Support MMSC

Mt. Mansfield Educational Foundation, Inc. (MMEFI)

"When it became apparent to the directors of your club that it would be necessary to greatly expand our junior skiing program in order to provide the nucleus for strong future club teams, it was obvious that our existing dues structure would not be able to handle this increased financial load…Dr. Bish McGill then suggested that a non-profit foundation be created."
Excerpt from the March 1970 MMSC Club News – Charles Black, President

On August 26, 1969 the Internal Revenue Service granted the Mount Mansfield Ski Educational Foundation, Inc. exemption status. "The primary function of the foundation will be fund raising activities and solicitations. With the creation of the MMSEFI the Board of Directors of the ski club feels that with this fund-raising incentive sufficient funds can be raised to:

• Finance the present race program, and hopefully an expanded program
• To accommodate more young skiers with proper equipment, adequate coaching and other incidentals such as travel expenditure assistance
• To increase interest in competitive skiing proportionally."

– May 1969 MMSC Club News

As years passed the MMSC continued to grow its ski racing programs - and eventually added snowboarding and freestyle skiing. As a result of this growth and change, the MMSEFI has expanded its assistance to include these new programs. Consequently, it dropped the 'S' (ski) from its name and changed it to MMEFI to include all the programs. The mission of the foundation continues to support the athletes and programs of MMSC, regardless of discipline, in an effort to control participation costs and general expenses.

The MMEFI has several different funds to support various awards, scholarships and grants, which are awarded annually. The General Scholarship Fund was created to support need-based scholarships and grants to MMSC for equipment and general overhead costs.

The newest fund, established in 1999, is The Building Fund. As the name implies these funds go toward paying the debt on the newly built clubhouse.

Additionally, the MMSC and MMEFI present Named Awards annually. Some of the awards have a monetary value and are funded by private donations, while others are not. However, they all recognize athletes with outstanding qualities.

Need-based scholarships are awarded at the end of October and applications must be requested and returned by October 1 of that year for consideration. The funding for these scholarships comes from proceeds of the MMSC Golf Tournament and private foundations: The Paul Biedermann Fund and The Charles Black Fund.

If you or anyone you know is interested in donating to the MMEFI General Fund or to any of the named funds please contact Igor Vanovac at the Mt. Mansfield Ski & Snowboard Club. He can be reached at (802) 253-7704 ext. 22.

Walter Yusen Volunteer Award
The Walter Yusen Volunteer Award was established by his friends
(Mike and Susie Heitner and Peter and Margie Stern) on July 29, 2001.

Walter Yusen, a long-time active member of the Club, proved many times that almost anything can be accomplished by a dedicated MMSC volunteer. This award is granted to those who have best served the interests and development of the MMSC, without any compensation other than the gratification of benefiting this Club that has brought so much pleasure to so many young skiers and riders.

The recipient is announced annually at the MMSC banquet held at the end of the season.

Past recipients are:
2007- Bob & Susan Letwenski
2006- Chess Brownell
2005- Ted & Jill Haas
2004 - John Giebink
2003 - Peter Ruschp
2002 - Charlie LaRosa

Named Awards presented by MMEFI

The Stowe Cable Vision Award
Presented to the athlete(s) who best represent these qualities:

• Need (top priority)
• Top Results
• Dedication to the Sport

The scholarship has a value of $2000 and is given by The Rohr Family
It is to be awarded to preferably 1 athlete, but no more than 2. Both snowboarders and/or skiers are eligible.

The Betsy Snite Riley Memorial Award
Presented only to the female alpine skier athlete who best represents these qualities:

• Sportsmanship
• Lady Like Attributes
• Top Results

The scholarship has had a value of $500 in the past, but without outside funding it is a name only award.

The Doug Parker Achievement Award
Presented to the athlete who best represents these qualities:

• Marked improvement
• Strong work ethic
• Dedication to the sport
• Perseverance

This scholarship will be awarded to one male and one female and has a value of $500 for each recipient.
This is open to all MMSC athletes.

The Craig Burt Award
Presented to athletes at the JI+JII level who display outstanding achievement in both academics and athletics.
The scholarship has a value of $1000 and is funded by the Burt Family.
It is to be awarded equally to 2 alpine skiers.

The Jeff Stone Award
Presented to the athlete who best represents these qualities:

• Achievement as a JIII
• Future potential as a ski racer
• Sportsmanship
• Enthusiasm for the sport

This scholarship has a value of $500 and is funded by Mr. and Mrs. Barry Stone.
It is to be awarded to 1 alpine skier.

The George Tormey Award
Presented to the athlete who best represents these qualities:

• Love of the sport
• Spirit
• Future potential as a ski racer

This award will send one young promising MMSC alpine ski racer to an MMSC summer ski camp.
The value depends on the interest gained in the George Tormey Fund, which is maintained by the MMEFI.

The William J. Kreizel Award
Presented to the athlete who best represents these qualities:

• Financial Need
• Enthusiasm for Ski Racing

The athlete to be named must meet the following requirements:

• Athlete in J3, J2, J1, or Post Graduate Program
• Athlete must be competing in upper level of their age group
• Athlete must be a MMSC athlete next season

Depending on interest gained in the Kreizel Fund, this award will provide a maximum of $1,500 towards travel and equipment expenses for the next ski season to one male or female alpine ski racer who will be nominated by the coaching staff.