High Fives Holds Record Fundraiser
High Fives Foundation Release
This weekend at Sugarbush Resort, the High Fives Foundation hosted 244 skiers and boarders at the sixth annual Fat Ski-A-Thon, which marked the most successful event in the foundation’s history.
At the conclusion of the event, the Foundation reported just over $193,000 in online donations, coming very close to the organizations goal of $200,000. On Monday, March 6th, 2017, the day following the event, an anonymous donor made a pledge of $7,000, allowing High Fives to reach its ambitious goal. The donor participated in the event and was inspired to help the Foundation reach the $200,000 mark.
“Looking back on the last six years of this event, it is amazing to see it grow to this level” says Roy Tuscany, Executive Director of High Fives Foundation “This community is so powerful, so strong and so supportive. These funds will continue to support athletes in their recoveries from a life-altering injury. It is a true blessing to be able to call this place home for myself and the organization.”
Participants skied as many “fun laps” as possible under blue New England skies on the Valley House Lift to raise money for High Fives, which provides grants to mountain sport athletes who suffer from life-altering injuries such as spinal cord or brain injuries. They also teach safety awareness and smart decision making at schools locally in Northern Vermont and across the country.
The event transformed Sugarbush’s Valley House chairlift and lodge beyond the normal weekend party. Ski-A-Thon participants danced in the lift line to Vermont’s DJ Professor while filling their pockets with donated snacks from local sponsors like the Village Grocery, Liz Lovely, Cabot Cheese, Yolo Snacks, VT Smoke and Cure and the Localfolk Smokehouse.
“The Valley House was electric,” said Jesse Murphy, of Vermont North Ski Shop and Director of Development for the Foundation. “Everyone was smiling, we had bright blue skies and High Fives reached its goal. The day couldn’t have gone any better.”
The post-event awards ceremony awarded the prize for top individual fundraiser to Adam Palmiter, who raised over $7,000 for the Foundation. However, the largest fundraising success came from the duo of Rubi Murphy (age 12) and Mae Murphy (age 11). They collectively raised over $33,000.
“My sister and I love collecting donations for High Fives,” said Rubi Murphy. “We’ve met many of the athletes and we are proud to raise money for them.”
Reporting and photos by High Fives Foundation
