IRON MOUNTAIN, Mich. (WZMQ) – In a Christmas miracle for the Kiwanis Ski Club, a generous anonymous donation of $50,000 was revealed, providing a substantial boost to the ski club just in time for the holiday season. Suzie Fox, the club’s Corresponding Secretary, expressed gratitude, stating, “So a gift Christmas-style came in the form of a really nice donation from a group that just had faith in the Kiwanis Ski Club, loves our mission, believes in what we’re doing here in international ski jumping, and the improvements we continue to make at the facility.”
The funds are earmarked for a crucial requirement set by the international ski federation – installing an elevator on the new tower. Fox highlighted the importance of this addition, not just for meeting regulations, but also as a tourism element. She mentioned, “It’s a way for us to raise money to put improvements into the facility, put on this great event, and it’s going to be great for Dickinson County, the Upper Peninsula, and Michigan.”
With the Kiwanis Ski Club gearing up for the 2024 Pine Mountain Continental Cup from February 23-25, the timely donation takes center stage in supporting the club’s mission. Fox encouraged holiday shoppers, suggesting, “What a great gift to give would be an admission to the ski tournament.” She added, “If you’re going to order a button online, please do so before December 19th to be sure it gets to you in time for Christmas.”
Despite the substantial donation, Fox emphasized the ongoing needs of the club, beyond the elevator project. “The International Ski Federation has given us a laundry list of things that we need to get done if we want to continue to host international ski jumping here and bring the World Cup back to Iron Mountain.” However, once the elevator requirement is checked off the to-do list, the other items to be completed should be pretty minimal in reaching the goal of securing another world cup competition for Iron Mountain. The International Ski Federation checks in with Kiwanis Ski Club annually regarding having the U.P. host a world cup. “It’s all based on our facility improvements,” stated Fox.
“The international ski federation loves Iron Mountain, because our continental cup crowd rivals World Cup crowds around the world, and the flare of our spectators, and the uniqueness [of the U.P.] Acknowledging the uniqueness of the Kiwanis Ski Club’s events, Fox praised the spectators, stating, “We are so appreciative of the spectators and the element that they bring to the experience. It’s our job to continue to make it safe for them, put on a great show, and pray for weather like we had last year.”
Fox shared information about admission for the 2024 continental cup, and how interested sponsors can get involved, stating:
“So with the holidays approaching, what a great gift to give would be an admission to the ski tournament. They’re at pre-sale prices now they’re at $30 and $20 you can buy them online at kiwanisskiclub.com. Also, if you’re interested in being a sponsor, you can find sponsorship information there. Soon they will be available at many localities throughout Dickinson county,” assuring that those buttons would be available at local establishments in time for the holidays.
In reflection, Fox expressed excitement about the unexpected support, saying, “It’s super exciting how people who five years ago knew nothing about ski jumping, and all of a sudden: here they are making grandiose donations. Any donation helps, theirs just happens to be exceptional.” The Kiwanis Ski Club remains dedicated to its mission, ensuring a thrilling and safe experience for spectators and athletes alike.
To get your Ski buttons before the holidays, visit:
https://www.kiwanisskiclub.com/buttons.html
