Nonprofit Spotlight: Cody St. John Foundation

Editor’s Note: In 2012, The WELDer will be highlighting some of the nonprofits and causes near and dear to our collective hearts. Some of these we support with financial or in-kind donations of services, some are just plain cool and have a mission that sounds a lot like the mission of WELD — to enrich lives and bring people together in active, outdoor lifestyles and to protect wild places.

If you can make it to Steamboat Springs, Colo., this St. Patrick’s Day, we hope you’ll check out one of the most exciting ski races around, but even more importantly, we hope you’ll support an excellent cause.

The 4th annual Cody’s Challenge kicks off on March 17, pitting randonee ski racers against each other and the clock — and the steeps of Mt. Werner. The event is open to all, and it also features a special category for friendly inter-resort competition between ski patrol teams.

To give you some background, the event is named for Cody St. John, a former Steamboat ski patroller. Cody was the first and only snowboarder to be named patroller of the year in Colorado, and he’s still the youngest-ever patroller to receive the honor. Cody died in an auto accident on his way to orientation for nursing school at the University of Wyoming in 2007.

But, this event is all about celebrating his zest for life and his gift of life. The event helps endow the Cody St. John Foundation, which provides scholarships for ski patrollers to continue their medical training. Five scholarships are now awarded each year, and the ski patrol challenge this year will give another $3,000 to the first- and second-place resort teams.

Cody was also an organ donor, and in his passing helped give life to numerous individuals. Several of those organ recipients have attended past years’ events, which also raise awareness of the importance of organ donation.

Even if you’re not a ski racer, you can still get involved. Come join the awards dinner or check out the silent auction. Or, get involved as a sponsor. Heck, you can even show some support by liking The Cody St. John Foundation on Facebook.

Thanks for your help!