News Release: SkiTAM Establishes $1 Million Endowment Fund Established For U.S. Disabled Ski Team
Denver, CO -- (April 16, 2008) The 13th Annual SkiTAM, a fund-raising event for the U.S. Disabled Ski Team (USDST) organized by CTAM of the Rocky Mountains, continued the tradition of record levels of participation and raising over $1 million. This year’s event was also marked by the establishment of a $1 million endowment fund. The fund, which will be managed by a board of directors assembled under the auspices of the United States Ski Association (USSA), will help to ensure ongoing funding for the Team and to foster development programs for disabled skiers across the country.“Just like any good investment, you eventually start to see dividends, said Steve Raymond, a co-founder and current co-chairman of SkiTAM and a member of the endowment fund’s board of directors. Raymond, who currently serves as senior vice president of national accounts for Disney and ESPN Networks’ Affiliate Sales and Marketing unit, became involved when the Team was in danger of financial collapse 13 years ago. “I’m just delighted that we now have a self-perpetuating revenue source that will further ensure the future of this team,” he added.
A record 1,297 cable industry professionals and their families traveled to Vail, Colorado to support the USDST through their participation in the three-day event.
“These are challenging time for many of us in this business, as competition has forced companies across the board to get leaner and more efficient, stated SkiTAM Co-Chair Joe Rooney, chief marketing officer for Cox Communications. “That’s why ongoing support of the cable industry for these incredible athletes makes me proud to say that after all these years, cable has more heart and soul than any other industry I know.”
A substantial source of industry support for the USDST comes from nearly 60 companies that sponsor the event. Several of these companies also numbered among the nearly 20 industry businesses that donated to the Athlete Partnership Program over the past year. The full list of sponsors is available on the SkiTAM webs site, at www.skitam.com. In addition, the 2008 SkiTAM Silent Auction received a record amount of donations, raising more than $75,000 for the team.
The structure of the annual SkiTAM event provides opportunities for participants to get to know the athletes and their coaches. The understanding and relationships that develop as a result of this interaction is a big reason that many SkiTAM sponsors and participants come back year after year.
“SkiTAM is about so much more than just money and straightforward funding,” observed Jon Kreamelmeyer, head coach for the USDST’s Nordic Team. “It really is about creating special opportunities for people with disabilities.”
SkiTAM provides more than half of the operating budget for the U.S. Disabled Ski Team, enabling it to remain the top ski team in the world for disabled skiers. More information about the USDST may be found on the team’s web site: SkiTAM 2009 will be held from April 9-12 in Vail, Colorado.
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