Northstar Ski Challenge benefits Excellence in Education

Excellence in Education board members along with representatives from 10 other local nonprofit organizations were hosted on Northstar’s slopes Jan. 16 for the inaugural Northstar Ski Challenge Event. Fun was had by all as nonprofit teams challenged each other on the race course, in photo contests and learned about Northstar’s unparalleled environmental stewardship of our area through their Habitat Management Plan.

Excellence in Education’s team (The Ex in Edgers) tied with the Humane Society of Truckee-Tahoe’s team for best photo, earning each of our organizations $1,000. Additionally, our Northstar team ambassador, Neil Sogard, won $500 for Excellence in Education for having the fastest Northstar employee time on the race course. In total, Northstar awarded $17,500 in cash prizes during the event for the first, second and third place team race times and best photos. All of the nonprofits that did not podium in the race received $1000 in-kind donation.

Excellence in Education benefits each year from the generosity of Northstar through their Vail Echo Giving Program. We greatly appreciate their support for public education and our local Tahoe Truckee schools. An event like this benefits many of our local non-profits, and it showcases the commitment of Northstar and Vail Resorts to the community.

Laura Brown, Excellence in Education executive director