Mountain of Hope

Bob and I attended the 6th Annual Mountain of Hope Gala.

This event is brought together by Founder, Neil Carey (Ski and Safety Patrol) with the help of  Panorama Fire Department  volunteering their time throughout the evening.  They  began organizing this fundraiser to help valley residents in need during our tough economy regardless of who they may be.
Everyone needs a bit of help during emergency situations, whether it may be a sick child or a family member suffering with cancer and may need help with travel expenses.  Or it may be a senior citizen who needs additional care.  The Mountain of Hope Society is there for them.

Panorama Fire Department, Terry Grant (Mantracker) and front row: Neil Carey

"We're friends helping friends," Neil Carey of the Mountain of Hope Society stated. "We assist people in the community who have come on difficult times, and don't have other resources to call on."

The evening begins at Chopper's Landing, a beautiful building and dining room and home base for RK Heliskiing.  Appetizers, and a gourmet buffet.  The Volunteers are the men and women from the volunteer fire department on the mountain.  All dressed in their finest uniforms.  Very impressive!  We are entertained by talented musicians playing a variety of acoustic instruments from guitar, double base to woodwind instruments.

Rachel Kimber

Chopper's Landing, offered the venue, and strongly supported by Panorama Mountain Village and staff  volunteered their precious time, all in all, it was a wonderful evening and a very special event with proceeds directly forwarded to this wonderful society.

Neil Carey, Bob, Terry Grant (Mantracker)
& Myself

A silent and live auction raised substantial funds at the close of the evening.   We were all touched by the generosity of this mountain and town.  Since it's beginning, The Mountain of Hope Society has raised over $60,000.00!!!

And a special visit by Mantracker himself, Terry Grant, a great supporter of Mountain of Hope. also, filmed an episode from his TV series at Panorama. 

On a sad note:
  We pay tribute to two skiers who passed away doing what they love, skiing.  First Sarah Burke, Freestyle (1982 - 2012), Whistler, British Columbia,  and most recent, Nick Zoricic, Ski Cross (1983 - 2012)Craigleith, Ontario.
Ski safe......our prayers for the families of both Sarah and Nick.