2nd Annual Mothership Classic at Squaw Valley raised over $49,000
The most successful retro skiing fundraiser for athletes with life-altering injuries
What would normally be considered a powder day in the Sierra Mountains was experienced by over 100 skiers at Squaw Valley using ski and snowboard equipment developed in the 1980s — all in the name of philanthropy.
The 2nd Annual Mothership Classic was hosted by Arcade Belt Co. on Squaw’s infamous chairlift, KT22. Participants skied in old gear and fundraised for the High Fives Foundation, a nonprofit in Truckee that gives grants to athletes recovering from major injuries.
The event was presented in conjunction with partners GoPro, K2, SNOCRU, One Toyota of Oakland and Tahoe Made.
The concept of the “First to Last Chair Fundraiser,” is like a skier version of a Relay for Life. Participants spent the day lapping KT22 as many times as possible with friends, all wearing one-piece snow suites, old goggles, really strait skis and other throw back gear.
The event was attended by Jamaican Ski Team member Errol Kerr and the most decorated male American Downhill and Super G skier in history, Darron Rahvles.
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 athletes that have suffered life-altering injuries.
“People who live and work here fundraise what they can, and it’s so impressive the amount of impact everyone can make together,” said Tristan Queen, Co-Founder ofArcade Belt Co. “Friends sponsoring friends for 25 cents a lap is really what this event was founded on. The original recipe was pretty simple, and we haven’t changed it much over the years. Helping others who have suffered lifer-altering injuries by spending a full day on KT chasing your friends around is about as good as it gets.”
“This event has catalyzed other ski-a-thon type events across the country that have raised nearly one million dollars for the foundation since 2009”, said Roy Tuscany, Founder of the High Fives Foundation. “But this event is where it all started. Our community really comes together to support athletes in recovery.”
The High Fives Foundation is the non-profit beneficiary of the Mothership Classic.
Awards were held after the event atFireside Pizza Co in Squaw Valley to recognize the most spirt and the top fundraisers in the event.
Award Winners
Best Retro Outfit – Robert Green
Most Creative Team – Saddle Hags
Most High Fives – Eric Zerrenner
Best Solo Fundraiser – Kahlil and Thomas Johnson
Best Duo – Alec and Jack Bruce
Best Team – Hot Wax
Most Ski Laps – Erroll Kerr
Most Snowboard Laps – Kristian More
#2 Solo Fundraiser – Billy Haupert
#3 Solo Fundraiser – Shawn Berger
#4 Solo Fundraiser – Kevin Starr
#5 Solo Fundraiser – Jon Rockwood
#2 Team Fundraiser – We Ski for CRJ
#3 Team Fundraiser – Ziggy Stardust
#4 Team Fundraiser – Slot Bar
#5 Team Fundraiser – Team Arcade
