Ski free event gathers nearly 3 tons of food

Schweitzer Mountain Resort helped stock the shelves of Bonner Community Food Bank March 7, when it hosted Tom Sherry’s Ski Free Food Drive. Nearly 1,500 people turned out for a free night of skiing – receiving a lift ticket in exchange for a donation to the local food bank. The result was 5,700 pounds of food to help the less fortunate in this area.

With snow, wind and cold temperatures challenging them, the staff at Schweitzer was forced to move the food drive from outside in Schweitzer Village to indoors at the lodge.

“We weren’t sure what kind of turnout to expect due to weather and road conditions as well as Schweitzer’s proximity to Spokane and surrounding areas,” said Mary Weber-Quinn, Schweitzer events and activities director.

“But this was amazing. There was so much local support behind the event and it truly demonstrated the spirit of this community.”

And it truly was a community effort with many people showing up to donate, but not taking a lift ticket; others donating above and beyond the three-can minimum for a free lift ticket, and Litehouse Foods donating the truck to transport the food the Bonner Community Food Bank.

Schweitzer Mountain Resort was the final stop of a five-week food drive. The Ski Free Food Drive traveled to various mountains over the last several weeks, collecting more than 20,000 pounds of food for food banks.