Featured Image: Kenzie Blizzard at her shop in Government Camp, OR. Provided by Kenzie Blizzard.
Mackenzie “Kenzie” Blizzard is a dedicated U16 alpine ski racer who is passionate about giving back to the ski racing community and beyond.
Her life took a turn at the age of six when she was diagnosed with inoperable brain tumors and a mitochondrial disease. The health challenges she has endured have shaped her resilience and commitment to helping others.
Kenzie dove into entrepreneurship by founding Attack From the Back, a company dedicated to creating apparel with a purpose. Her mission is to channel the profits from her designs into charitable donations.
With a goal of reaching $100,000 for dedicated organizations, she has set up a pop-up brick-and-mortar store at the Glacier House Restaurant in Government Camp, Oregon, for the summer.
Giving Back with Every Sale
Kenzie has expanded the items that she will sell in the shop to include more than just sweatshirts and hats from her e-commerce store. The young athlete will also include t-shirts, sweatpants, PJ pants, and gear from well-known brands.
She has teamed up with other companies that believe in her mission of selling apparel with a larger purpose. These partners include Ascent Eyewear, Arctica, DeFeet, Drift Belts, Fuxi, Komperdell, SHRED., Sidas, Sweet Protection, and Toko.
The business model is smart and generous: Kenzie purchases closeouts from these brands, offering customers discounted prices. Then, all of the proceeds will be donated to two charitable organizations, The World Cup Dreams Foundation and Education Rocks.
Impressively, Ascent Eyewear and Toko are donating a portion of their own proceeds, making this effort a true partnership in giving back.
“It’s a win for everyone,” Kenzie stated. “Affordable gear, industry support, and every dollar helps someone chase their ski racing dream.”
Support in Government Camp
Last summer, Kenzie worked with Fuxi in Government Camp, selling Attack from the Back sweatshirts outside of Fuxi’s shop. The experience became transformative.
“I met so many amazing people and felt incredible support,” Kenzie explained. “That’s when I knew I had to do more.”
After her experience with Fuxi, she returned home to New Hampshire and decided to open up her own shop there.
Then, Fuxi contacted her to inform her that he would not return to Mt. Hood this summer, seeing if she would want to take over his retail space. She took the offer.
The Impact of $100,000
So what could $100,000 in donations actually do?
Kenzie explained, “For World Cup Dreams Foundation, it could mean more scholarships, more supported athletes, and more dreams realized.”
The hope is that the funds raised will help these two organizations expand their reach, making ski racing accessible to more kids who might never have thought it possible.
Regardless of the amount raised, Kenzie will present the donation at the New Year’s Eve race at Proctor Ski Hill, which is the place where her mission first began.
The Government Camp shop will also host two demo centers and Olympian, World Cup Legend, and SHRED. Founder Ted Ligety on June 16th and 20th at 1:00 PM for autograph signings and a giveaway raffle.
“The support of my mission has been amazing, and I am so appreciative of those in the industry getting behind it.”
About the Author: Ellie Hartman
