By Kate Bartlett
Next Friday, February 7th marks the annual HoliMont Men’s Day to benefit the Phoenix Adaptive Program. Men’s Day has been raising funds for this program just over 5 years, raising a cumulative total of $100,000. This year, they aim to raise $40,000.
HoliMont’s Men’s Day has been a longstanding tradition of camaraderie, fun, food, drinks, games, and skiing. Mike Sims has been involved with the Men’s Day program since its inception and reports how the program gains momentum every year. “While Men’s Day has been around for several years, but we started raising funds for the Phoenix program just over 5 years ago,” says Mike. “We are proud to have raised a cumulative total of $100,000 for this wonderful program.”
former program director Chuck Richardson
(front, center) 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. Though
the efforts of the Men’s Day fundraising, the
program was able to purchase a Tetra Ski, the
world’s first alpine sit-ski (pictured), and other
adaptive equipment. The Tetra Ski provides independent
turning and speed variability using
a joystick and/or breath control, with the help
of well-trained instructors.
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. “We have people come from far and wide for this program,” says Mike. “It’s incredible to see what they can do; it’s an amazing gift to help families ski together here at HoliMont.”
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. Though 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. The Tetra Ski provides independent turning and speed variability using a joystick and/or breath control, with the help of well-trained instructors.
The HoliMont Men’s Day Committee is comprised of committed and passionate group of HoliMont Members. This year, the event will be held on Saturday, February 7th and includes a day of skiing, food, games, drinks, and fun. Prizes and giveaways will be held throughout the event; a good time guaranteed for all. “The food is an event of itself,” says Mike. “We have the smoker outside for steak, and Dina’s at the Mont puts on a delicious spread of food and deserts.”
Mike appreciates the event on many levels, but reports the best part is the camaraderie. “It’s almost a reunion of sorts,” says Mike. “All the men gather in good spirits for a good cause, making new friends and reconnecting with the old. It’s really a great day, and a testament to what HoliMont is all about.”
For more information on Men’s Day and The Phoenix program visit holimont.com or email info@holimont.com. Tickets are available online for our members and their invited guests, best purchased before the event.