Photo: Credit: Dave Bour
ST. LOUIS — The 11th annual Stifel U.S. Ski Team Fundraiser generated $1.35 million on Sept. 12, continuing a staggering fundraising run that has now produced more than $10 million for U.S. Ski & Snowboard athletes.
Ron Kruszewski, chairman and CEO of Stifel Financial Corp. and a U.S. Ski & Snowboard trustee, hosted the annual gathering in St. Louis. The money benefits the U.S. Ski & Snowboard Foundation and helps fund national-team programs, training and athlete development.
The event has grown into one of the organization’s largest annual fundraisers. Its sustained success also demonstrates the depth of Stifel’s commitment to the athletes who represent the United States in skiing and snowboarding.
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Snowchella connects supporters with athletes
Organizers called this year’s theme “Snowchella,” combining the atmosphere of a music festival with a winter sports celebration.
Business leaders, Stifel clients, partners, friends and supporters gathered for an evening centered on the athletes and the resources they need to compete internationally.
Six U.S. Ski & Snowboard athletes attended. The group included three-time Olympic alpine gold medalist Mikaela Shiffrin, Olympic champion freeskier Alex Ferreira and two-time Paralympic champion snowboarder Noah Elliott.
The Macuga siblings represented three different disciplines. World Championships alpine super-G medalist Lauren Macuga attended alongside moguls skier Alli Macuga and ski jumper Sam Macuga.
Their presence illustrated the breadth of the Stifel U.S. Ski Team. The organization supports athletes across alpine, cross country, freeski, freestyle, ski jumping, nordic combined and Para alpine skiing.
Stifel’s commitment extends beyond one evening
The St. Louis fundraiser represents one part of Stifel’s extensive investment in American skiing.
Stifel serves as the title partner of the Stifel U.S. Ski Team under an agreement extending through 2034. U.S. Ski & Snowboard has described it as the longest partnership agreement in the organization’s history.
That relationship connects Stifel with athletes throughout the competitive pathway. Its support reaches national-team programs, athlete development and domestic competitions while helping established champions compete on the World Cup, World Championships, Olympic and Paralympic stages.
“These athletes don’t just bring home medals, they bring home pride, and that’s something to support — in as many ways as we can,” Kruszewski said. “They pursue excellence with the same fervor we do, and we are proud to support them.”
That financial commitment matters in sports that require extensive travel, specialized coaching, training venues, equipment and medical support. Strong results begin long before athletes enter a World Cup start gate. They require consistent investment in the people and programs surrounding them.
Shiffrin has attended all 11 fundraisers
Shiffrin has participated in the St. Louis fundraiser every year since its inception. She credited Kruszewski, Stifel and the surrounding community for building an event that consistently supports athletes across U.S. Ski & Snowboard.
“Together, we have raised over 10 million dollars in the last 11 years,” Shiffrin said. “I personally have been honored and privileged to attend this fundraiser every year since inception, and I can’t thank the St. Louis community enough for this support. It is so beneficial for our entire team.”
Ferreira also emphasized the direct connection between financial backing and athletic opportunity. He said support from the St. Louis community helps athletes pursue their Olympic goals.
U.S. Ski & Snowboard President and CEO Sophie Goldschmidt said the continued backing from Kruszewski, Stifel and the St. Louis community provides critical resources for athletes representing the United States on the world stage.
Another exceptional year strengthens the team
Raising $1.35 million in one evening continued an exceptional tradition of support. More importantly, the fundraiser’s 11-year history shows the value of a community returning year after year with a shared purpose.
The athletes provide the inspiration. Stifel and the St. Louis community help provide the resources that allow them to train, develop and compete.
This year’s contribution adds another significant chapter to that relationship. The money raised in St. Louis will help U.S. athletes prepare for the challenges ahead and pursue success at every level of the sport.
U.S. Ski & Snowboard provided the information and quotations used in this report.
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