November 5, 2008

For Immediate Release

Perfect Landing At Harris Hill Ski Jump

Organizing Committee Secures Additional Funds for Construction

BRATTLEBORO, VT—At tonight’s Brattleboro Selectboard meeting, Harris Hill Ski Jump Co-Director Pat Howell announced that Harris Hill has received a gift of $188,000, totaling the funds needed to complete the construction of the jump.

“This is more than a gift, it’s a miracle,” said Howell. “The town of Brattleboro should be very proud of the confidence in our community that this gift represents.”

Last February, New York-based Manton Foundation donated $130,000 towards the necessary repairs needed for the first phase of reconstruction of the Ski Jump. It was an extraordinary and unanticipated donation. In September, the committee wrote to the foundation and told them about Harris Hill’s new financial challenges related to soaring construction material costs and unexpected design changes. After reviewing a very detailed accounting of the situation, they decided to provide Harris Hill with an additional donation of $188,000.

New hill construction had not ceased in light of the additional costs, but many Harris Hill board and committee members were having some sleepless nights. They voted to move forward with construction and to fund the shortfall with a personally guaranteed loan until the $188,000 could be raised.

“It was a bold decision but we couldn’t let our community down,” explained Liz Richards, Harris Hill Ski Jump Development Director. “So many people had contributed to this project with their hearts and souls, not to mention their pockets. We are so grateful to the Manton Foundation for having faith in the Harris Hill committee as well as our dedicated community.”

CONSTRUCTION UPDATE

While it may be one of the most complicated construction projects in Brattleboro, it is on schedule and the 85^th Harris Hill Ski Jumping Competition will be ready for February 14 & 15, 2009. Jason Evans of J. Evans Construction in Dummerston, contractor for the project, is happy with the jump’s progress.

“There is never a dull moment when you are working on a job like this,” said Evans. “We have had to be very creative in our design and execution. From transporting 160,000 pounds of cement uphill to lifting and inserting 50 tons of steel on a 40 degree slope, there is always something new.”

COMMUNITY SUPPORT

Harris Hill still needs help. There are many improvements that need to be funded. Additional funds raised will go to “Wish List” projects like purchasing snow guns, installing a hydrant at the base of the hill for snowmaking, a permanent sign, building a chief marker stand, thinning trees that line both sides of the hill, lighting to allow for popular night jumping, and a building for registration and officials, none of which are included in the current renovations. Most of these additional improvements would provide huge cost savings in the tournament budget each year and lighten the workload for this all-volunteer event.  Steps are available for purchase, where donors or groups of donors get their name on a step in return for their tax deductible gift of $1,000. Approximately 80 steps have already been “sold” out of the 300 steps to the top of the jump.

SPONSORSHIP AVAILABILITIES

The money to produce the Harris Hill Tournament every year comes from sponsorships. Local and National businesses sponsor the event in many different ways. It is a great way to show community commitment and pride as well as being a great show case for a company’s image and products. Many sponsorship packages are still available. Contact Liz Richards for more information. 

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Contact:        Patricia Howell, 802-365-4106; mobile 802-380-5329

                     Liz Richards, 802-254-5064; mobile 802-258-0975