Street, Weinbrecht, Mendes host Powder Girls

You may have heard of them: Picabo Street (Olympic multi-medalist in alpine skiing), Jonna Mendes (four-time U.S. champion in downhill and giant slalom) and Donna Weinbrecht (Olympic medalist and five-time World Cup champion in moguls).

YOU MAY HAVE HEARD OF THEM: Picabo Street (Olympic multi-medalist in alpine skiing), Jonna Mendes (four-time U.S. champion in downhill and giant slalom) and Donna Weinbrecht (Olympic medalist and five-time World Cup champion in moguls).
    If you want a chance to ski with these accomplished alumni of the U.S. Ski Team, here’s your chance. (Sorry boys, it’s only for ladies.) The U.S. Ski and Snowboard Team Foundation is hosting its first all-women’s ski clinic in December to help support the 300-plus elite athletes, coaches, trainers and staff who are part of USSA and the national ski and snowboard teams.
    The Powder Girls clinic was created because Christine Toriello and Lisa Kramer, both USSA major gifts managers, noticed that the majority of the USSA donor base is male.
    “I feel as though the women’s alpine team could use some women supporters,” Toriello said. Powder Girls, she said, would bring the women together, not only to ski with three former champions, but also to offer an opportunity to support this generation’s accomplished racers such as Julia Mancuso, Lindsey Kildow and Resi Stiegler who will be competing at the World Cup races in Aspen that same weekend.
    The Dec. 6-9 clinic will provide participants with a three-day lift ticket; two days of personalized ski instruction from the alumni; a three-day credential to watch the World Cup races from the VIP tent; fresh tracks at Aspen Mountain; lunch daily; aprés-ski parties; invitations to cocktail receptions and dinners; special guest speakers addressing topics related to women; intimate interaction with women’s alpine team athletes and coaches; yoga classes; and a Powder Girls gift bag.
    “We want to make everyone’s experience as a snowboarder or skier better,” said Toriello about the major gifts program. “By donating to us, we can bring you closer to the sport.”
    Space is limited to 30. There is a minimum donation of $2,500, of which $1,700 is tax deductible, in order to participate.
    For questions or to reserve your space, contact Lisa Kramer at the U.S. Ski and Snowboard Team Foundation: 312-440-7043 or lkramer@ussa.org.