For nineteen years, a group of Sandpoint and inland northwest locals has been a powerhouse for Multiple Sclerosis fundraising. This year alone, $65,000 was raised for MS through the Vertical Express event at Schweitzer that was put on by the Heuga Center for Multiple Sclerosis.

 “Next year will be the 20th anniversary of the Schweitzer event and we hope to surpass the million dollar mark in our long term MS fundraising efforts,” said event directors Pam Burke and Bill Goyen. “MS is something that affects so many of our friends and community members and we are really glad we can raise money to help them lead independent lives.” 

Two teams went on to represent Schweitzer at the Vertical Express for MS April Awards held April 10-13 at Vail, CO. The teams were The Dirt Brothers, lead by Brock and Evelyn Byers, Marty Vitale, Lois Kehoe and George Creighton, and the Ski Crud Club, including Brandon Moon, Daniel Voltz and Thor Seaborg.

Not only did the Schweitzer teams raise money for those living with MS, but also the Ski Crud Club again won first place in the GS portion of the Vail Finals. Schweitzer teams have won the skiing title seventeen of the past nineteen years that they have attended the national event. 

The money raised through the Heuga Vertical Express is utilized for programs that empower people and families living with MS to transform and improve their quality of life. Next winter, the event at Schweitzer is scheduled for February 28th.

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