Having Fun for a Great Cause

About 30 years ago, college grads Kurt Kramer and Tom Jones began hosting ski parties at Arapahoe Basin Ski Area near Keystone, Colorado.

“We were having a blast at our A-Basin Bash, skiing and partying with a large group of friends, and decided we should be raising money for a charity at the same time,” recalls Kurt. “So, we began fundraising for a few different organizations.”

He adds, “And then seven years ago, one of our friends, PJ Patierno, experienced a family crisis, which was the impetus to focus our philanthropic efforts on Craig Hospital.”

Receiving the Call

Patierno recalls October 27, 2017, as if it were yesterday. “I remember getting that early morning call. It was the second worst phone call that a parent can get.” PJ’s son, Parker, a freshman at Cal Poly, fell off a second-story balcony at a residence hall and landed on his head. He was rushed to a hospital near campus, where he underwent emergency brain surgery to relieve swelling and pressure.

After two weeks in a San Luis Obispo hospital, Parker — with his parents and two brothers by his side — transferred to Craig Hospital for neurorehabilitation.

“When he first arrived at Craig, Parker could not eat, swallow or go to the bathroom on his own. During those three months, he had to relearn how to do everything — and Craig was there to help him every step of the way,” PJ explains. “We were so impressed with Craig. It’s an incredible place, and we felt very lucky that he could recover close to our home. Parker’s fall changed the course of his life, but thanks to Craig, he has come so far.”

PJ adds, “When Kurt approached me about using the A-Basin Bash as a fundraiser for Craig, I was completely on board. It’s a great way to give back and say thank you to Craig Hospital.”

Raising Money

Last year, the annual event–held every March–raised about $16,000 for Craig.

“We are hoping to increase that amount at this year’s event, which will be held on Saturday, March 8,” Kurt says. “The Bash — which usually has 80 to 100 attendees — begins with breakfast burritos at sunrise and lasts until sunset. It’s a good old-fashioned tailgate party.”

He adds, “We are proudly supporting Craig again this year in hopes we can empower lives with specialty rehab for individuals with spinal cord and brain injuries. We get to combine a really fun day with a great cause.”

Find more information about the event here.