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National Ability Center’s Red, White & Snow Celebrates Its 20th Year
Food and wine connoisseurs from around the country to gather in Park City for a weekend of fine dining and philanthropy in support of the National Ability Center and their adaptive recreation programs
PARK CITY, UTAH (Feb. 7, 2024) – The National Ability Center, a leading non-profit organization that provides world-class adaptive recreation and outdoor adventures for individuals, families and groups with disabilities, announced the return of its annual Red, White & Snow fundraising event. The event is presented by Big-D Signature Resorts & Residences, Vail Resorts EpicPromise, UBS, Assurant, Intermountain Health and more. This premier culinary, wine and ski fundraising event will run from Thursday, March 7 to Saturday, March 9 in Park City, Utah.
“On our 20th anniversary of Red, White & Snow, we’re elated to welcome Parkites and visitors from around the country to discover the mission of the National Ability Center while enjoying delicious cuisine and delightful wines,” said Carey Cusimano, VP of Major Gifts at the National Ability Center. “This milestone year will serve as a testament to our commitment in growing our programming and increasing the number of individuals served. Over the weekend, we will educate attendees on the NAC and share life-changing participant stories, helping to ensure the next 20 years continue to be marked by inclusivity, joy and the transformative power of adaptive activities for all.”
This four day food and wine festival features a variety of events throughout the weekend, ensuring everyone will find something for their own unique tastes. The event schedule is as follows:
- Wednesday, March 6: The highly-coveted auction lot item from last year is coming to fruition, marking the splendid commencement of the Red, White & Snow weekend. Twenty couples who purchased an invitation at the 2023 auction will experience the exclusive Cult Dinner, a 6-course meal crafted by Chef Charlie Palmer and complemented by 9 wine pairings.
- Thursday, March 7: From 7:30 – 9:30 p.m., Uncorked: The Experience will offer attendees an intimate gathering at Stein Eriksen Lodge with wine tastings from over 30 vintners, hors d’oeuvres and live music. At 6 p.m. prior to the main event, VIP attendees will enjoy an elevated experience and one-on-one interactions with the vintners.
- Friday, March 8: At 12:30 p.m., Wine on the Mountain, an exclusive slope-side tasting and après-ski lunch party, will be held at St. Regis Deer Valley. Guests are encouraged to wear retro ski gear and participate in the lively costume contest. Additionally, vintners will showcase their newest releases and timeless favorites for attendees to taste along delectable cuisine. The party will continue on into the evening with the Vintner Dinners, an event where locals welcome attendees into their private homes throughout Park City, Deer Valley and Salt Lake City. Vintners and chefs curate specialty dinners and wine tastings, while dinner guests receive a visit from a National Ability Center participant or volunteer that will share their personal experience of discovering possibilities through the NAC’s effective and unique programs.
- Saturday, March 9: To close out the festival, there will be three main events, a Gala Auction, Library Dinner and an After Party. The black-tie Gala Auction and Library Dinner, sponsored by Intermountain Healthcare, will be held at 5:00 p.m. at the Montage Deer Valley. Paralympic gold medalist and longtime NAC supporter Chris Waddell will serve as the emcee of the popular Gala event. The evening will be full of culinary delights, decadent vintages, and unique auction items. Following a four-course dinner and auction, the festivities continue at the After Party in the Empire East Room to dance the night away to the sounds of DJ Dolph. Specialty cocktails and desserts will ensure the festivities last well into the night.
This year’s honorary partners are as follows:
- 2024 Honorary Chairpersons: Lori Harris & Paul Lukanowski
- 2024 Honorary Vintners: Parallel Napa Valley (Mac & Ann MacQuoid, Steve & Val Chin, and Bulent & Mary Pulak), Trifecta (Pablo Nyarady), Pride Mountain Vineyards (Stuart Bryan), Terra Valentine & Foretell Wines (Sam Baxter), Kelham Vineyards (Hamilton Nicholsen), Fisher Vineyards (Rob and Cameron Fisher), Macauley Vineyard (Mac Watson), Venge Vineyards & Croix Estate Winery (Kirk Venge) and Mauritson Wines (Clay Mauritson).
- 2024 Honorary Chef: Michael Showers, Executive Chef High West Saloon and Distillery
“Every year, Red, White & Snow attracts wine connoisseurs and food enthusiasts from around the country to Park City, offering a weekend filled with thoughtful and intentional dinners for a meaningful cause,” said Michael Showers, the honorary chef for 2024. “I was thrilled to be this year’s honorary chef and excited to again partner with the National Ability Center, joining an elite group of chefs. This weekend promises a combination of fine dining and philanthropy, creating memorable moments and raising funds for the National Ability Center.”
The funds raised at Red, White & Snow will continue to support the National Ability Center in the execution and development of programs for over 5,400 individuals of all abilities and their families annually. Thanks to the generosity of partners, sponsors and guests, Red, White & Snow helps the National Ability Center spread its mission each year while ensuring that 100% of requests for financial program scholarship can be fulfilled.
For more information on Red, White & Snow or to purchase a ticket, visit redwhiteandsnow.org. To learn more about the National Ability Center’s programs or to become a volunteer, visit discovernac.org. For any further questions, please contact [email protected].
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About the National Ability Center
The National Ability Center (NAC) provides world-class adaptive recreation and outdoor adventures for individuals, families and groups with varying physical, cognitive and developmental disabilities. Rooted in Park City, UT for nearly 40 years, with a satellite location in Moab, the NAC empowers over 5,400 competitive athletes, children, active-duty, veterans and others yearly. Through on-campus and community-based programming, with individual and group activities, participants build self-esteem, confidence and lifetime skills. The NAC hosts over 30,000 experiences and lessons each year including alpine and Nordic skiing, snowboarding, horseback riding, cycling, swimming, rafting, archery, among others. In 2023, the 9,400 square foot McGrath Mountain Center opened to serve the NAC’s adaptive ski and snowboard programs, made possible by a historic 50-year land lease donated by Vail Resorts. With Vail’s EpicPromise as the National Ability Center’s largest annual community partner, the NAC is globally recognized as a leader in adaptive sports. For more information about the National Ability Center, visit discovernac.org.