Every year, the High Fives Foundation organizes three charity Ski-a-Thon events where participants, either as a team or an individual, raise funds for the non-profit and get rewarded with prizes depending on the number of completed laps and by how much you raise.
These gratifying days serve as a way to have fun and enjoy the outdoors in the name of philanthropy.
The Ski-a-Thon Series is comprised of three events in three different states and has become a staple for High Fives and the participating communities. The series has grown exponentially each year, both in money raised and participation. The goal for 2022 is to raise $500,000 for the Foundation’s programs supporting its athletes via the Empowerment Fund.
The first fundraiser of the year is the 11th Annual FAT Ski-a-Thon on March 6, 2022, at Sugarbush Resort in Vermont sponsored by Vermont North Ski Shops.
The FAT Ski-a-Thon was launched in 2012 with 38 participants, the first-ever in the series. Since then, it has become the highest-grossing event raising a total of $272,532 by 144 participants in 2021.
The next ski-a-thon on the calendar is the iconic 8th Annual Mothership Classic on March 27, 2022, at the newly-minted Palisades Tahoe. The Mothership Classic was born when Arcade Belts Co and High Fives got together with friends sponsoring friends for 25 cents a lap. The Mothership Classic has exploded in growth, raising $30,000 in its first year in 2013 by a humble 15 participants to $183,600 in 2021 by 133 competitors.
The final ski-a-thon of the year is the 7th Annual Retro Shred-a-Thon on April 16, 2022, in Winter Park, Colorado. The newest in the series, created with Phunkshun Wear, the Retro Ski-a-Thon is picking up momentum increasing fundraising efforts from $11,000 in 2016 to $44,820 in 2021 and growing the presence of the Foundation’s mission in the Rocky Mountains.
“Combining philanthropy with outdoor activity is the best way to get people in the fun component of FUNdraising” says Roy Tuscany, CEO of High Fives Foundation. “The opportunity to bring athletes of the organization together with fundraising participants on the slopes really creates a full-circle story for the individuals supporting the mission through their networks and continues to grow the Ohana of the Foundation.”
Similar to the 2021 Ski-a-Thons, this year’s series will be designed as hybrid-virtual events. The High Fives Foundation will follow CDC guidelines regarding COVID and adjust its event protocol accordingly.
2022 sponsors include Fat Tire | New Belgium Brewing, Eddie Bauer, Sugarbush, GoPro, Charlotte’s Web, Vermont North Ski Shops, Arcade Belts Co, Palisades Tahoe, Phunkshun Wear, Winter Park Resort, Wells Lamont, Marker Dalbello Volkl, Love, Tito’s | Tito’s Handmade Vodka, Big Agnes, Ski The East, Darn Tough VT Socks, Ski Town All-Stars, YETI, and SMITH.
Interested sponsoring brands, donors, and participants can register on the event websites:
