Over 1,300 women in Alaska, Ski for Domestic Abuse Victims!

Ski for Women an alternative to Super Bowl

http://www.ktuu.com/Global/story.asp?S=6036505


The Ski for Women raises money for Abused Women's Aid In Crisis.

by Chris Joy
Sunday, Feb. 4, 2007

Anchorage, Alaska -

It's become an annual tradition. Today more than 1,000 women got into costume, strapped on their skis and hit the trails.
This is the 11th year of the Ski for Women and this year more than 1,300 women of all ages signed up.


Renee Rudd and Sandy Johnson, who dressed up as Little Red Riding Hood
and the Big Bad Wolf, say the race is a great way to have fun with friends.

The event has become one of the largest cross-country ski races in town, but for most of the participants
the 4K race is just an excuse to get into costume and get out on Super Bowl Sunday.

"It's a beautiful day. It's Alaska. It's a woman's event. We're healthy. It's a lot of fun to see our friends.
You get to hang out with your good buddy and I'm not at home cooking chicken wings," said Renee Rudd and
Sandy Johnson, who dressed up as Little Red Riding Hood and the Big Bad Wolf.

"It's a wonderful cause and it's just fun to be here with all these women and these guys
supporting us," said "The Jesters", Ski for Women veterans.


"The Jesters" say the race is great because of the fundraising for women.


Jenna Ellinwood and Jill Doniere, who dressed up as a Chinese dragon,
say the race is fun and raises awareness for women in need.

The Ski for Women raises money for local non-profit organizations that help stop the cycle of domestic abuse
against women and children. In addition to signup fees, the event also raises money with a silent
auction and proceeds from t-shirt sales,
with a bulk of the contributions going to Abused Women's Aid In Crisis or AWAIC.

"It's a great cause. It's a fun event. It raises awareness about women who are in need of our help and
it's just fun," said Jenna Ellinwood and Jill Doniere, who dressed up as a Chinese dragon.

"We donate to groups who help women that have been in domestic abuse or violent situations, to help them
get back on their feet," said Sue Looney, Ski for Women.

Over the last 10 years the Ski for Women has raised more than $600,000 for AWAIC.

:applause: :applause: