Sandpoint, ID – The third annual “24 Hours of Schweitzer” takes place Friday and Saturday at Schweitzer Mountain Resort in Idaho. The event is a 24 hour downhill ski event that benefits Cystinosis Research, a rare and fatal disease that affects only 500 people nationwide. This all day and night fundraiser honors Hank Sturgis of Sandpoint, a four-year-old who has been diagnosed with the disease.n24 Hours of Schweitzer is a team relay beginning at 8:30 a.m. this Friday and runs continuously through 8:30 a.m. Saturday. Participants will ski as many runs as possible in 24 hours for prizes, bragging rights and most importantly, fundraising for Cystinosis research and Hank’s future. Skiers, telemarkers and snowboarders of all ages and abilities are welcome to participate as solo races or as teams of three or four. Following the event is an awards party and auction that is open to the public.
Money raised will benefit 24 Hours for Hank, a local nonprofit established to generate awareness of Cystinosis and raise money for research. Funds raised locally are contributed to the national Cystinosis Research Foundation to help find a cure for this extremely rare, genetic disease that eventually destroys the organs in the body including the kidneys, liver, eyes, muscles and brain.
The entry fee is $125 or $100 with a Schweitzer season pass, and includes a lift ticket for non-pass holders, event t-shirt, participation award, meals, equipment support, sleeping bag accommodations in Lakeview Lodge, hotel discounts at Selkirk Lodge, and one ticket to the auction/awards party. This year’s event features a new tropical spring theme.
Following the event is a public dinner and auction starting at 5:30 p.m. Saturday in the Caribou Room in Schweitzer’s main lodge. Items featured in the silent and live auctions include a Sun Valley vacation package, lunch with Ben Stein, a one-week condo rental on the Oregon coast with wine tasting at Tyee Winery, Schweitzer season pass, a fly fishing getaway to Montana and more. Tickets to the dinner and auction cost $35 and available at www.24hoursforhank.org and Eve’s Leaves in Sandpoint.
This unique event moves to a new spring timeslot, making it one of the last times to enjoy Schweitzer Mountain Resort for the season.
“We’re excited about our move to the spring. More daylight hours and warmer weather should be a big bonus to the event,” said Brian Sturgis, Hank’s dad and one of the event organizers. “We welcome young and old, casual or serious participants, and there are many ways to get involved – start a team, join a team, participate for one hour, participate for 24 hours, ski during the day, or ski all night. Those that don’t ski or board can pledge a participant, volunteer to help out at the event, attend the auction or even donate an auction item. There really is something for everyone, and every little bit helps in our quest to find a cure for Hank.”
Awards will recognize youngest and oldest participants, the most runs skied by an individual and team, and top fundraiser. Two-time event winner Matt Gillis, who logged a record 196 runs in 24 hours last year, will compete again this year, with a goal to complete 200 runs.
During last year’s event, 125 participants ranging in age from 4 to 68 completed a total of 10,789 runs in 24 hours, totaling 11,968,345 vertical feet or 2,266 miles. The 2010 event raised $75,000, making it one of the most successful Cystinosis community fundraisers in the country.
Participants, volunteers and sponsors are needed. For more information on the ski event and auction, to register, or to make a donation, call (208) 610-2131 or visit www.24hoursforhank.org. To volunteer, contact Annika via email at ampampinato(at)care2.com.