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TELUS Winter Classic

The Whistler Blackcomb Foundation is going to have much more to give back to the community this year, after a very successful 2008 TELUS Winter Classic.

The Whistler Blackcomb Foundation is going to have much more to give back to the community this year, after a very successful 2008 TELUS Winter Classic.

Held last weekend, the combination of sporting and pleasure events raised over $130,000 for local registered non-profit charities.

“The support we receive from both our corporate and community supporters continues to be incredible,” said Dave Brownlie, president of the Whistler Blackcomb Foundation, in a press release. “We would especially like (to) thank all of our volunteers and the Mountain Staff (in catering, events, and operations) who continue to go above and beyond to make this event possible.”    

Last Friday night, the Whistler Winetastic! event, sponsored by the Westin, treated over 600 guests to a tasting delight, with a chocolate fountain to satisfy the sweet tooth, and entertainment provided by the Rajan Das Trio, and local artists Leanna Rathkelly, Lorne Warburton and Jim Martinello.

The TELUS Winter Classic featured one and two-day ski events that included spending a day with Whistler-Blackcomb ski pros, and racing in the Match Your Time Race Classic on Saturday. Kai Daniells, Jaden Tucker and Jack Linell of the Whistler-Blackcomb Foundation Kids team stole the hearts of other racers, and were awarded medals at the bottom of the course. Prizes were awarded for the fastest team and the team able to achieve the least time difference between their first and second runs.

The fastest team for a second year running was Coquitlam Concrete, with Price Waterhouse Coopers Snow Hounds capturing the title under the Match Your Time category.

Topping off the weekend of events was the “Elements of British Columbia” gala, hosted by Steve Podborski at the Roundhouse Lodge. Transformed into A representations of the four elements, the Roundhouse was filled with stilt walkers, “element” girls, and a mermaid, greeting guests as they entered.

Artists Ali Milner, Famous Players, Penny Martyn, Vanessa Stark and The Ballistic Brothers provided entertainment, and guests were awed by psychic and palm readings by The Oracle.

Sea to Sky non-profit organizations can apply for funding to the Foundation before Apr. 1, 2008.