American Birkebeiner

• The participant raising the most money will also receive a free entry into the 2012 American Birkebeiner race of their choice and a free get-away weekend at an area resort.
• All skiers raising pledges of $250 or more will be part of a random drawing for two similar get-aways.
• The random drawing will include additional prizes and awards, including some great prizes donated by skiing legend Bjorn Daehlie.
• Consideration for these prizes and awards will be based on donations either made online or collected and turned in to ABSF by Friday, February 25th at the skier expo. Winners will be announced at the Awards Ceremony on Saturday, February 26th.
• All skiers participating in Birkie Skiers for Cures and donating $20 or more will receive a recognition pin for their race bibs.

Thousands of skiers and spectators participated in the 2010 Birkie Skiers for Cures program by purchasing pins or collecting donations for the National Multiple Sclerosis Society. This year’s program raised over $50,000 and will be used for research to bring us closer to a cure for this chronic, often debilitating disease that attacks the central nervous system, including the brain, spinal cord and optic nerves.

A special thank you goes out to all of the donors of the great prizes that were awarded to those who wore their 2010 Birkie Skiers for Cures pins on their race bibs. Donors included Becker Law, New Moon, Finn Sisu, Fischer, Bike Doctor, Berkley Running Store, Cat Ski, Endurance House, Erehwon, Fast Wax, Fontana, Outdoor Ventures, REI, Riverbrook, Rutabaga, Swix, Wheel & Sprocket and the American Birkebeiner.

“Once again we were overwhelmed by the amazing support we received from the American Birkebeiner, as well as the response from Birkie skiers,” said Colleen Kalt, president and CEO of the National MS Society – Wisconsin Chapter. “The generosity they demonstrated by donating to research will have a tremendous impact on the lives of more than 2.5 million people diagnosed with multiple sclerosis and go a long way toward finding a cure for this challenging disease. Our deepest thanks to Ned Zuesdorff and the Birkie staff, Dennis Kruse and the board of directors, and all the skiers and volunteers who make this partnership a success.”

The top fundraiser was Ian Duncan. For his fundraising efforts Ian received a getaway at Lakewoods Resort, Cable, WI, a 2011 Birkie Race Etnry and a Bjorn Daehlie men’s jacket.

Bjorn Daehlie also donated a pair of autographed Fischer skis and a women’s ski jacket. Ann O’Connor of Madison, WI won the skis and Erich Schliecher of Waunakee, WI won the jacket.

Congratulations and thank you to the following fundraisers who won weekend getaways for raising at least $250:

• Ben Creagh of Boulder Junction, WI - Spider Lake Lodge, Hayward, WI
• John Johnson of Superior, WI – Tagalong Golf and Resort, Birchwood, WI
• Bill Weidner, Warrenville, IL – won the Grand Prize Package donated by Salomon which included fitted racing skis (classic or skate), poles, boots and bindings.

Thanks to all the participants and donors! Thanks to Kay Lum for designing the MS pin and posters. A special thank you to Lakewoods Resort for providing lodging for the National MS Society.
 

The American Birkebeiner Ski Foundation, host of the largest cross country ski race in North America and skiers participating in the Ski for the Cure® during 2006, 2007 and 2008 raised more that $84,000 for Minnesota and Wisconsin Affiliates of Susan G. Komen for the Cure, the Minnesota and Wisconsin Chapters of the Arthritis Foundation, and the Lance Armstrong Foundation (LIVESTRONG®).

Click here to get started.

1. Register for the race or ski event of your choice: 50K Birkie, 54K Birkie Classic, 23K Korte or 12K Prince Haakon.
2. Collect pledges and raise funds for the organization at wisMS.org.
3. If you may also collect pledges using a printable form. See downloadable form above.
4. All donations must be turned in by Friday, February 25, 2011.
5. You may turn in donations at the National MS Society Expo booth or at the Birkie Office if collecting by paper form.
6. You will receive a Birkie Skiers for Cures! pin with your race bib.
7. Feel proud that you have helped a very worthy cause(s)!

Any questions contact us at 715/634-5025 or birkie@birkie.com.