MAD RIVER VALLEY SKIING COMMUNITY RAISES NEARLY $200K AT SUGARBUSH SKI-A-THON FOR HIGH FIVES FOUNDATION
Funds raised will help injured outdoor sports athletes return to the sports they love. View the fundraiser HERE
Warren, VT, March 15, 2018 – The High Fives Foundation shared the slopes with 170 skiers and snowboarders at Sugarbush Resort’s Valley House lift on Sunday, March 4th, 2018 for the Seventh Annual Fat Ski-A-Thon. Participants skied “fun laps” in wintery New England weather in celebration of the Foundations most successful fundraiser of the year.
High Fives provides grants to outdoor sports athletes who suffer from life-altering injuries such as spinal cord or traumatic 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 $195,000 in online donations, coming very close to the organizations goal of $205,000. Donations are being accepted through March 31st, and the Foundation will continue to reach the initial goal.
“Looking back on the last six years of this event, it is amazing to see it grow to this level” said 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, and I am honored to call the Mad River Valley the place where I grew up.”
The Fat Ski-a-Thon started in 2011 as an event for local Vermonters to spend a day skiing on “fat” skis at Sugarbush Resort, but it has transformed into a community event that welcomes all demographics. Accomplished skiers, novice skiers, adaptive skiers and snowboarders are encouraged to join in on the fun. Adaptive skier, and High Fives Athlete, Nick Fairall was excited to participate in the year’s event.
“Following my 2015 spinal cord injury, I have had the pleasure of joining High Fives Foundation on the hill for a couple different occasions,” said High Fives Athlete, Nick Fairall. “Everyone was in such great spirits, and I’m glad I was able to get out and take a few runs at this years Fat Ski-a-Thon.”
The Seventh Annual Fat Ski-a-Thon transformed Sugarbush’s base-area beyond the normal weekend party. Participants used the Valley House and Super Bravo lifts to ski throughout the day. 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, Cabot Cheese, Vermont Village and the Localfolk Smokehouse.
“Sugarbush was electric,” said Jesse Murphy, of Vermont North Ski Shop and Director of Development for the Foundation. “Everyone was smiling, we had amazing weather and High Fives is close to it’s 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 $8,000 for the Foundation. However, the largest fundraising success came from the duo of Rubi Murphy (age 13) and Mae Murphy (age 12). They collectively raised over $31,000.
“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 188 athletes from 32 states. For more information, visit www.highfivesfoundation.org
