Help us celebrate 50 years of service to the visually impaired through the Blind Skier Program!
Gala dinner Feb 7, 2023
Help us celebrate 50 years of service to the visually impaired through the Blind Skier Program!
About Us
Deep Creek Lake Lions Club
Our Club's mission is to improve the lives of the visually impaired and our local community members, with a special emphasis on outdoor recreation. Since 1973, we have been sharing the fun and challenge of downhill skiing with the visually impaired through our Blind Skier program. We additionally serve our community through a number of other programs like eyeglasses assistance and recycling, and management of the McHenry Community Park. Find out more about the club at deepcreeklions.org.
History of the Blind Skiers
In 1970, Bill Thoman, former mountain manager of Wisp Resort, and Jay Kamineck, a ski instructor, were skiing in Aspen Colorado when they saw sighted volunteers assisting young people with vision challenges in skiing down a mountainside. They brought the idea back east, helped to found the Deep Creek Lake Lions Club and in 1973, the Club held its first year of the Blind Skier Program. Since then, the Club has taught hundreds of visually impaired children to downhill ski. Additionally, a similar number of high-schoolers have volunteered with the program over the years and have experienced the rewards of service to their community at an early age.
50th Anniversary Celebration
We're celebrating the Jubilee of this program with a gala dinner event. on Feb 7, 2023 at WISP Resort. Highlights include:
-Keynote by Brian McKeever, Paralympic GOLD medalist in cross-country skiing. Mr McKeever is a blind Canadian cross-country skier and biathlete, who became Canada's most decorated Winter Paralympian when he won his 14th medal at the 2018 Winter Paralympics. He and his brother were featured in a number of Toyota ads during the Olympics
-dinner and cash bar - a delicious meal and plenty of time to network and socialize
-awards program - recognition of long-time all-stars to the program
-Fireworks - a rare winter fireworks show
-silent auction - incredible selection of donated items for auction
AND MORE!
What to wear: It's a gala, so some are wearing tuxes and long dresses and furs, and some will be wearing fancy ski outfits. Since most people haven’t been to a fancy event in a while, many are seeing this as an opportunity to dress up a bit. But wear whatever you feel comfortable wearing and most of all…have a great time!
Contact us
Phone or text
323 325-5466