"We always talk about the kids, the skills and the opportunity the Sun Valley Ski Education Foundation provides, but it is a significant contributor to the Sun Valley area," said Kate Berman, fundraising event director for the Sun Valley Ski Education Foundation.
Berman said she is excited about the 34th annual Sun Valley Ski Education Foundation Fall Game Dinner because this year the benefit has started with an online auction at www.biddingforgood.com/svsef. In addition, the event will have a super silent auction with seven live auction-worthy items available for bidding all evening. A wine auction section will also be available.
The benefit evening will take place Saturday, Nov. 13, at the Sun Valley Inn Limelight Room beginning at 5:30 p.m. with cocktails and silent auction bidding. A sit-down dinner with live auction followed by dancing will begin at 7 p.m. Tickets are $100 per person and sponsor tables are $1,500.
"I've been directing this event for 10 years, and I am very proud to be part of the Sun Valley Ski Education Foundation and what it brings to our community," Berman said. "Our athletes are competing and wearing the Sun Valley logo all over the world."
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Berman said the foundation supports and promotes winter sports as well as an outdoor lifestyle, which is the fabric of the Wood River Valley's culture.
Fall Game Dinner proceeds support the foundation's academic programs and financial assistance, which is available to all athletes and includes tuition and travel scholarships. The benefit dinner also supports year-round training and training facilities as well as transportation to events.
"Our program directors and coaches are among the top in the country," Berman said. "Our goals are to provide the best programs in the nation, and we are reaching our goals."
Berman said champions are popping through the top and six athletes are training with goals to attend the next winter Olympics in 2014.
The evening will include mystery balloon sales, a short video featuring athletes and the coaches award, presented by Doran Key. Dinner will feature game meat but vegetarian options are available. The live and silent auctions feature an array of trips, tours, passes and many inclusive items for adventurers and shoppers.
"I want to thank the families of the foundation, all the contributors, dinner guests and especially Sun Valley Resort," Berman said.
She said tickets are available but are going fast. For tickets, call Nina at 726-4129, ext. 102, or e-mail nina@svsef.org.
Sabina Dana Plasse: splasse@mtexpress.com
Sun Valley Ski Education Foundation coaches are the foundation of the program. From left, Snowboard Team head coach Andy Gilbert, Alpine Development Team head coach Doran Key and Nordic Ski Team head coach Rick Kapala. Photo by Willy Cook
