At the end of every ski season Jay Peak Ski and Summer Resort hosts a huge employee appreciation party for its growing number of workers. It’s also a time for the resort’s President and CEO, Bill Stenger, to thank the workers for their dedication. However, at this year’s festivities held on March April 26, Stenger got a surprise of his own.
He was recognized by the New England Chapter of the American Cancer Society for his fundraising efforts in hosting “Hope on the Slopes.” The event, which was held on March 6, raised about $22,000. A portion of the proceeds will go toward cancer research on a national level, with the remainder going to patient services for local cancer patients.
“The award was a total surprise,” Bill said. “I had no idea. I’m very pleased to have been recognized.”
Bill, who also serves on the Board of Trustees for North Country Hospital, pointed out that he sees the award as recognition for the work of his entire resort team, not just him.
“Everybody worked hard to make the event a success,” he said. “All of us at Jay have been struck by cancer in one way or another whether it is a family member or friend.” He added that they have also lost members of the Jay team to the dreaded disease.
“We decided because of his contribution to making Hope on the Slopes happen he deserved this honor,” Les Lockridge, MD said. “Not even the rain in the early part of the day could keep the participants away from this fundraiser. Not one participant who registered for the event didn’t show up. That is true dedication.”
Dr. Lockridge is the Oncologist at the Oncology and Hematology Clinic at North Country Hospital. He also serves on the Board of Directors for the New England Chapter of the American Cancer Society.
“Hope on the Slopes is like Relay for Life [anther cancer research fundraiser],” Dr. Lockridge said. “The one major difference is while during the Relay for Life participants raise money by walking, participants who take part in Hope on the Slopes raise money by skiing.”
With this year’s Hope on the Slopes being so successful Bill said he plans to make it an annual event at Jay Peak.