Thank you to everyone who came out to play at the Salmon Bake! An extra special thank-you to Kyler Rendle and Sarah Thoms, who are the driving force behind TUNA’s end-of-year social event.
Another thanks to our junior fundraisers, aka “Youth Boosters”, who are not only hard at work on some fundraising-centered events this year, but who thought up some great activities to fill the time between appetizers and salmon.
New Year, New Ideas
This year was a little different. Many people who have been around for a while are used to a silent auction being the main junior fundraiser of the year. The fact is, it’s a lot of work, and since 2020, the work done by a handful of dedicated volunteers has not been nearly as fruitful.
They haven’t abandoned the auction. They are looking for ways to improve and allow more time than the six short weeks between the end of a busy ski season and the Salmon Bake’s traditional spot on the calendar.
27 for 27
This year’s first fundraising effort is a simple, direct drive for funding projects that impact the junior teams next year. The “27 for 27” drive will specifically raise funds for two additional ski boxes for the vans, and an additional tent for the growing team.
Next year we anticipate sixteen U16, U18, and U20 athletes traveling to the Intermountain Division junior qualifying races, with additional skiers joining for local and some travel events.
The goal for this project is $5000, which covers the costs of these items, as well as the administrative costs, including incentives (nobody earns commissions on these donations).
Funds will directly purchase:
- two additional roof boxes for the team van
- an additional tent for races to house the growing contingent of skiers
With a minimum donation of $27, we’ll get you a limited edition Dancing Bears on X TUNA neck gaiter. Those bears are on skis, BTW.
What’s Next
Our fantastic fundraisers have a bunch more tricks up their sleeve, so stay tuned for ways you can connect to the team, live through the eyes of the young generation, and hear stories from the road. Junior Nationals next year is in Anchorage, Alaska, and many of the skiers have their sights set on making the trip.
Along with old traditions, they’re starting some new ones. Watch your email, the website, and the TUNA News for more fun and innovative events coming soon. And if you can, donate to the cause today!
Donate today on Venmo: @utahnordic, last four digits: 8702. And send an email to youthboosters@utahnordic.org to let us know how we can get you your limited edition neck gaiter!
