Sandy, UT – Most people associate Sandy, Utah’s Louie Vito with snowboarding, the Olympics or ABC’s Dancing With The Stars. But what showcases Vito’s character most is his dedication to giving back.nFor the past several years, Vito and his family have orchestrated a Rail Jam event in their home state of Ohio to raise money for local charities. Starting off as a way for Vito to give back to his childhood community, the event quickly grew into much more, especially as his success flourished in the halfpipe and he danced his way onto prime time.
“It’s amazing! My whole thing is I want to give back to the community that helped shape me and get me to where I am,” said Vito. “I grew up riding in Ohio, I learned to snowboard in Ohio and it helped make me who I am. I remember being a lil’ kid riding there and how stoked I was on anything snowboarding. I just want to give back to the kids riding there, the mountain and the community. Give as much free stuff as possible too!”
Everyone is a winner in the Louie Vito Rail Jam – literally. With entry fees as simple as donating food in conjunction with the overall goal of raising food and money for local charities, all participating athletes win something. Whether they land inside the top three or top 10 or are one of the lucky contestants whose bib is drawn in the raffle – everyone walks or rides away with a prize.
“Everyone gets free stuff and everyone is contributing to donating, which is awesome!” said Vito. “It’s just a good time.”
Over the years the Rail Jam event has grown into something much more than just an Ohio local charity event. The contest has grown to host nearly 800 riders and spectators as the locals contest has gone national. Vito and Co. have been extremely generous and successful providing 12 families with food for six months from the most recent Dec. 26, 2010 event.
“It’s a good set up and good contest,” said Vito. “It’s a party up in the loft for when you aren’t riding or for your friends and family that are just hanging out.”
As far as Vito’s dad, Lou, is concerned he is very proud of his son for all he has accomplished in and out of the halfpipe.
“It started out for Louie to give back to those who have helped him,” explained Lou Vito about instilling core values into Vito’s life. “But now it’s for him to help others.”