Mars Hill, ME – First Wind, an independent U.S.-based renewable energy company, on Thursday announced that it has donated $15,000 to the Friends of Bigrock. The Friends of Bigrock was formed to support the Bigrock Mountain community ski area in Mars Hill, Maine to aid in continuing operations for the upcoming ski season.
First Wind built and operates the 42-megawatt (MW) Mars Hill Wind project, the company’s first to go online in Maine when it achieved commercial operations in March 2007. The Mars Hill Wind project is on the same mountain as the ski area, which at 980 feet has the biggest vertical drop of any ski area in northern Maine or the Canadian Maritimes.
“We are very grateful for the significant donation from First Wind and our neighbors at the Mars Hill wind project,” said Bill Getman, General Manager at Bigrock Mountain. “This generous contribution, along with others from the surrounding business community, has put us well on the way to our goal of $150,000. We appreciate all First Wind has done to support the ski area and the Mars Hill community over the years, and we look forward to working with them in the years to come.”
Bigrock Mountain, a 501(c)3 non-profit organization, was effectively closed after losing critical funding through the Maine Winter Sports Center and the Libra Foundation in August. In preparation for the upcoming ski season and many more that follow, the Friends of Bigrock was formed to raise enough funds to own, operate, and integrate major changes to their operating model to become a more self-sustaining organization.
“First Wind prides itself on supporting local business in all of our host communities and we are more than happy to contribute to help keep Bigrock Mountain alive for all to enjoy,” said Joe Martin, Vice President of Operations for First Wind. “As an economic engine in Aroostook County for the last 50 years, Bigrock Mountain would be sorely missed not only in Mars Hill, but throughout the region. Our two organizations are forever linked due to our location.
“Having grown up ski racing in Maine at a small community mountain in Rumford myself, and having have lived near Mars Hill and enjoyed skiing at Bigrock, I know first-hand the importance and value of this ski hill to the local community,” added Martin. “First Wind is proud to add our name to the list of corporate and personal supporters helping to ensure this epicenter of winter activity is available for all to enjoy for another 50 or more years.”
First Wind is encouraging other members of the community and Maine recreational enthusiasts to support this worthy cause. Donations can be made at the Bigrock fundraising website at www.gofundme.com/save-