As the leaves are falling from the trees and the days grow shorter, my focus shifts from the summer activities of biking and hiking to the winter activities of Nordic and alpine skiing. In a few weeks, snow guns will be heard making snow in preparation for a Thanksgiving opening. It's also the time of year for the Sun Valley Ski Education Foundation's annual Fall Game Dinner.
On Nov. 13, the SVSEF hosts one of its main fundraising events to raise money for tuition and travel scholarships. In an effort to communicate to everyone the importance of supporting this event, I thought I'd share with you some little-known facts about how supportive our community is during one of the most challenging economic times I can remember. Did you know that 90 percent of the retailers and restaurants in Hailey and Ketchum who were invited to support the Fall Game Dinner said "yes"? I just want to say a huge "thank you" to all of you who contributed this year.
Here's another little-known fact I wanted to share with you: During the racing season, the SVSEF hosts eight to 10 national and regional competitions, which bring an estimated three-quarters of a million dollars to the Wood River Valley. For 44 years, these events have helped bring back every dollar donated and more. If only our government was as good at using our tax dollars as the SVSEF!
If you're looking for a sound investment that will directly benefit our community, supporting the Fall Game Dinner is one of the best deals in town. This will be one of the few investments you can be certain will result in a positive return.
Kim Nalen
Ketchum
