKalb at The Lost Mine Lounge at Four Seasons Sports, 1745 DeKalb Ave. A booth was set up to sell Barbed Wire Betties merchandise.
February 23, 2014
The Barbed Wire Betties raised $1,873 at a weekend event to help pay for floors, events and the school at which they will be playing.
The fundraiser was held from 6:30 to 11:30 p.m. Saturday at The Lost Mine Lounge at Four Seasons Sports, 1745 DeKalb Ave.
Attendees could play three games of bowling, with singles for $15 or doubles for $25.
The Betties raised money to help pay for setting up floors for bouts, setting up bouts against other leagues, and paying for space in the school where they are going to be playing.
The team practices at Kishwaukee YMCA, 2500 W. Bethany Road. They are preparing for the bouts (meets), after finalizing space with Huntley Middle School, 1515 S. Fourth St.
“I love being on the team; it is a big part of my life. I like how the town has embraced us,” said team member Wendy Rissman, also known as “Pixie Crusher.” She has been playing for the Betties for more than a year.
T-shirts, calendars, dog shirts, bandanas, cookbooks and buttons were sold at the fundraiser. Team member Virginia Tilton, also known as “Demon Cleaner,” was in charge of the merchandise table.
“I’m happy that the community is coming out to support the team,” Tilton said.
Raffle tickets were also available, and prizes such as gift certificates, champagne and massages could be won. There was also a food table for guests.
Olympia Chiropractic, 1680 Mediterranean Drive in Sycamore, supported the team by providing free massages and deals on checkups for which the profit will go to the Barbed Wire Betties. Justin Coop, one of the chiropractors giving massages, said the Betties is a great group of ladies.
In addition, the bands Hijee and The Buckshot Hounds came to support the team. Hayden Hallgren, lead guitarist of Hijee, was excited to help the team.
“It’s cool to have a roller derby team. I’ve always wanted to play in a bowling alley,” Hallgren said.
DeKalb resident Joni Beierlotzer came to support the ladies, as well.
“I know a couple of people on the team, and the event is a nice, fun thing to do in a Saturday night,” Beierlotzer said.
