Fund Raising

Where does the money go?

The GTSC has numerous fundraiser's, including the Midwest's largest ski swap, annual Steak Dinner, the TC Championship Ski Race, Warren Miller Movie and many other events and activities. These fund raising events are critical to the club and community. The GTSC is completely run by volunteers and there are no paid positions, other than the coaching costs. Here are some facts regarding where the donated money goes.

• The GTSC donates money for capital improvements to Hickory Hills. Past donations helped fund the purchase of snow grooming equipment, snow guns and expanded snow making capabilities. The GTSC has donated over $16,000 to Hickory Hills since December 2006. Without these funds, there would be greatly reduced snow making capabilities at Hickory and the season would typically be much shorter. Hickory Hills season pass is a bargain compared to all other ski areas and often has the best snow conditions around.
• Clinic fees do not cover the full coaching expenses and these fund raisers help offset the expenses. We strive for a low coach/athlete ratio and have a skilled coaching staff. The learn to ski program fees cover about half the actual cost, yet we feel it is important to have an economical way to introduce kids to skiing. The junior High program also runs at a deficit due to the high costs of transportation. This is an important program designed to keep kids interested in ski racing until they reach the High School age and we feel it is important to assist in funding this program as much as possible.
• We strive to keep the clinics a good value. The clinic fees amount to $3.43 per hour of instruction (based on 32 clinics at $165 registration fee). This does not include the 3 hours or races that are offered at least 6 times per season.
• The GTSC fees do not cover the purchase of equipment. We need to purchase new gates every season and have to replace/repair video equipment, timing equipment and other race supplies. We are looking into the purchase of wireless timing equipment as a training aide, improved video equipment and other training supplies and our fund raisers are the primary source of funding for these items.
• The GTSC also donates funds annually to the High School racing teams to assist in their coaching and/or equipment costs. Members of the club also volunteer their time in running some of the races.
• We also have a scholarship fund to assist in clinic fees to families that are in need

For fundraising/donation questions, please contact Laura Ness at Lauraness@charter.net or
               GTSC
               PO Box 5157
               Traverse City, MI  49685