Gear & Beer Fundraiser
Gear & Beer Fundraiser
Mud, Sweat n’ Gears teams up with 42 North Brewing for 3rd annual event
Photos / Kim Reading, MS&G
For Kim Reading, owner of Mud, Sweat n’ Gears Ski & Snowboard Shop, there is nothing better than seeing people of all ages and abilities enjoying the slopes as much as she does. That’s why three years ago, her business teamed up with 42 North Brewing Company to host a ski season kick-off party and fundraiser for adaptive ski programs at several different western New York ski resorts. Now in its third year, the Annual Gear & Beer Fundraiser is a can’t-miss event with live music, vintage ski movies, an impressive raffle, giveaways, beer garden games, food, craft beer, and more. Join in the fun on Sunday, November 24th from 1:00-6:00pm at 42 North Brewing Company, 23 Pine Street, East Aurora.
Reading is happy to collaborate with 42 North Brewing Company once again, as the business shares many of the same values as Reading’s. “We have collaborated with them since the beginning, and they’re really great people to work with,” she said. “They like giving back to not-for-profit organizations, like adaptive skiing programs, so for us it was a perfect fit.” Reading pointed out that though the event is taking place at a brewery, all are welcome to attend, as there’s something for everyone to enjoy. “It is family friendly, and it’s open to the public,” she said. “Admission is free, and it’s really like a pre-season kickoff party as well!”
While enjoying live music, guests can enjoy delicious food from Fat Bob’s BBQ and check out the many impressive items that will be raffled off throughout the afternoon. Items include a pair of Head Super Joy skis, Rossignol Super Blackops skis, Giro helmet/goggles, Leki ski poles, and more. Reading said, “We probably have close to $7,000 worth of ski and snowboard equipment, multiple day passes at the ski areas, and daily lift tickets… it’s our biggest raffle pool to date.” Importantly, raffle tickets are on sale now at Mud, Sweat n’ Gears in Ellicottville and East Aurora, and members of HoliMont’s and Holiday Valley’s adaptive ski programs are selling tickets, too. Additionally, tickets can be purchased through Mud, Sweat n’ Gears’ Facebook event page at https://www.facebook.com/share/19ULeEVXgF/, which has a QR code to scan.
Reading has been pleased to see the event grow, and this year she has set a fundraising goal of $10,000 to distribute to adaptive ski programs in the area. “The goal of adaptive skiing programs is to get as many people that have a wide variety of disabilities out on the slopes,” she explained. “I really have a lot of respect for the instructors that take the time and volunteer to help all people enjoy the slopes.” All proceeds from the fundraiser will be donated to adaptive skiing programs at Buffalo Ski Center, Holiday Valley, HoliMont, Kissing Bridge, Peek’n Peak Resort, and Swain Resort to provide scholarships, adaptive ski equipment, instructor training and more.
David Berghash, director of HoliMont’s Phoenix Adaptive Ski Program, has been involved in the program for 14 years. Prior to that, he was involved in the Lounsbury Adaptive Ski Program and has been pleased to see adaptive ski programs growing throughout the area. “We really hold our athletes to a high standard,” he said of the Phoenix program. “Even though there are disabilities involved, we push each of our athletes to their absolute best ability, and you’d be amazed how many really good skiers we have. It’s just tremendous. It’s our passion to teach skiing, but it’s also our passion helping parents and helping disabled athletes ski their best.”
The Phoenix program serves individuals ages four and up and includes children and adults with disabilities ranging from mild to severe. While HoliMont is a private club, Berghash pointed out that HoliMont has an outreach program for non-members that benefits from the Beer and Gear fundraising event. “The outreach program is for the community and is basically local, ranging from the southtowns of Buffalo to Jamestown,” he explained. “Local athletes can take advantage of the Phoenix program on Sunday afternoons, and we do not charge them a thing. We take care of the rental equipment if that’s needed and all the adaptive equipment. Their lessons and lift tickets are totally on HoliMont. We use the money that they are so generous to donate toward that outreach program.
Don’t miss out on the opportunity to support local adaptive ski programs and gear up for the upcoming ski season! Enjoy good food, a cold drink, amazing raffles, and an expo area featuring local ski areas all at 42 North Brewing Company on Sunday, November 24th. Learn more by following Mud, Sweat n’ Gears on social media or calling the store at 716-699-8300.