Super heroes wanted for 24 Hours of Schweitzer

SANDPOINT — Tickets for the “24 Hours of Schweitzer” auction and awards dinner are still available, with more than 125 auction items and prizes on tap for one of the leading cystinosis fundraisers in the country.

The dinner and auction, which start at 5:30 p.m. on Saturday, March 31, in Schweitzer’s Caribou Room, are held in honor of 5-year-old Hank Sturgis of Sandpoint, who has the rare, fatal disease cystinosis that affects only 500 people nationwide.  

The auction dinner is open to the public and takes place following the all-day, all-night ski event that begins on Friday, March 30.

This year’s theme is “Hank’s Heroes: Mission Possible,” which recognizes Hank’s love of super heroes and participants’ efforts to help find a cure for the devastating disease.

“Since the event first started four years ago, significant progress has been made in the relentless quest for a cure,” said Brian Sturgis, Hank’s dad and one of the event organizers.

“We are getting closer each day, thanks to the remarkable dedication and contributions of our many friends and supporters from Sandpoint, Spokane and around the region.”  

Participants are encouraged to dress in super hero costume at the event finish, and fireworks will be set off throughout the night.

More than 100 live and silent auction items and 25 raffle items are expected, including lunch with Ben Stein, a week-long stay at the Oregon Coast beach house, a Denver Broncos jersey signed by Tim Tebow, pro cycling jersey signed by professional cyclist Levi Leipheimer, a Shotz Ski made from a Nordic Jumping Ski from the 2002 Olympics, a one-night getaway at Northern Quest Casino with dinner for two, a Burton snowboard, Schweitzer Mountain Resort 12/13 Ski Pass with Parking Pass, two night stay at Sleep’s Cabins, Fischer skis and bindings, three night get-away at Pend Oreille Shores, and more.

The awards dinner will feature New York-themed food and special kids’ cuisine.  Tickets are $45 and available at www.24hoursforhank.org.

The after-party, featuring live music by Robot Love, will be held from 8:30 p.m. to midnight in Schweitzer’s Taps Lounge. During the party, the Sports Creel will be raffling off a pair of Armada JJ skis.

The event benefits 24 Hours for Hank, a Sandpoint foundation established to raise money for cystinosis research and treatment. Funds raised locally are contributed to the national Cystinosis Research Foundation to help find a cure for this extremely rare, genetic disease that slowly destroys every organ in the body including the kidneys, liver, eyes, muscles, thyroid and brain.

Space is still available at the fourth annual “24 Hours of Schweitzer” all-day, all-night ski event. The entry fee is $150 and includes a lift ticket, event T-shirt and participation award, meals, equipment support, sleeping bag accommodations in Lakeview Lodge, hotel discounts at Selkirk Lodge, and one ticket to the auction/awards party.

Awards will recognize best costume, youngest and oldest participants, and most runs skied by an individual and team. The top fundraiser will receive a day of Cat skiing courtesy of Selkirk Powder.

Volunteers are needed for the March 30-31 event, which is one of only three events like it in the country and one of the last times to enjoy Schweitzer Mountain Resort for the season. To volunteer email information@24-hoursforhank.org.

For more information on the ski event and auction, to register, or to make a donation, call (208) 610-2131, or visit  www.24hoursofschweit-zer.com.

Major sponsors include Schweitzer, Subaru, TraskBritt, Litehouse, Ezy Dog, Interstate Concrete and Asphalt, Peak Sand and Gravel, Bonner General Hospital, Odom Distribution, Sandpoint Sports, Pucci’s Pub, Powder Hound Pizza, Pita Pit, Simulstat, Sports Creel and GU Energy.