Alpine Fundraiser Exceeds Goal

The annual Alpine Fundraiser for the Stifel U.S. Ski Team was a massive success. The fundraiser almost doubled the initial goal of $100,000. The event is a staple for the alpine team helping raise additional funds for the program as the team competes to be the best in the world. 

The event was held at long time alpine donors Karen and John Arnold’s beautiful home in Vail Colorado where they hosted over 40 guests. Those in attendance ranged from donors, trustees, ski team alumni and a group of current team athletes. The list included Olympic silver medalist Ryan Cochran-Siegle, Olympians Nina O’Brien and Katie Hensien as well as the giant slalom Junior World Champion Ryder Sarchett. Alumni in attendance included Drew Duffy, Karen Ghent, Cindy Nelson, Brenda Kirwood and Alice Duran. 

“The Alpine Fundraiser was once again a reminder of the incredible ski racing community that supports our athletes on the Alpine team,” said Olympian and Stifel U.S. Ski Team alumna Alice Duran. 

Vail Valley Foundation’s Mike Imhoff also made an appearance where he spoke on the excitement the local area has for the upcoming men’s and women’s Stifel Birds of Prey World Cups presented by United Airlines. This season is notably the first year that the women will compete on the famed Birds of Prey super-G and downhill tracks. 

Guests mixed and mingled touching upon the program's strengths highlighted with a Q&A session moderated by Duran. The athletes spoke to their own stories with the team as well as answering Duran’s thoughtful questions. 

“I was struck by how people showed up from every facet of the sport to lend their support both with their dollars, and time dedicated to the sport. A big thank you to Karen and John Arnold for hosting, the athletes that attended and all the donors that chose to support! GO USA,” said Duran.

The alpine team is now in a large gym prep period before they hit the snow across the world. The alpine team's World Cup schedule kicks off in Sölden, Austria on October 26-27 with a pair of giant slalom races.