East Madison, NH (May 8, 2019) - Cynthia's Challenge, a 24-hour Ski-A-Thon, that took place Friday, March 15 through Saturday, March 16 reached the goal to raise almost $65,000 and will be purchasing a handicap accessible van for a local Effingham, New Hampshire family. Nearly 300 skiers and snowboarders from near and afar registered and participated in the 24-hour event held at King Pine Ski Area. Atlas Fireworks and Bank of New Hampshire provided a fireworks show Friday night and key support was provided by Vertical Challenge and Bolt Depot throughout the event.
In its sixth year, Cynthia's Challenge has now raised over $307,875 to fulfill the needs of children including a service dog for Cynthia Verrill and handicap accessible vans for Sammy Gillard, Kevin Dall, Faith Holt, Jacques Villeneuve, and now one to be purchased for Sylis Heck’s family. Sylis Heck, a six-year-old boy who was diagnosed with "Hypoxic Ischemic Encephalopathy" or HIE is nonverbal, legally blind, deaf and has endured countless surgeries and hospital stays. Sylis' life revolves around the need for ongoing medical care and as he continues to grow, his family’s transportation needs have changed. The funds raised will help cover the cost of a van and expenses associated with the challenge.
"It’s an incredible show of support by the local community, but also from all here at King Pine including ski patrol, lift operators and the many employees who volunteer their time to see the event through the night," stated Bob Hoyt, co-owner and President of Purity Spring Resort. "We feel fortunate support Cynthia’s Challenge and provide Sylis and the Heck family a reliable, handicap accessible van.”
Saturday's lunch sponsored by the Yankee Smokehouse provided grilled items served under sunny blue skies and nourishment for participants to finish the 24-hour challenge. In addition to lunch, The Yankee Smokehouse donated $4,000 raised by their successful pizza fundraiser hosted the Wednesday prior to the event. Thrivent Financial set up a waffle tent and raised $300 and midnight soups provided by Indian Mound, Nolans Brick Oven Bistro and Windy Field Farms. Flatbread Pizza provided pizzas for Friday night’s dinner and Leavitt’s Bakery along with Big Dave’s Bagels provided breakfast carbs to keep everyone going Saturday morning.
Cynthia's Challenge would like to recognize the following businesses for their major support: Atlas Fireworks, Bank of New Hampshire, Bolt Depot, Boston Sand & Gravel, Bradley's Hardware, Danforth Bay Camping & RV Resort, Flatbread Pizza, Granite State Adaptive, Green Mountain Furniture, King Pine Ski Area, Mad Cow Screen Print, Northeast Delta Dental, Pepsi, Purity Spring Resort, Redimix Companies, Inc., Ride-Away-MobilityWorks, Story Land, Thrivent Financial, Vertical Challenge and Yankee Smokehouse.
A special thanks to everyone that donated raffle prizes, donations, and food to make this event possible including: ABC Lawn Care, A Second Glance Hair Salon, Amoskeag Beverages, Bayside Nails, Big Dave’s Bagels, Chalmers Insurance, Conway Scenic Railroad, Erica Bickford Massage LMT, Farm To Market, Gordon Foods, Harley Jacks Burgers, Indian Mound Golf Course – River’s Edge Tavern, Jake’s Seafood & Grill, JP Goodwin, Kate Stanley Designs, Leavitt’s Bakery, Lone Wolf Brewing Co., Monkey Trunks, Mount Washington Observatory, Minuteman Press, Mystery NH, Omni Mount Washington Resort/ Bretton Woods Canopy Tour, Province Lake Golf, Settlers Green Outlets, Ski NH, Ski Works, Squam Lakes Natural Science Center, Story Land, Tuckerman Brewing Co LLC, White Mountain Independents,- Cigar Shenanigans, The Christmas Loft, Bavarian Chocolate Haus, Wild Poppy Soaps, Windy Field Farms, Wolftrap Restaurant.
Tax deductible donations are still being accepted to help Cynthia’s Challenge continue to operate and support local families. Online donations are welcome at cynthiaschallenge.org and checks made out to Cynthia’s Challenge are also being accepted. For more information, please email cynthiaschallengeorg@gmail.com.
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About Cynthia’s Challenge
Cynthia’s Challenge is a registered 501 (c)(3) not-for-profit organization in the State of New Hampshire. Cynthia’s Challenge was created in an effort to support children and their families encountering the staggering expenses associated with the financial burden of specialty medical needs. Funds raised from the annual 24-hour Ski-A-Thon are used to provide financial and logistical support to families confronted with profound medical needs of disabled and/or handicapped children.
About King Pine Ski Area at Purity Spring Resort
King Pine Ski Area, located in Madison, New Hampshire, is part of Purity Spring Resort and has a rich tradition of delivering outdoor fun and family recreation. Conveniently located between the Lakes Region and the White Mountains of New Hampshire, Purity Spring Resort has been owned and operated by the Hoyt family since the late 1800s and today offers a variety of year-round family destinations.
For Additional Information or High-Resolution Photos:
Alexandra Moore – Marketing Coordinator
acoakley@purityspring.com
603-367-8896 x243