PRESS RELEASE | 2017 MOTHERSHIP CLASSIC

3RD ANNUAL MOTHERSHIP CLASSIC AT SQUAW VALLEY RAISES NEARLY $70K FOR TAHOE-BASED HIGH FIVES FOUNDATION

Mothership Classic 2017-1

With the sun poking in and out of the clouds, Squaw Valley skiers and snowboarders’ spirits were high in their quest to raise funds for their favorite local non-profit.

The 3rd Annual Mothership Classic was hosted by Arcade Belt Co. on Squaw Valley’s infamous KT22 chairlift – also known as “The Mothership.” Over 100 participants skied in retro gear and fundraised for the High Fives Foundation, a nonprofit in Truckee, Calif. that provides financial grants to severely injured mountain action sports athletes.

The event was presented in conjunction with partners GoProSNOCRUOne Toyota of Oakland, K2 Skis and Squaw Valley Alpine Meadows.

The concept of the “First to Last Chair Fundraiser,” is plain and simple – Have FUN! Participants spent the day lapping KT22 with good friends, all wearing one-piece snow suites, old goggles, straight skis and other retro attire. Smiles, laughter and high fives were the theme for the day.

The event was attended by enthusiastic locals, including employees from Squaw Valley’s Slot Bar and Plumpjack’s, and even winter sports icons Errol Kerr and Daron Rahvles.

“Bringing together the Lake Tahoe Community in this fun-filled event is inspiring to see”, said Roy Tuscany, Executive Director of the High Fives Foundation. “It’s really cool to see close friends laughing and joking together while lapping Tahoe’s favorite local lift, KT22.”

Prior to the event, all participants were encouraged to reach out amongst their own network for pledges and donations. All funds raised go directly to The High Fives Foundation and their efforts to support mountain sports athletes that have suffered life-altering injuries.

“It’s a true testament to the culture of our local community that this event has turned into what it is today.  We have so many fun-loving happy people in North Tahoe that know how to make an event fun and successful,” said Tristan Queen, Co-Founder of Arcade Belt Co.  “The local community has really embraced the Mothership Classic and have allowed us to turn a rowdy day on the hill into a platform for creating meaningful change for athletes who have suffered spinal or brain injuries.  Next year will be bigger and better!”

Awards were held after the event at Fireside Pizza Co in Squaw Valley to recognize the most spirit and the top fundraisers in the event.

Award Winners
Best Solo Fundraiser – Mark Andrews
Best Duo – Jack and Alec Bruce
Best Team – Team #FunFirst
Most Ski Laps – Erroll Kerr and Nico Montforte
#2 Solo Fundraiser – Kahlil Johnson
#3 Solo Fundraiser – Matt Nelson
#4 Solo Fundraiser – Jake Perkins
#5 Solo Fundraiser – Jess Darkenwald
#2 Team Fundraiser – Team Slot Bar
#3 Team Fundraiser – Team Twenty Somethings
#4 Team Fundraiser – Team Hot Wax
#2 Duo – We Ski for CR

Best Dressed – Team Sweatsedo

The event’s conclusion saw Mothership Classic participants rally together to raise an inspiring $68,958 for the High Fives Foundation’s Empowerment Fund. Funds raised will support injured mountain action sports athletes through grant funding to be used towards reaching their recovery goals.

View the photo album by GP Martin
View the photo album by Kate Abraham

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