The Grand Traverse has a proud history of supporting the Crested Butte Nordic Center and other nonprofit organizations. Over the years, many teams have chosen to make their Grand Traverse experience more meaningful by racing on behalf of a charity.
This year, for the first time, the Grand Traverse reserved a number of event slots specifically for teams racing for a charity of their choice. Each team has committed to raising at least $1,500 for their entry. A portion of the fee will pay for the team’s entry, the remaining funds raised will go to their charity.
Listed below are this year’s teams with links to their fundraising sites and information on their charity of choice. The Grand Traverse is honored to partner with these dedicated athletes and their charities.
Team Name: Down Syndrome-Autism Connection
Team Members: David Gross & Rob Mahedy
Charity: Down Syndrome-Autism Connection
Team Statement: Thousands of people have a dual diagnosis of Down Syndrom and Austism including David’s son Benjamin. This is a very personal mission in honor of Benjamin. Last year the money David raised was used to provide support groups and build a website which helped the Connection grow nationally.
Goal: $5,000
To learn more about the Connection please visit http://ds-asd-connection.org
To donate please send checks to:
Down Syndrome-Autism Connection
PO Box 740893
Arvada, CO 80006-0893
Team Name: Team Turtle Lake
Team Members: Art Zemach & Jim Nichols
Charity: Colorado Children’s Hospital, Denver, CO
Team Statement: Art and Jim are raising funds in an effort to give each child with cancer the chance of a healthy life.
Goal: $1,500
To learn more and donate, please visit http://teamchildrenscolorado.kintera.org
Team Name: Nordic Ninjas
Team Members: Chris Garren & Alex Pogue
Charity: Life Turns
Team Statement: Life Turns is a local non-profit that inspires children with traumatic or medical challenges by immersing them in positive outdoor experiences.
Goal: $2,500
To learn more and donate, please visit
https://rally.org/nordicninjas
Team Name: Donor Dudes
Team Members: Chris Klug & Jon Gibans
Charity: Chris Klug Foundation
Team Statement: Liver transplant recipient and Olympic Medalist snowboarder, Chris Klug founded the CK Foundation in 2003 to promote lifesaving donation and improve the life for those touched by organ donation.
Goal: $1,500
To learn more and donate, please visit:
http://chrisklugfoundation.org
Team Name: Team Gallop
Team Members: Toni Westerholm & Ulla Forsbergh
Charity: Crested Butte Jr. Nordic Team
Team Statement: For the health and joy of nordic skiing for all team members and supporters.
Goal: $1,800
To learn more and donate, please visit: http://www.cbnordic.org
Team Name: Dyno Rhino and the Badger
Team Members: Tracee Metcalfe & McKenna Douglas
Charity: Hospice of the Valley
Team Statement: Hospice of the Valley is a local nonprofit organization that provides compassionate, quality care to individuals who are diagnosed with a life-limiting illness with a prognosis of six months or less to live.
Goal: $1,500
To learn more and donate, please visit:
http://tasandthebadger.com
and
http://www.facebook.com/pages/Hospice-of-the-Valley-and-the-Dyno-Rhino-and-Honey-Badger
Team Name: Team Save Red Lady
Team Members: Jeremy Rubingh & Lauren Yale
Charity: High Country Citizens Alliance
Team Statement: We are skiing to protect the mountains and wild places surrounding our community and to raise money and awareness for High Country Citizens’ Alliance whose mission is “to champion the protection, conservation and preservation of the natural ecosystems within the Upper Gunnison River Basin”.
Goal: $1,500
If you would like to donate, please contact Laura Yale at 970-456-2373 or via email at yale.laura@gmail.com
