Local Events Benefit People with Multiple Sclerosis

Seattle, WA - Celebrating it's 20th year at Crystal Mountain, WA, The 2009 Vertical Express for MS, is an event for skiers, boarders and telemarkers of all abilities and ages that benefits The Heuga Center for Multiple Sclerosis, a national non-profit (501)(c)(3) that leads the way with comprehensive programs that empower people and families living with MS to transform and improve their quality of life.

This year, 95.7 KJR-FM has partnered to offer their tremendous resources for its first ever “online auction” to be held February 12-24, 2009.

Some of the available items for bid are: A foursome for the 16th Annual Heuga Center Golf Tournament, including 3 nights stay at The Inn & Suites at Riverwalk in Edwards, CO, a Crystal Mountain outback ski trip for 8, snowboards, resort passes and many other items. Please visit www.957kjrfm.com to bid today!

This year we are proud to welcome back the founder of The Heuga Center- Jimmie Heuga.

In 1964, Heuga stunned the international skiing community when he took the bronze medal in slalom at the Winter Olympics in Innsbruck, Austria. Billy Kidd finished second, just a heartbeat ahead of Heuga and together they became the first American men to earn Olympic medals for Alpine skiing.

The 20 Annual Vertical Express for MS at Crystal Mountain involves teams of three skiers and/or riders and/or telemarkers (of any age or ability) who raise a minimum $1000 ($333 per person) to enter. On Saturday, February 21, 2009 the day's activities will include two on-snow events (a card-run/scavenger hunt and dual giant slalom), great prizes for both performance and fundraising, complimentary lift tickets (Feb. 20-22), food, drinks and goodie bags.

During the day on Saturday, enjoy the Beatles Music Experience of Crème Tangerine on the Tuaca/Alaskan Brewing Patio. Plan to stay the night at Crystal and dance the night away at The Bullwheel with The Fiasco and dress in 1989 "Retro" attire.

Any team that raises $15,000 or more wins an all expenses paid trip to Vail, CO April 16-19, 2009 for the National Awards celebration.

Those who can't take part in person can participate on-line. Anyone can register for the 20th Annual Vertical Express for MS at: www.verticalexpress.org or by calling: 1.888.DO.IT.4MS.

Seven U.S. resorts will host Vertical Express for MS events, locally:

February 20-22, 2009 - Crystal Mountain, WA

The 20th Annual Vertical Express for MS is presented locally by Crystal Mountain, 95.7 KJR-FM, KOMO 4 TV, Oh Boy! Oberto, Alaskan Brewing Company, Wapiti Woolies, Wheelchairgetways.com, Finlandia Vodka and Tuaca Liquore Italiano, Crystal Mountain Hotels, BLOC USA Goggles and Sunglasses, Crystal Mountain Lodging, Sturtevant's Sports, The Crystal Mountain Founders Club, Caffe Appassionato, Outdoor Research and The Paragon Restaurant and Bar.

Nationally by Fred Alger Management, EMD Serono Inc./Pfizer Inc, Rolex Watch USA, RSN - Resort Television, Vail Resorts, Vail Cascade Resort & Spa, R & B Cellars, Dermatone, Swany America, Grabber Warmers, Brand Connections, Mountain Chalet, Vail Daily, NRC Broadcasting and TV8-Vail.

For more information on the Vertical Express for MS at Crystal Mountain or to volunteer your time, contact Dan or Terri Stewart at 206-234-3816 or send e-mail to: SkiForMS@yahoo.com. For more information about The Heuga Center and its programs, visit www.heuga.org or call 800-367-3101.

Contact: Dan & Terri Stewart
206.234.3816 or 206.335.1419
SkiForMS@yahoo.com

Use this Web Page to Participate in the following ways:
•Register your team fundraising page. Register Your Team!
•Create a team member fundraising page. Join Your Team!
•Send e-mails from your Active Giving Email Center requesting contributions and track your team’s progress.
Login to Access Your Email Center!
•Invite others to contribute to the MS cause. Invite Others!
•Select a Team in the Team Pages drop-down menu and make a contribution.