The list of worthy causes in the Sea to Sky Corridor which could use some money may be approaching Whistler-Blackcomb’s skier visit totals.
From women’s shelters to playground equipment, the needs of a growing, dynamic corridor are increasing at a time when government help has levelled off or is declining.
Helping to fill the void are charitable foundations such as the Whistler-Blackcomb Foundation. Since 1993 the Whistler-Blackcomb Foundation has raised more than $1.4 million for organizations such as Whistler Search and Rescue, Easter Seals Camp in Squamish and the Pemberton Health Care Centre. KidSport Whistler, the Squamish Food Bank, the Myrtle Philip school playground and Outward Bound Pemberton’s Women of Courage program all recently received money from the foundation.
The foundation raises funds through the sale of Whistler-Blackcomb Founders passes and two major events each season: a golf tournament in the fall and the Telus Mobility Winter Classic, which this year is Feb. 11-12.
"Every single cent of the proceeds go back to the corridor community," says Brita McLaughlin.
The Telus Mobility Winter Classic is primarily a corporate team event, which includes two days of skiing, celebrity coaching, a guess-your-time ski race and lots of wining and dining.
The weekend culminates with a mountain-top gala dinner and auction at the Rendezvous Lodge on Blackcomb, which is open to the public. Spanish Romance is the theme for this year’s gala.
"It will be more of a classic food menu with a Spanish accent," McLaughlin says. "It’s kind of a cocktail party with a dinner feel."
Margaritas, sangria and tapas will be among the Spanish touches, as well as flamenco dancers. A live band will provide the tunes for dancing until midnight.
This year’s auction includes 75 ski/snowboard equipment/apparel items, a trip for two to Cabo San Lucas, a digital camera, golf and ski certificates, fishing trips, weekend get-away hotel and spa packages and lots of other items.
Tickets for the evening are $125, which includes GST. For information and registration call 938-7321 or check out the Whistler-Blackcomb website
