Stifel Hosts “Una Notte Bianca a Cortina” Fundraiser, Raising $1.37 Million for U.S. Ski Team

Feature Image: Provided by Stifel

Last Friday, September 12, Stifel welcomed clients, partners, and friends to a special event space in Ladue, Missouri, for an unforgettable evening in support of programs, training and athlete development for the U.S. Ski Team.

With the theme of “Una Notte Bianca a Cortina,” a nod to the scenery of Italy’s Dolomites and this year’s upcoming Winter Games & Paralympics, guests donned white cocktail attire for a night of music, camaraderie, and giving for this 10th Annual Stifel U.S. Ski Team Fundraiser.

Entertainment was provided by Laka & DJ Mauf, setting the tone for an energetic and celebratory atmosphere with Stifel CEO Ron Kruszewski and US Ski & Snowboard President & CEO Sophie Goldschmidt hosting Olympic medalists and World Cup skiers on stage midway through the evening.

A highlight of the evening was the live auction, which featured exclusive items such as:

• A rare Rolex Oyster Perpetual Celebration watch
• United Airlines round-trip travel certificates for Europe
• Four St. Louis Blues tickets in the exclusive Bull & Bear suite, plus a signed jersey and stick 

The event drew special guest appearances from Stifel U.S. Alpine Ski Team athletes Mikaela Shiffrin, Lauren Macuga, and Bella Wright, as well as freeski Olympic medalists Alex Ferreira and Jaelin Kauf, Ryan McElmon, Alli Macuga and two-time Paralympic medalist and 2025 ESPY Award winner Noah Elliott, all of whom added to the night’s energetic atmosphere with their star presence.

Thanks to the generosity of attendees, the fundraiser raised an impressive $1.37 million, reinforcing Stifel’s commitment to giving back to partners and communities it serves.

“This event was a celebration not only of skiing and athletes, but our partnership with the Stifel U.S. Ski Team and the upcoming winter of competition including the 2026 Winter Olympics and Paralympics,” said Kruszewski. “The remarkable generosity shown by our guests underscores what makes Stifel truly special – we come together every year at this event to help support our elite competitive skiers and the development of young talent representing the Red, White and Blue on the slopes around the world.”

“The amount of time, effort, love and support this community—and that starts with Ron and Amanda Perkins (and Stifel!)—has put into our sports and the Stifel U.S. Ski Team is otherworldly and something very special. Thank you,” said Olympic gold medalist Shiffrin in a recent Instagram post. 

“This was my first time attending this event in St. Louis and it exceeded all expectations! Ron and Amanda worked so hard on this fundraiser and it was such a beautiful night with everyone,” said 2022 Olympian and Stifel U.S. Alpine Ski Team athlete Bella Wright.