24 Hours of Schweitzer raises a record $90,000

SANDPOINT — In the end, Mother Nature was no match against the skill and determination of participants at the third-annual 24 Hours of Schweitzer ski relay, which featured stellar performances, new records and even a marriage proposal.

Through rain, snow, sun, fog and wind, more than 120 skiers and snowboarders of all ages braved the elements at the all-day, all-night event, which concluded with an auction/awards party attended by 250 people.

The fundraiser was held recently at Schweitzer Mountain Resort in honor of 4-year-old Hank Sturgis of Sandpoint, who has the rare, fatal disease cystinosis that affects only 500 people in the entire country. Together, the events raised a record $90,000 toward a cure for the disease.

Skiers, telemarkers and snowboarders ranging in age from 4 to 69 raised pledges before hitting the slopes to see how many runs they could ski or board in 24 hours straight, beginning at 8:30 a.m. on April 1 and ending at 8:30 a.m. on April 2.

Participants rallied all day and through the night to log 9,561 runs, or nearly 10,247,310 vertical feet, with help from Schweitzer crews and event volunteers who worked around the clock.

Two-time defending champion Matt Gillis of Sandpoint set another new record, skiing 202 runs, amassing a whopping 201,582 vertical feet in 24 hours straight and beating last year’s performance by six runs. He also individually raised more than $16,000 in pledges, earning honors as the event’s top fundraiser.

“After watching the dedication and enthusiasm of this year’s participants, who continued day and night through all kinds of weather, it’s no wonder that Sandpoint has become a leader in raising money to help Hank and others affected by cystinosis,” said Brian Sturgis, Hank’s dad and one of the event organizers. “The funds raised are producing real results, including promising new treatments that are improving the quality of life for cystinosis sufferers nationwide. We’re extremely grateful to our many participants, sponsors, volunteers, donors and supporters, who are helping us move closer to finding a cure.”

Participant Zack Nees of Sandpoint combined fun and fundraising, proposing to his girlfriend and event volunteer Kate Sirany of Sandpoint at midnight during the ski event. She said yes.

Schweitzer Mountain Resort stayed open all night, with lift operators encouraging participants throughout the night, ski patrol on stand-by to provide assistance, events crews coordinating rope lines and signage, and employees helping with meals and lodging.

“Schweitzer is pleased to be part of this phenomenal community effort, which has been instrumental in the quest to find a cure for this life-threatening disease,” said Mary Weber-Quinn, events director at Schweitzer Mountain Resort. “It’s nice to end our season on such a high note.”

24 Hours of Schweitzer benefits 24 Hours for Hank, a local nonprofit foundation established to help find a cure for cystinosis.

Donations are still being accepted and can be made online or via the mail. For more information, call (208) 610-2131 or visit “www.24hoursforhank.org.”