UPDATED FEB 17:  fundraising tally at approximately $4,000

MEDIA RELEASE February 15, 2010

Big Hearts Light the Mountain at Searchmont

$3,000 raised for Haiti relief effort

Searchmont Resort – Families and friends of all ages hit the slopes Sunday for a special night of operation.  Heart for Haiti at Searchmont Resort this past Valentine’s Day raised approximately $3,000 for the relief effort in Haiti. 

Lift tickets and rentals were available by donation and a Torchlight Tribute lit the Mountain in the shape of a heart.  Donation jars and a silent auction also contributed to the funds raised.  Many staff at Searchmont Resort donated their wages from the evening.   

Proceeds from the event will be handled by the Canadian Red Cross who assisted with the event along with the O.P.P.  Searchmont Resort thanks all who supported the event.  Photos and video will be posted on the website.

Searchmont Resort has an estimated direct and indirect local economic impact of $15.3M; employs approximately 140 full and part-time employees; is one of the top winter tourist attractions in Northern Ontario; helps attract employers and professionals and their families to the area; focuses on better and healthier Ontarians; serves as a regional training centre for up and coming competitive alpine athletes; is located next to the TOPS trail; and continues to be supported by a partnership of the SSAI volunteer Board, the City of Sault Ste. Marie, CDC, EDC, Tourism SSM, Searchmont Ski Runners, Sault Ski Racers, Searchmont & Area Freestyle Alliance, chalet owners, Our Mountain Members, angel investors, Ministry of Northern Development and Mines, Fed Nor, and Alpine Ontario.