Ski Butternut Fundraiser Set for MS06:21PM / Sunday, January 20, 2008GREAT BARRINGTON - Ski Butternut will sponsor its sixth annual "Skis, Boards and Badges" charity fundraiser for multiple sclerosis, an auto-immune disease that attacks the central nervous system, on Friday, Feb. 1. The event is held at the mountain on the first Friday in February is open to all active law enforcement personnel and their immediate families. Hailing from Connecticut, Massachusetts, New York and New Jersey, participants receive a discounted lift ticket for a day of skiing or riding, followed by a raffle and buffet reception in Ski Butternut's Upper Lodge. The cost is $25 in advance, or $30 at the ski area's main office on the day of the event. Participants receive an all-mountain lift ticket (a $36 value), complimentary rental equipment if needed (a $32 value), and the apres ski event that includes food, drink and the opportunity to participate in the raffle. The discounted rates are valid for any family members of police or law enforcement personnel as well. To register, send name and a check or money order payable to Ski Butternut to: New York State Police Troop K Attn: Jim Talleur/Quartermaster 2541 Route 44 Salt Point, NY 12578 Last year, more than 100 law enforcement employees and their families enjoyed a day of sliding for a good cause. This year, event organizers are hoping for an even bigger turnout. "Skis, Boards and Badges," said New York State Trooper Jeff Galm, also a ski patroller at Ski Butternut, "is about raising as much money as possible for research leading to an eventual cure for MS." Funds raised are also used to assist in the treatment and care of MS victims. Galm and a colleague in Troop K, located in Millbrook, started the event shortly after Galm's wife, Barbara, was diagnosed with the disease. "It was hard to accept the reality at first," Galm said. "But then I decided to do something positive to help both my wife and the millions of other people worldwide who are afflicted with MS." The total raised annually has steadily increased, from $940 the first year to more than $2,600 in 2007. Most of the money is raised through the raffle, which includes prizes donated by Ski Butternut, other northeastern ski areas, the U.S. Ski Team, area ski shops and other businesses. Among the prizes offered this year are lift tickets, skis and snowboards, snow sport apparel and a 55-minute therapeutic massage. Muscular sclerosis affects nerve fibers located in the brain, spinal cord and other neural transmission structures and varies from person to person. Symptoms can include chronic fatigue, cognitive dysfunction, visual impairment and difficulty in retaining balance and in walking. To date, no single causal factor of MS has been identified, despite thousands of hours of research. For more information on the fundraising event: www.SkisBoardsandBadges.com. For a brochure or more information about Ski Butternut: 413-528-2000 or info@SkiButternut.com. |