Killington, VT – Vermont Adaptive Ski and Sports, the largest year-round disabled sports non-profit organization in Vermont, will host its annual Ski Challenge fundraising event on Saturday, Mar. 12 at Pico Mountain ski area in Killington. A Mardi Gras celebration is this year’s theme.nKillington Resort and Pico Mountain are providing lift ticket and season pass fundraising incentives in order for the non-profit to reach its event goal of raising more than $40,000.
Vermont Adaptive has established a special page on FirstGiving.com, enabling both participants and non-participants in the Ski Challenge to raise money for Vermont Adaptive. The incentives and fundraising levels range from one 2011-12 Pico Mountain lift ticket for $100 in pledges, to one 2011-12 Killington Unlimited Season Pass in exchange for $1,500 in pledges. Those interested in participating in the fundraising can create an individual fundraising page at www.firstgiving.com/1974_1/Event/skichallenge2011.
Every $100 in pledges enables Vermont Adaptive to provide a full-day skiing scholarship. The cost of an outing with Vermont Adaptive for the consumer can range from a $15 for a two hour canoeing session to $90 for a full day ski lesson, including instructors, ticket and adaptive equipment. All of the school and advocacy groups that the organization works with are also subsidized by Vermont Adaptive; school groups are charged a reduced rate starting at 50% off, and participants receive the same one on one experience as any individual who participates.
The average true expense of a lesson or outing to the organization is approximately $120.00 per individual per outing per activity. Yet, it receives only $60,000 in program fees each year. This year Vermont Adaptive has set a goal of raising an additional $60,000 in underwriting support on an annual basis.
“We believe sports and recreation provide a physical, mental and social experience that is immeasurable in promoting self-confidence and independence in an individual,” said Erin Fernandez, executive director. “This is our largest winter fundraiser and monies raised will help us to underwrite some of the costs of our adaptive programs and allow more people with disabilities to participate. We are so thankful to our resort partners like Killington and Pico, who continually step up and come through with us with amazing support. We couldn’t be who we are without partners like them.”
This year’s Ski Challenge includes a day filled with skiing and fun, timed racing and a night complete with family-friendly grazing stations with a Mardi Gras theme, awards, live music with The Chris O’Leary Band, and dancing. Saturday begins with check-in for participants from 8 to 9:30 a.m. in the Sunshine Room in the Pico Mountain base lodge. The fun race begins at 10 a.m. The race is open to all ages and abilities of skiers, riders and tele-skiers. Each racer will complete two times runs. Participants are encouraged to create teams of three and compete in costumes as well. Awards will be made in various categories for all participants, from best individual times to fasted teams, best costume, youngest and oldest participants, as well as acknowledging top fundraisers.
Beginning at 4 p.m. the event moves to the Killington Grand Hotel. A cash bar and Silent Auction begin at 4 p.m. Then the night continues with awards, dinner and dancing. The Silent Auction will wrap up around 7:30 p.m. Live entertainment this year is by The Chris O’Leary Band.
Registration costs $80 for adults and $60 for kids ages 12 and under. The first 100 people to preregister receive a complimentary IBEX Outdoor Clothing wool beanie as well. The cost includes a full-day lift ticket to Pico, Ski Challenge festivities, awards, and the après-ski party. Apres-ski party tickets can be purchased in advance as well for $40 per adult and $30 for kids.
For more information or to register visit www.vermontadaptive.org or contact Vermont Adaptive at (802) 786-4991.