"To Russia With Love" was a success!

Canadian Freestyle Skier Kristi Richards raises funds for up-and-coming athletes
Fellow-Olympians join her bid to give back
SUMMERLAND, B.C., November 16, 2010 -- Mogul skier Kristi Richards used her decision to go for gold in Sochi in 2014 as inspiration for her  “To Russia with Love” fundraiser, held in her hometown of Summerland, B.C. last week.

The sold-out event at the Local Lounge and Grille raised  $11,000 for Richard’s Supporting the Dream Legacy Fund, which provides grants and bursaries to assist promising Okanagan-based athletes reach their dreams.

Assisting Richards in her bid to provide financial assistance to burgeoning athletes were fellow 2010 Okanagan Olympians and newly-minted Supporting the Dream Ambassadors Kelsey Serwa (Ski Cross) and Josh Dueck (Alpine).

Richards, who hails from Summerland, B.C. and now makes Pemberton, B.C. her home, said that 2010 Olympic Bobsledder and fellow Summerland-native Justin Kripps has also agreed to join her cause.

“These three very accomplished ambassadors will be a great asset in raising the profile of the Supporting the Dream Fund, it’s great to have them on board,” said Richards who established the legacy fund in recognition of the tremendous support she received from the Okanagan community in her bid to represent Canada at her first Winter Olympic Games, in 2006.

The James Bond-themed event featured Russian Standard Vodka, Vincor wines, live chef stations by Chef Cecconi and GSF food service, funky lounge music by Richard’s brother DJ Evolve and a host of live and silent auction items. Richards said she was overwhelmed by the support of the Okanagan community and added, “I’ve never seen the Okanagan dress up like that. The vibe was amazing and I couldn’t ask for more.”

The Supporting the Dream Fund provided three grants last year, including one to Nordic Skier Adrienne Underhill, who has been selected to train with the Canadian National Team in the Callaghan Valley in Whistler. Richards is hoping to give out at least six bursaries this coming season and said there is no end to the athletic talent in B.C.’s Okanagan valley.

To make a donation or to apply for a bursary, go to: http://supportingthedreamfund.com/.

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Special thanks to:

Local Lounge and Grille, Russian Standard Vodka, Vincor, GSF Food Service, Morpheus Graphics, Summerland Review, Summerland Waterfront Resort, SunFM, Voth Photography, Vega, Edgy Petals and Gameday Auctions, my mom, Alana Bjorndal and DJ Evolve.

My mom and I at the event.

Paralympic medallist Josh Dueck sharing his story.

DJ Evolve throwing down groovy lounge beats all night long.

Kelsey Serwa and i presenting to the crowd.

Silent Auction!

Casino

Amazing drinks inspired by Russian Standard and Vincor.

Mark and I in the Voth Photography photo booth

Great people, great times.  Thanks for your support!