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BOEC's Inspirations
The Official Newsletter of the BOEC
February 8, 2022
Dear Friend of BOEC,

The month of February means that we're halfway through the ski season and ramping up for summer programs. It always amazes me how quickly the time goes by while we're having fun! 
 
The ski program has been humming along quite well even with the challenges posed by the surge in COVID infections among staff and interns over the holidays. Still, they rallied to keep everything running smoothly while making sure that team members had the care they needed to get well and back to work. This month we welcome back two of our larger military programs, Team Semper Fi and the Not Forgotten Association from Great Britain. In addition to those two amazing groups we are having fun with participants from Summit High School and kiddos who are part of the Snow Sports Alliance and Mountain Mentors program. There is nothing better than seeing all of those smiling faces out on the slopes with BOEC instructors and volunteers, reminding us daily why we do what we do. 
 
This month’s Inspirations Newsletter shares stories about those who inspire us most, including longtime friend of BOEC, Jane Barber, who gives wholeheartedly to everything she does whether it's teaching skiing, sharing her love of yoga with staff and participants or helping to start a program like the Keystone Internship. We all love you Jane and are very grateful for all you do! Kevin Brown is a visually impaired skier who’s motto is “don’t be afraid to fail, be afraid not to try”. Kevin’s story is one that will motivate each of us to do more and to do it without fear. We hope to see you representing the USA in the Paralympics Games next, Kevin, because clearly the sky is the limit! Finally, we often talk about those who give so generously to support the work we do and are excited to share the story about a group of pretty cool people who make up The Elevation Fund. Thank you all for choosing to give to the BOEC!
 
We hope to see you out on the ski slopes or at Banff Film Festival. Don’t forget to stop by to say hello to our team as we love nothing more than to meet those who support the work we do.

Warmly,
Sonya Norris
Sonya Norris
Executive Director
Breckenridge Outdoor Education Center
Jane Barber poses at the top of the Outback Lift at Keystone Ski Resort.
It's the People Who Make BOEC So Special: Volunteer, Jane Barber
There are only a select few BOEC volunteers that have been giving their time for 20 or more years, something we unofficially refer to as the "decades club." One such member of this exclusive club is Jane Barber who has been volunteering for 20 years now. This is her story of philanthropy.
Kevin Brown poses with Adaptive Ski Instructor Alison Myers (left) and Volunteer Stacie Jones (right).
Not Afraid to Fail, Afraid Not to Try: The Story of Kevin Brown - Blind Participant
BOEC adaptive ski participant Kevin Brown has been legally blind since he was seven years old, but he hasn't let that be an obstacle in the way of him living a fulfilling life that includes being an avid sportsman and family man. This is Kevin's story as an athlete and, most recently, a skier with the BOEC.
The Elevation Fund members from left to right; Milton and Gail Klein, Cheryl and Steve Golub, Diane and Steve Jaffe, and Leslie and David Katz.
Donor Spotlight: The Elevation Fund
In honor of the month of love, February’s Donor Spotlight shares with you a story of giving that features The Elevation Fund, a group of local couples who have formed a deep friendship and have uniquely come together to celebrate and support a cause they are all passionate about.
The Banff Mountain Film Festival World Tour signature image: Basecamp, Denali National Park, Alaska © Christian Pondella.
Banff Film Festival Tickets Now on Sale!
Tickets are on sale now for the 13th Annual Banff Film Festival! Set to take place over two nights - each with their own distinct lineup of films - on Friday & Saturday, February 25 & 26, tickets cost $25 for a single night and $40 for both nights. You may purchase tickets by clicking the link below or visiting the Riverwalk Center Ticket Office or Breckenridge Welcome Center. All proceeds from this event support BOEC's programs for adaptive recreation and outdoor education. Hurry, this event sells out fast!

Buy Coffee & Support BOEC!

Need a coffee to warm you up before hitting the slopes? 100% of the proceeds from Agápē Roasting coffee sales will go directly to BOEC from January 1 through June 30, 2022. Thank you to BOEC volunteers and passionate coffee roasters Jen and Brad Baltz!
BOEC's Heroic Military Program

BOEC's Heroic Military Program returns in full force this month with Team Semper Fi visiting the Keystone Adaptive Center and our friends from Great Britain with The Not Forgotten Association (NFA) visiting Breckenridge. To learn more bout BOEC's Heroic Military Program click the link below. A special thanks to the Department of Veterans Affairs (DVA), Wounded Heroes Family Adventures (WHFA), First Nation Group, Limber Grove and many others for supporting our Nation's veterans!
WHAT'S COMING UP?
THANK YOU TO OUR KEY PARTNERS
The mission of the Breckenridge Outdoor Education Center (BOEC) is to expand the potential of people with disabilities and special needs through meaningful, educational and inspiring outdoor experiences.
BOEC is a 501(c)3 Nonprofit