Sugarbush fundraiser to support injured athletes

Sugarbush will host the High Fives Foundation’s Fat-Ski-A-Thon on March 1. (Sugarbush)

Sugarbush Resort will host the High Fives Foundation’s Fat-Ski-A-Thon fundraiser on Sunday, March 1 to support outdoor athletes who have suffered from a life-altering injury. Organizers of this event hope to raise $200,000 for the cause.

Through outreach to family, friends and other contacts, Fat Ski-A-Thon participants garner financial pledges and then complete as many “fun runs” as possible at Lincoln Peak on the Valley House Lift. Now in its ninth year, the Fat Ski-A-Thon has become the largest fundraising event for the High Fives Foundation.

“I look forward to all High Fives East Coast events, but the Fat Ski-A-Thon is my favorite,” writes annual participant Jon Wilson. “I grew up with Steve (Wallace) from the foundation, and following his spinal cord injury, I understand how funds raised can truly help individuals that suffer life-altering injuries.”

In addition to providing grants to injured athletes, the organization also teaches safety awareness and smart decision making at schools in the Mad River Valley, Vermont, and across the country.

“I’ve helped organize this fun-filled event for the last four years,” writes Gina Miele, events and partnerships manager for the High Fives Foundation. “I grew up skiing in Vermont, so the Fat Ski-A-Thon is particularly close to me. I’m looking forward to making this the best year yet for the event.”

In conjunction with the Fat Ski-A-Thon, the High Fives Foundation will host restaurant week at Mad River Valley restaurants from Feb. 27 through March 1. Participating restaurants will donate 10 percent of meal purchases back to the foundation. The following restaurants will be involved: The Hyde Away, Mad River Barn, Worthy Burger Too, Localfolk Smokehouse and Rumbles Kitchen at Sugarbush.

Founded in 2009 by Roy Tuscany, an athlete who suffered a spinal cord injury while training at Mammoth Mountain, Calif., the High Fives Foundation has successfully raised funds, secured alternative treatments and aided in the recovery of more than 234 athletes from 32 states.