For 31 years, the Jans Winter Welcome has raised money to benefit the junior athletes and the programs of the Winter Sports Alliance.
The alliance supports 13 different youth winter sports groups in the Park City area and lends support to athletes of all levels, from the ones who want to try out a sport to those who have bigger goals such as joining an Olympic team, said Ginger Reis, communications director for the Youth Winter Sports Alliance.
“All the proceeds from and efforts surrounding Jans Winter Welcome go to support the cause,” Reis told The Park Record. “There are a lot of good life lessons that come out of participating in sports. The kids learn to set and achieve goals and other things that will help them in life, regardless if they decide to continue with winter sports or not.”
This year’s event, which will be held at the Silver Lake Lodge at Deer Valley on Saturday, Oct. 29, will feature emcees Paul Hochman from NBC’s “The Today Show” and Shannon Bahrke, a three-time Olympic mogul competitor.
“Paul is ‘The Today Show’s’ gear and technology editor and Shannon, probably most famous for her pink hair, won a silver medal at the 2002 Olympic Games at Deer Valley and, most recently, a bronze in Vancouver,” Reis said.
In addition, the event will feature appearances by other winter-sports celebrities such as Ted Ligety, Brett Camerota, Derek Parra, Billy Demong and Alex Schlopy, Reis said. Music will be provided by acoustic-rocker Bryon Friedman, formerly of the U.S. Ski Team.
“They are all great links to the alliance.”
The night will include live and silent auctions and an opportunity drawing.
“We have amazing packages offered in the auctions that include a trip to Montage at Laguna Beach or a five-day package to Jamaica,” Reis said. “There will also be sports gear, skis and other items that will be available during the auctions.”
The items were donated by local companies.
“We live in a community where winter sports are at the forefront of many people’s minds,” Reis said. “They want to keep our youth active and healthy and winter sports are a great way to do that. So they step things up and donate wonderful items to help with our cause.
“Also, we have all these wonderful venues, as a result of hosting the 2002 Olympic Games, so it’s nice to have supportive community businesses as well as individuals who support young athletes and help them take advantage of these venues,” she said. “I think we live in a unique area. I don’t think many people realize how fortunate the kids are here to have these facilities and these resorts literally at their fingertips. There are a lot of great opportunities for our youth.”
One of the highlights of the evening is an opportunity drawing for a trip for two to the 2012 Summer Olympic Games in London.
“This drawing is presented by the Bill White Enterprises,” Reis said. “Tickets for the drawing are $50 and people can visit our website to purchase as many tickets as they want, and they don’t have to be present to win.”
The Winter Welcome will also feature a full dinner accompanied by spirits and libations.
“Deer Valley Resort, known for award-winning cuisine, will offer appetizers and a full dinner for all attending guests,” Reis said. “This is a great way to enjoy good food, drink and people’s company while raising money for a good cause.”
The Jans 31st Winter Welcome, a benefit for the Youth Winter Sports Alliance will be held at Silver Lake Lodge at Deer Valley on Saturday, Oct. 29, from 6 p.m. until 11 p.m. Cost is $250. Reservations are available by calling (435) 214-0792 or visiting www.ywsa.org