Ski Utah Press Release

Public Relations Director alison@skiutah.com

Nearly $2 Million Raised at U.S. Ski & Snowboard's 53rd Annual New York Gold Medal Gala

Twenty-seven athletes across all seven teams showed the five hundred guests what it meant to be “Inspired by the Stars,” this year’s event theme.

Park City, UT (October 29, 2019) — U.S. Ski & Snowboard raised nearly $2 million at its 53rd annual New York Gold Medal Gala October 24 at the Ziegfeld Ballroom. It was a night to remember as twenty-seven athletes across all seven teams showed the five hundred guests what it meant to be “Inspired by the Stars,” this year’s event theme.
 
“It’s pretty incredible to be able to share [this night] with athletes that I don’t normally get to see during the year, and the donors that support us, that we never get to see,” noted first-time Gala attendee and cross country athlete Kevin Bolger. “It’s super special.” American Olympic teams receive no government funding and thanks to the generous donations of those in attendance and at home, the athletes of U.S. Ski & Snowboard will directly benefit from the sum raised as they ski and snowboard to podiums this competitive season.  
 
The night was hosted by Olympic champion Jonny Moseley and guests were treated to top moments in U.S. Ski & Snowboard history through an immersive video mapping multimedia experience, transforming the Ziegfeld Ballroom into some of the top ski and snowboard competition venues around the world. Highlights included a tribute to Lindsey Vonn’s career, a passionate keynote speech by Olympic champion Kikkan Randall, a record-setting fund-a-need and a heated live-auction. 
 
"I just want to say thank you, all of you, for the support,” said Lindsey to the crowd. “I know many faces [here], many people that have supported me along the way and I wouldn’t have accomplished any of this without your support. It’s obviously been an up-and-down road for me, I’ve experienced a lot. But I know that my teammates have gone through a lot, and they’re still continuing to race. I won’t be following as avidly as I want to because I still have a bit of FOMO, but I am going to be following my teammates and their progress, and because of you they are able to keep following their dreams. So thank you again, for everything, for all of the years and I look forward to the future.”
 
“What a night!” said U.S. Ski & Snowboard President and CEO Tiger Shaw. “This year’s Gala was an incredible success. Each year I am humbled and amazed at the generosity of our supporters - we couldn’t do what we do without them. The funds raised at this event will have a direct and tangible impact on our athletes in their journeys to podiums this season. Thank you to our team behind the team, our staff. This event gets better each year and that is thanks to their dedication and tireless hours put in to make sure the evening is one to remember. We have a lot to look forward to this season but we can’t wait to be back for our 54th New York Gold Medal Gala!”
 
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About U.S. Ski & Snowboard: U.S. Ski & Snowboard is the Olympic National Governing Body (NGB) of ski and snowboard sports in the USA, based in Park City, Utah. Tracing its roots directly back to 1905, the organization represents nearly 200 elite skiers and snowboarders in 2019, competing in seven teams; alpine, cross country, freeski, freestyle, snowboard, nordic combined and ski jumping. In addition to the elite teams, U.S. Ski & Snowboard also provides leadership and direction for tens of thousands of young skiers and snowboarders across the USA, encouraging and supporting them in achieving excellence. By empowering national teams, clubs, coaches, parents, officials, volunteers and fans, U.S. Ski & Snowboard is committed to the progression of its sports, athlete success and the value of team. For more information, visit www.usskiandsnowboard.org 
 
Media Contact:
Lara Carlton
Communications Manager, U.S. Ski & Snowboard