THE BEGINNING:
Once again Bretton Woods will be hosting the 7th Annual Vertical Challenge for Brain Injury Awareness on Saturday, January 23, 2010. We are also excited that former Patriots Player, Max Lane, will be joining us again!
Last year’s event raised over $21,000 to support soldiers and their families who are living with a brain injury or stroke. Funding from this year’s event will also go to support soldiers, New Hampshire residents and their families.
The format will remain the same with teams of 4 competing to complete the most vertical that day. Prizes will be awarded for the most vertical, most money raised, check points and once again the grand prize will be a random drawing. All you need to do is show up to be eligible for this prize!
Last year, 15 teams participated and competition was tight regarding funds raised. The Seacoast Ski Gulls raised $1962 and MPZ Landscaping came in with a high of $1970. Who will be the top fundraiser this year? On the vertical side, Bee Men and Woman and the Usta Bees tied with 86 runs each. Our big winner last year was Zoe Veasey #1 with a total of 123 runs. Will they retain their title or will a new team take the honors? We’ll just have to wait and see!
Remember that holding the event at Bretton Woods allows participants to have access to the available adaptive ski equipment. If you are in need of such equipment, please download the forms from the website and send them to Sandy Olney, Bretton Woods Adaptive Program, Route 302, Bretton Woods, NH 03575.
See you at Bretton Woods on January 23rd!
THE END:
The chilly morning did not stop the eagerness of 60 skiers meeting together on a beautiful January day to participate in the 7th Annual Vertical Challenge for Brain Injury Awareness at the picturesque Bretton Woods Resort in Bretton Woods, New Hampshire.
Between 7:30 and 8:30 AM, skiers from 15 different teams gathered around the registration table to check in and deposit their pledges they brought to support the Challenge. This year’s teams brought in more than $18,000! Four teams broke the $1000 pledge mark with two of those collecting amounts over $2000. MPZ Landscaping showed their support with $1,125 and Valerie’s Valor #1 brought in $1550. A new participating team this year, Journey 1, placed 2nd by giving a substantial gift of $2200; and the 1st place winning team goes to One Sky Ski Gulls with an outstanding donation of $2814! These two top teams both received lift tickets to Bretton Woods.
Then the teammates bundled up in their winter gear to hit the slopes as the race was on for the next 3 hours to compete in as many vertical runs as possible. With cloudless, crystal clear skies and no waiting in the ski lift lines, the conditions were perfect for skiing down the slopes. Teams Journey 1 and Usta Bees placed 2nd & 3rd, respectfully. Team Valerie’s Valor #3 carried the most vertical runs, counting up to 80, and was also reward lift tickets for their accomplishments.
Volunteers spent the day counting runs, selling raffle tickets, and hosting a “silent auction” trying to increase the bids for Bruin’s tickets, a Red Sox baseball signed by pitcher Jon Lester, a weekend pass for Waterville Valley, a Celtics photo, and Patriots photos.
After closing the vertical runs at noon, the team members and volunteers were rewarded with an incredible pasta lunch given in their behalf. Erin Hall, event coordinator, thanked all the participants and sponsors for the success of the day’s event. Special thanks went to New England Patriots player, Max Lane, who gave a special appearance for the day. Team photos were taken, raffle prizes were displayed, and the silent auction winners were announced. Afterwards many lingered for the après party.
We thank each of the supporting ski teams and volunteers who made this day such a success. Without you we could not have raised the $18,000 for such a worthy cause to help promote brain injury awareness and provide support to our individuals and veterans who are living with a brain injury or stroke.
We encourage anyone to join us again next year – the event is scheduled for Saturday, January 22, 2011.