Laps for Literacy to benefit TLP’s myriad programs

Wednesday, March 03, 2010

By Teresa Griswold

Jackson Hole, Wyo.-The Teton Literacy Program’s fundraiser this Saturday at Jackson Hole Mountain Resort is sure to make a winner out of everybody. The literacy program gets the dollars raised, skiers and riders participating in the cause score a half-price lift ticket that day and a goodie-bag stuffed with prizes, and all the volunteers who provide eight hours of service earn a free one-day admission to a Disney theme park.

Here’s how it works. Laps for Literacy participants race to ski or ride the most vertical feet or raise the most money through donations – and the winners get prizes like ski gear, whitewater rafting trips and golf outings.
Naish Invie, a fourth-grader and novice snowboarder, participated in last year’s fundraiser.

“When I found out about the competition and that I could win a snowboard, I went for the big,” he said.

He had only ridden the tram once, but that morning, he was on the first tram, did not break for lunch. Fourteen tram runs and one gondi run later, he was the winner of a snowboard and goggles, taking first place in his grade category for riding the most vertical feet.

Participants are asked to collect a minimum of $75 in donations, and the literacy program can help match up sponsors with participants.

“It’s a community event, and the more people who come out and participate the better,” said Jessica Bilotta, marketing coordinator.
This year’s goal is $30,000, triple of what was raised last year.

All of the proceeds directly benefit the children and adults who participate in Teton Literacy Program’s one-on-one tutoring, English classes, and other literacy services, she said.

They need skiers and riders, but also people willing to stand at the base of the lifts, tram and gondola to stamp the participants’ cards, documenting the vertical feet accumulated.

Breakfast will be provided from the Jackson Whole Grocer, appetizers from Osteria, and beer from the Snake River Brewery. There will be an activity tent for kids sponsored by Fireflies Preschool along with a bonfire, cookies and hot chocolate. –

Registration forms for Laps for Literacy are available online at www.tetonliteracy.org. 733-9242.

COURTESY TETON LITERACY PROGRAM
Last year’s vertical feet winner, Naish Invie, with his prize.

PERMALINK:
Laps for Literacy to benefit TLP’s myriad programs | Planet JH News Article: General News

Leave a Comment