Yellowknife (May 11/05) - The parking lot of YK District One was abuzz Saturday as people spent the morning at the annual Gumboots Rally.

Judy West, AKA Pope Joyous Justice, of the Catholic Women's League at the Gumboot fundraiser on Saturday. "I came out because it is a good way to help the community association and it's great fun. I'm always happy to have a laugh.

This year saw the most teams ever, 26 in all, sign up to play in silly games like the Marble Roll (rolling marbles into a gumboot) and the Gumboot Toss (think basketball, but with boots) to raise money for the Association for Community Living.

Caitlin McGurk of the Barbies team, made up of J.H. Sissons students, jokingly cheered "think pink or die" to motivate fellow team members in the Marble Roll. Their team of five raised $640.

Monique Rodway was dressed up as a punk rocker to represent the BHP team.

"It's a good cause, fundraising for the Abe Miller Centre," Rodway said, "it's fun and you get to meet different people out in the community.

Emily Smith was at last year's fundraiser and came out again as a part of the Computer Geeks team.

"We decided to do it again this year because we though it was fun," Smith said.

Judy West was dressed in flowing white robes as Pope Joyous Justice, representing the Catholic Women's League's team, the Pokey Popes.

"It's a good way to help the community association, it's great fun, and I'm always happy to have a laugh," she said.

Janet Diveky helped to organize the festivities, and was very pleased with the turnout.

"We had 24 teams, that's the most to ever come out. I think we are going to do really well," Diveky said.

The festivities raised about $15,000 for the Yellowknife Association for Community Living. It will go toward the association's Literacy Outreach Program.

Jane Whyte is the executive director of the association, and she described it as "fantastic."

"Thanks to all the volunteers, the participants and the donors," Whyte said.

The fundraiser was sponsored by Canadian North, BHP Diamonds, Diavik Diamonds, and De Beers.