MAD RIVER VALLEY SKIING COMMUNITY RAISES A RECORD $200K AT SUGARBUSH SKI-A-THON
Funds raised will help injured mountain sports athletes
Warren, VT, March 9, 2017 – The High Fives Foundation shared the slopes with 244 skiers and boarders at Sugarbush Resort’s Valley House lift on Sunday, March 5th, 2017 for the sixth annual Fat Ski-A-Thon. Participants skied “fun laps” under blue New England skies in celebration of the most successful fundraiser the Foundation has ever hosted in its history.
High Fives provides grants to mountain sport athletes who suffer from life-altering injuries such as spinal cord or brain injuries. They also teach safety awareness and smart decision making at schools locally in Northern Vermont and across the country.
At the conclusion of the event, the Foundation reported just over $193,000 in online donations, coming very close to the organizations goal of $200,000. On Monday, March 6th, 2017, the day following the event, an anonymous donor made a pledge of $7,000 allowing High Fives to reach its ambitious goal. The donor participated in the event and was inspired to help the Foundation reach the $200,000 mark.
“Looking back on the last six years of this event, it is amazing to see it grow to this level” says Roy Tuscany, Executive Director of High Fives Foundation “This community is so powerful, so strong and so supportive. These funds will continue to support athletes in their recoveries from a life-altering injury. It is a true blessing to be able to call this place home for myself and the organization.”
The event transformed Sugarbush’s Valley House chairlift and lodge beyond the normal weekend party. Ski-A-Thon participants danced in the lift line to Vermont’s DJ Professor, while they filled their pockets with donated snacks from local sponsors like the Village Grocery, Liz Lovely, Cabot Cheese, Yolo Snacks, VT Smoke and Cure and the Localfolk Smokehouse
“The Valley House was electric,” said Jesse Murphy, of Vermont North Ski Shop and Director of Development for the Foundation. “Everyone was smiling, we had bright blue skies and High Fives reached its goal. The day couldn’t have gone any better.”
The post-event awards ceremony was filled with surprises and accolades, including the prize for top individual fundraiser going to Adam Palmiter, who raised over $7,000 for the Foundation. However, the largest fundraising success came from the duo of Rubi Murphy (age 12) and Mae Murphy (age 11). They collectively raised over $33,000.
“My sister and I love collecting donations for High Fives,” said Rubi Murphy. “We’ve met many of the athletes and we are proud to raise money for them.”
Donations will be accepted through March 31st at www.fatski.highfivesfoundation.org
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ABOUT THE HIGH FIVES FOUNDATION
High Fives Non-Profit Foundation, based in Truckee, CA, became an official 501c.3 non-profit on January 19, 2009. Founded by Roy Tuscany, the Tahoe-based Foundation supports the dreams of mountain action sports athletes by raising injury prevention awareness while providing resources and inspiration to those who suffer life-altering injuries. Since 2009, the Foundation has helped 148 athletes from 27 states. For more information, visit www.highfivesfoundation.org
