24 Hours of Schweitzer on tap this weekend
SANDPOINT — There is still time to register for 24 Hours of Schweitzer, the all-day, all-night skiing fundraiser on April 1-2 held in honor of four-year-old Hank Sturgis of Sandpoint, who has the rare, fatal disease cystinosis.
The third-annual ski relay — one of only a handful of events like it in the country — moves to a new Spring time slot this year, making it one of the last times to enjoy Schweitzer Mountain Resort for the season.
The public can also still buy tickets for the dinner and auction for $35 without participating in the ski event. A host of great auction items are available and the awards party is always a great time. Tickets are available at “www.24hoursforhank.org or at Eve’s Leaves in Sandpoint.
24 Hours of Schweitzer is a team relay for skiers, telemarkers and snowboarders that begins at 8:30 a.m. on Friday and runs continuously through 8:30 a.m. on Saturday. Participants raise pledges and see how many runs they can ski or ride in 24 hours. Skiers, telemarkers and snowboarders of all ages and abilities are welcome as solo racers, or three- or four-member teams.Teams will ski and ride on intermediate runs for prizes, bragging rights and most importantly, fundraising for cystinosis research and Hank’s future. Following the event is an auction/awards party that is open to the public.
“We’re excited about our move to the Spring, said Brian Sturgis, Hank’s dad and one of the event organizers. “More daylight hours and warmer weather should be a big bonus to the event.”
The event benefits 24 Hours for Hank, a local nonprofit established to generate awareness of cystinosis and raise money for research.
The entry fee for the ski event is $125 ($100 for those who already have a Schweitzer ski pass) and includes a lift ticket, event t-shirt and participation award, meals, equipment support, sleeping bag accommodations in LakeviewÅ@Lodge, hotel discounts at Selkirk Lodge and one ticket to the auction/awards party. This year’s event features a new tropical spring theme.
Sandpoint’s Matt Gillis won the event last year with 196 runs, a number he hopes to beat. More importantly, he is also trying to raise the most money.
Sandpoint’s Crosby Schmidt is a pre-school class-mate of Hanks and at just 4 years-old and will be entering the event on the “All About Kids” four-person team, which has already raised a considerable sum of money.
For more information on the ski event and auction, to register, or to make a donation, call 610-2131 or visit “www.24hoursforhank.org.”