All images: Courtesy of High Fives Foundation
What’s better than a spring ski party? One that raises money for a great cause.
Since the inception of the Truckee-based non-profit in 2009, the High Fives Foundation has been able to help over 450 athletes and veterans recover and get back to an active lifestyle after traumatic, life-altering injuries. As a way to “pay it forward,” prevent serious injuries in action sports and provide a resource of hope for those who need it most, Roy Tuscany founded the 501(c)3 non-profit with the goal of becoming the leader in education and recovery of injury in outdoor action sports. Professional skit-skier Trevor Kennison is just one of the many amazing athletes and veterans who have had the opportunity to work with High Fives and completely change their life for the better post-injury.
Along with the on-site CR Johnson Healing Center in Truckee, California, for athletes to train and rehabilitate with the best physical therapists and trainers available, the High Fives Foundation also raises money for their Empowerment Fund and their Military to the Mountain program specifically for veterans. In the decade-plus since the Empowerment Fund was created, High Fives has been able to disperse over $6 million to adaptive athletes and veterans for things like adaptive sports and medical equipment, living and injury expenses, healing networks and other helpful programs. To raise money for the Empowerment Fund, the foundation developed its spring Ski-A-Thon Series seven years ago and the event is still going strong today.
New this year to the Ski-A-Thon series is a third stop in Winter Park, Colorado, on Saturday, April 16. Registration for the Retro Shred-A-Thon is now open, with the option of signing up as an individual or a team. Participants are encouraged to raise money prior to the event with the opportunity to win amazing prizes based on the amount of funds raised and laps skied on the day of the event.
“We’re thrilled to bring Retro Shred to Winter Park this April, and for High Fives to continue to grow in Colorado and the Rockies,” said Roy Tuscany, CEO and Founder of High Fives Foundation, in a recent press release. “The opportunity to bring athletes of the organization together with fundraising participants on the slopes really creates a full-circle story for the individuals supporting the mission through their networks.”
Along with a full spring ski day complimented by rad costumes, live music and the opportunity to win great prizes from brands like YETI, Eddie Bauer, Arcade Belts, Smith, GoPro, Phunkshun Wear, Outdoor Tech, Yakima, Big Agnes and more, High Fives athlete Trevor Kennison will be there all day to shred with the coolest crew on the mountain.
If skiing and raising money for a good cause sounds like a perfect way to spend a Saturday, sign up for the Winter Park Retro Shred-A-Thon by Saturday, April 7. Get your skis waxed and your best costume ready, it’s going to be a good time!
