Rail Jam at The Beav
Since its inception in 2007, Provide for Life has helped give relief to those plagued by disasters around the globe, and Saturday the non-profit group decided to help in a little bit different way.
Provide for Life set up shop on the slopes at Beaver Mountain Ski Resort with Directive Board Shop, executing a “rail jam” to raise awareness of constant relief efforts still needed in Haiti after an earthquake devastated the country in January 2010.
Kristopher Young, founder and executive director of Provide for Life, said the idea behind the event was a community-driven initiative.
“It’s all about getting exposure to communities that are close to me — just having a good time and having fun,” Young said.
More than 40 rail jam entrants flocked to the hill above the Logan Canyon yurt, located above the upper parking lot at Beaver Mountain. There, park crews set up four different rails.
Young’s girlfriend and Provide for Life’s education director Ashley McKinney said the rail jam was a great success and she is proud of it.
Entrants were organized into heats of skiers or snowboarders by age and given the go-ahead to hit one of four rails, including a down rail, box, log jam and flat rail. Contestants were scored based on difficulty and completion of grinding tricks.
Chicken, rice and beans were donated and for sale at the event for $5 a plate.
“This is what I eat when I’m living (in Haiti),” Young said.
Young said all proceeds help the people of Haiti.
In addition to Haiti relief efforts, Provide for Life helps people in Sri Lanka in restoring their city’s damages caused by the 2004 earthquake and subsequent tsunami that occurred off the Pacific Coast of Sumatra.
Unlike other charitable organizations that can pay overhead of about 50 percent, Young said Provide for Life keeps overhead costs to no more than 10 percent. So the money can be used to help more people in need, he added.
“I’ve seen a lot of disaster relief projects gone wrong, because it creates dependence,” he said.
McKinney said the organization focuses more on helping Haitians and Sri Lankans to help themselves.
“The jobs in Haiti are all about adult outlet,” she said.
McKinney said the idea for a rail jam came from her and Young’s love of the mountain.
“Kris always went to Beaver as a kid,” McKinney said. “It just kind of fell into place. We would love to do it again next year and have it continue to grow. With so many kids with family and friends having fun and healthy competition, it’s something I want to promote.”
Owner of Directive Board Shop Zach Shepherd provided commentary for the competition and said he thought the event was a good time for all.
“It’s a good, fun way to get younger people involved,” Shepherd said. “Directive will definitely do this again.”
tavin.stucki@aggiemail.usu.edu