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Ski for Heat is the result of an idea by Peru resident Martha Robertson to help local families in need. One fall day six years ago, her thoughts turned to the winter ahead, and she realized that for many in her area, this time of year was financially difficult: high heating prices during the cold months, the upcoming holidays, and the ever-increasing costs of living meant that hard choices would have to be made. Was there a way she could help neighbors meet these demands? Hmmm... how to do this?
Martha decided that she could create her own "ski-a-thon" fundraiser by asking her family and friends to lend a hand in the cause: If she were to pledge to ski her heart out on a specified day, would they be willing to make a donation to put into a "fuel fund" for the benefit of families who couldn't afford to heat their homes? In the process of working out the logistics of creating the "fuel fund," Martha eventually ended up talking with Pamela Shambo at BROC-Community Action in Southwestern Vermont in Rutland, who was enthusiastic about the idea and wanted to get involved!
The folks at BROC, in partnership with the Shareheat Fund at CVPS, joined in and offered to help with the administrative work and publicity, as well as to provide non-profit status to the event (making donations fully tax-deductible to the extent of the tax code). What started out as a "grassroots" (or "snowbank," perhaps!) idea by one individual quickly grew into one of BROC's largest fundraisers of the year. Each winter, participation in the event — by skiers, contributors, and sponsors — has grown. Since its inception, Ski for Heat has raised more than $110,000 for fuel assistance!!! |
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8th annual Ski for Heat January 25, 2009 warming hearts and homes |
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