FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Contact: Tammy Brown
Maggie Valley, NC – Cataloochee Ski Area patrons turned out in record numbers today for the area’s 10th Annual Can-U-Ski Food and Coat Drive for Haywood Christian Ministries. This day continues Cataloochee’s holiday giving tradition as guests were given a free lift ticket for the day in exchange for ten cans of food or a winter coat in good condition. After a week of snowmaking combined with a slight dusting of natural snow earlier in the week, Cataloochee opened to nine slopes and trails on Sunday as skiers and riders came out by the droves to participate in the area’s annual event.
Thousands of cans of food and hundreds of coats were donated to the area during the event. All donations will be given to the local non-profit organization in order to stock its pantry for the Christmas holiday season. Skiers and boarders from across the Southeast came to Maggie Valley to take part. "What better way to start the season of giving than by giving back to your local community to folks in need." said Chris Bates, General Manager. "We appreciate all of our guests who participated in this worthwhile event and thank them for their support." Many customers showed up at the ticket window on Sunday with more than the minimum required to be able to ski for free.
Lisa James, Director of Haywood Christian Ministries in Waynesville, where all items will be taken on Monday, was overwhelmed with the response. “We are so grateful to everyone who donated here today. Many families will be fed through this incredible day of giving and this will go a long way in helping people in our area who are in need. ”
Haywood Christian Ministries is open from 7:30am – 4:30pm, Monday through Friday to accept donations. The organization is located at 150 Branner Avenue in Waynesville.
Cataloochee is now open for daily operations for the 2011/2012 season. For an up-to-date snow report and more information go to www.cataloochee.com .