Ski and ride for BACN

THOMPSONVILLE, Mich. (December 7, 2022) – Make some turns and make a difference this weekend at Crystal Mountain. On Saturday, December 10, anyone ages 7+ who brings at least three nonperishable food items or personal hygiene items will receive a $20 lift ticket to ski and ride from 9:30am-4:30pm. All donations will benefit Benzie Area Christian Neighbors (BACN).

“BACN always appreciates the support given by our local businesses, and we’re grateful to Crystal Mountain for hosting this fun and creative way for people to help their neighbors,” said Kelly Ottinger, BACN director of development. “We won’t be hosting another grocery store food drive until late February, so these food and toiletry items are especially needed and appreciated in this window.”

In 2021, BACN welcomed more than 4,000 visits to their food pantry, supplied nearly 2,000 bags of clothing and household goods, assisted 139 households with weatherization or direct utility payments, and helped dozens of people with other needs such as transportation, medical expenses and education assistance.

Based on the numbers from last year and so far this year, Ottinger estimates BACN serves approximately 3,500 unique individuals per year.

“This is part of what being in the hospitality industry is all about – taking care of people, whether it’s our guests or our neighbors,” said Karyn Thorr, Crystal Mountain COO. “As we enter the season of giving, we’re grateful we have a platform where we can highlight the generosity of our community and support organizations, like BACN, who lead the charge on helping those in need.”

Some of the most-needed nonperishable food items include: pasta sauce, pasta, condiments, fruit juice, boxed pizza dough mix and cooking oil. On the list for most-needed personal hygiene items are shampoo, conditioner, toothpaste, toothbrushes, lotion, deodorant and feminine products.

All donations will be accepted on Saturday at Tickets and Rental in the lower level of Crystal Center. The $20 open-to-close lift ticket is only available for use on Saturday, December 10, 2022.

UPDATE: Around 200 people donated at least three items for this event, with the total amount of donations weighing in at 924 pounds! BACN's Director of Development said not only was Ski and Ride for BACN successful, but perfect timing.

"The last food drive we had was in October, and the next one isn't until February, so to have this quantity of donations come in at such a critical time really makes a big difference in shoring up the capacity of the pantry," said Ottinger. "Typically, one-day collection events generate between 300-600 pounds."

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