The Blackcomb Foundation will be looking to top last year’s total of $65,000 when the BC Tel Mobility Winter Classic gets underway today. The two-day event includes ski clinics for corporate teams today, a wine and cheese reception at Merlin’s tonight which is open to the public, a corporate ski race Saturday and fine dining and a live auction at the Rendezvous Restaurant Saturday night. Six local charities will benefit from the weekend events, including Whistler Search and Rescue, Pemberton Search and Rescue, Family Services of the North Shore, Whistler Community Services, Whistler Children’s Centre and the Peter Xhignesse Memorial Fund. Last year, money donated by the Blackcomb Foundation to Squamish Fire and Rescue saved lives. "With funds donated by the Blackcomb Foundation we purchased a hydraulic combination cutter/spreader "Jaws of Life," says Squamish Fire and Rescue Lieutenant Steve Virgint. "Because of this we helped save the lives of five people involved in car accidents." Saturday night’s dinner is sold out but tickets for tonight’s wine and cheese reception are available at the door. Tickets are $15 and include a complimentary wine glass. The wines are from Jackson-Triggs and Iniskillin-Okanagan. The cheese is by Armstrong. The Blackcomb Foundation has raised more than $135,000 in the first three years of the BC Tel Mobility Winter Classic.
