Killington, VT – More than 200 people enjoyed friendship, community and a full all-you-can-eat sushi spread at a special benefit hosted by the owners and staff at Sushi Yoshi in Killington last month. More than 200 tickets were sold to the event at $100 a piece and all ticket sale proceeds were donated to the PEAK lodge campaign, a capital campaign that began last summer to raise funds for a new permanent home at Pico Mountain for Vermont Adaptive Ski and Sports and the Pico Ski Education Foundation. The two non-profit organizations plan to break ground on the $1.3 million building later this summer.
“The support from the Killington community and in this region—the residents and business owners—has been incredible,” said Erin Fernandez, executive director of Vermont Adaptive. “Howard and the entire crew went way beyond our expectations, selling tickets and providing live entertainment and incredible food throughout the evening. We raised more than $22,000 from the event and can’t extend enough thanks to them as well as members of the Pico Ski Club, Killington Resort and the local and regional businesses that supported the benefit.”
The PEAK lodge campaign is the first of three phases of Vermont Adaptive’s state-wide Permanent Homes Campaign. Phase I of the campaign, which includes partnering with the Pico Ski Education Foundation, an alpine ski racing non-profit dedicated to providing young athletes with the resources to pursue their dreams, will provide a permanent home for Vermont Adaptive’s state headquarters and the first year-round adaptive sports center in Vermont. Vermont Adaptive currently uses space provided by Pico Mountain for its programming and state headquarters.
The collaborative partnership between Vermont Adaptive and the Pico Ski Education Foundation brings opportunities for creating a dynamic, multi-use building. The name PEAK represents the values the two organizations share and plan to bring to life: Performance, Excellence, Ability and Knowledge. Killington and Pico Resorts are generously providing the land.
Fundraising began last spring to raise approximately $1.3 million for the state-of-the art building and sustainability fund. The organizations expect to raise $800,000 in cash, with the rest of the funding coming through in-kind donations. To date, more than half the cash has been raised. Vermont Adaptive will own the first floor of the 6,000 square-foot facility. Located between the existing Pico Ski Club building and the Pico Base Lodge, the facility will connect to both buildings via outdoor balconies and decks on the second floor. The building is specifically designed for participants in Vermont Adaptive’s programs, providing easy accessibility for all, regardless of one’s disability. An elevator will connect the first and second floors.
Plans for the building were designed by NBF Architects of Rutland. First floor plans include more than 1,000 square feet for programs, a Chill Zone (or quiet room) for those participants who need a reprieve from constant stimulation; a workshop and storage area to protect and maintain the valuable adaptive equipment that costs between $1,500 and $5,000 per piece; state headquarter offices for Vermont Adaptive administrative and program staff, maximized program space with room for wheelchairs, equipment, supplies, instructors, and even a place for guide dogs to rest.
The Pico Ski Education Foundation will own the second floor, using the space for offices, events, indoor physical training, conferences, and functions.