By Kate Bartlett
Friday February 6th marks the annual HoliMont Men’s Day to benefit the Phoenix Adaptive Program, which helps individuals with special needs learn winter sports. The event offers a day of camaraderie and special events complete with skiing in good company for a great cause. In honor of the 30th Anniversary of the Phoenix Adaptive Program, HoliMont Men’s Day Committee has set an ambitious goal to raise over $100,000 this year.
Since its inception over 20 years ago, Men’s Day has been steadily gaining momentum. Dave Vander Ploeg has been involved with the event for 10 years and has enjoyed watching the event’s steady progression. “In our first year, we raised $5,000 with just a couple of hundred people,” recalls Dave. “Last year we raised over $74,000, and one year we had almost 800 attendees. This year we’ve aimed to go above and beyond in honor of the anniversary of this incredible program and raise over $100,000.”
Over the years, Dave has watched Men’s Day move evolve from just a fun event, to building a community. “It has always been a fun event,” explains Dave. “We’ve built a strong community over the years and it’s great to celebrate with a day of skiing and fun events for a great cause.”
Over the years, Dave has watched Men’s Day evolve from a fun day on the hill into a real community. “It’s always been a great event,” he says. “But year after year, it’s become something more, people coming together for a day of skiing, great moments, and support for an important cause.”
The Phoenix Adaptive Program teaches children and adults with special needs to have fun on the ski slopes. With trained instructors and adaptive ski equipment, The Phoenix Program has helped numerous children and adults of all ages navigate the slopes. “It’s heartwarming to see people benefit from this program in such incredible ways,” explains Dave. “It’s unbelievable to watch a quadriplegic utilize a Tetra Ski (which provides independent turning and speed variability using a joystick and/or breath control) to ski down the slopes. There’s no words to describe it.”
The Phoenix Adaptive Program helps children and adults with adaptive needs experience the joy of skiing. Phoenix has supported skiers of all ages as they build confidence and independence on the slopes with trained instructors and specialized equipment. “It’s heartwarming to see the impact,” says Dave. “Watching an adaptive skier use a TetraSki—controlling turns and speed independently with a joystick and/or breath control—and make their way down the hill is extraordinary. There are no words.”
The Phoenix Program began in 1996 when former program director Chuck Richardson was asked to work with a special needs student. Since then, the program has grown to include students of all disabilities, both physical and cognitive. Through the efforts of the Men’s Day fundraising, the program was able to purchase a Tetra Ski, the world’s first alpine sit-ski, and other adaptive equipment. Throughout the years, Men’s Day has raised a cumulative total of nearly $150,000 and plans to add at least $100,000 this year.
This year, HoliMont Men’s Day will also raise money for the Ellicottville Food Panty. “We recognize this need in our community, and we’ve decided to allocate a certain amount of funds from the event to benefit this organization, in addition to the Phoenix Adaptive Program,” says Dave.
In order to meet their lofty goal, the Men’s Day Committee will host various opportunities for fundraising throughout the event. “We plan to collect $30 donation at the door in honor of the 30th Anniversary,” explains Dave. “We recognize their 30th year so we’ve decided to go above and beyond.” The event will also hold a silent and live auction with over 100 unique items. “We have everything a man’s cave needs up for auction including coolers, barbeques, ski gear, TVs and more; a wide variety of splurge items that have been generously donated.”
The day kicks off at 10am on Friday, February 6th when guests are welcomed by a Bloody Mary or Caesar. The auction events begin at 11am followed by a full day of snow sports and special events. This year marks a Winter Games Edition of the event, during which guests can participate in a variety of winter competitions including tug of war, keg toss, ski race, hot-wing eating contest, mechanical snowboard and other feats of strength. Cigar rolling takes place at 1pm and the nationally touring band Last Call takes stage around 1pm. “This is not a dull event,” remarks Dave. “We have great fun and great food too.” Guests can cut-their-own and grill-their-own steak from complete with premium fixings and sides from Dinas. All guests also receive an awesome SunIce premium vest valued at $200. “Our sponsors have been incredibly generous this year. It’s sure to be our best event yet.”
Dave remarks how it’s an honor to work in the community, and on this event in particular. “It’s truly an honor to be involved in this event,” remarks Dave. “This is one of those events where fundraising meets fun. We’re all having a great time doing good and everyone is in a fantastic mood. The fact that we’re here for a good cause adds to the enjoyment of the day. We are celebrating 30 years of this incredible program.
A limited number of tickets are still available, but are anticipated to sell out as every year. For more information on HoliMont Men’s Day and The Phoenix program visit holimont.com or email info@holimont.com.