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Snowboard Outreach Society's 2nd Annual Krystal
Prom |
PR: Jeff Brushie Signs With Ride (12-5-96) Another New York Writer Seeking Snowboarding's Soul (11-27-96) |
On the eve of December 7th (a day that always lives in infamy) the Snowboard Outreach Society held their 2nd annual Krystal Prom with significant less fireworks then in 1941, but the past was definitely in vogue with fashions straight out of the 40's, 60's and 70's. Billed as a Prom where "Formal, Funky, Futuristic attire" was preferred, (funky being the operative word) snowboarders in mostly retro outfits from past eras filtered through the door of Sheika's in Vail. From zoot suits to down home cowboy attire to the funkiest clothes out of the movie "Shaft", snowboarders put on their finest duds and came out to support the "Learn to Ride Program" one of the capstone functions for the Snowboard Outreach Society. With tasty morsels provided by Alfalfa's, the DJ spinning the best of techno-house and electric eurotrash, and with lots of goodies to toss out to the nattily dressed boarders drooling for swag, the SOS had an event of epic proportions. The Krystal Prom was conceived last year in a spontaneous manner...springing out of the minds (kind of a Zeus thing) of SOS creator Arn Menconi and writer Joe Donnelly as a poor mans version of the Crystal Ball. The traditional Crystal Ball has been "the premier benefit party" that has been kicking around for the affluent ski types in Vail for a number of years. The SOS brain trust yearning to create a similar benefit event, and realizing that snowboarders are by and large a motley crew, needed a hook to lure snowboarders and hopefully prospective young females to venture out into the cold of Vail. The logical choice was to call the SOS event a Prom, change the word Crystal in an irreverent way by adding a K, and solicit the sponsorship of the gracious Kira Gramshammer-Cameron (daughter of the Crystal Ball founders) to host the grand event at Sheika's. This strategy proved(surprise, surprise) a great success and an annual event emerged with last year's proceeds tossed to the Vail Recreation District's Youth Grant Program to fund snowboard passes for less fortunate youth in Eagle County. The Snowboard Outreach Society (now a four year old organization) has had a positive impact in the Vail area by raising money through snowboard related events and educational activities then donating the proceeds towards many Eagle County and Colorado community organizations that work with youth at risk. The "Learn to Ride Program" is a little deceiving as it is not just an instructional program, but rather an adventure experience for at-risk youth by assisting youth to become involved with the sport of snowboarding in an effort to instill self confidence, self worth, and a rewarding experience that many of us share as riders. This year, the SOS has a goal of attempting to put 500 youth-at-risk nationwide into the "Learn to Ride Program", and hosting the Krystal Prom one of their main vehicles to raise funds. As the Snowboard Outreach Society has grown and matured, Arn Menconi voices the direction of SOS by stating "we have stopped being a party planning organization and have become a business with a mission". This has increased the visibility of the SOS but has forced the organization to reinvent itself by connecting with corporate partnerships, the big one being Vail Associates. With this alliance comes the benefits and the curse of working with large money entities...namely remaining true to the mission and soul of the original ideals. The Snowboard Outreach Society has been true to its original direction and has taken advantage of Arn's "hundred monkey theory" (you figure it out) of being in the right place at the right time, placing the organization in excellent financial shape going into the 96-97 snowboard season. As the whole enchilada is about helping others, The Snowboard Outreach Society is poised for a breakthrough year in helping a variety of worthwhile causes throughout Colorado and beyond. With directors, coordinators and an advisory council, the Snowboard Outreach Society has quickly become a sophisticated bunch of snowboarders in its efforts to assist challenged youth. The importance of the Snowboard Outreach Society is not how much money is collected but to what effect peoples attitudes are changed. For it is this transformation of raising an individuals empathy that will make the difference in the lives of others. The Snowboard Outreach Society is a singular assemblage of riders who continue to make a difference. If you have an interest in learning more about the Snowboard Outreach Society they can be reached at:
Snowboard Outreach Society
Snowboard Outreach Society
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