Northern Michigan Skiing: Shanty Creek Resorts of Bellaire, Michigan is taking the resort’s “Ski Free With Santa” giving spirit on Christmas Day one step further by encouraging guests to bring along with them a donation for The Father Fred Foundation as they hit the resort’s slopes for free that day.
Every Christmas, Shanty Creek Resorts gives away free Christmas Day lift tickets all day long to anyone who comes to the resort’s slopes that day. This year, Shanty is asking guests to bring non-perishable food items to the ticket window when they obtain their free lift ticket. All food donations will be given to The Father Fred Foundation in Traverse City, who will distribute to area families in need.
"We have had a double digit increase in the number of visits to our pantry this year. It’s an ongoing trend as families try to make ends meet,” says Joan O’Neill, communications manager for The Father Fred Foundation. “When Shanty Creek came to us with the idea of giving their guests the opportunity to help local families in need, we thought it was a wonderful gesture.”
"Shanty Creek is hoping to take what is now a holiday tradition, our Ski Free with Santa event, and turn it into a giving opportunity for our guests,” says Steve Kershner, director of snowsports for the resort. “Shanty Creek Resorts celebrates by giving families a day on the slopes, a gift that ordinarily would cost $150-200. Our guests can then pay it forward by donating items for families that are in need. Everyone benefits."
Though a donation of food items is not required to take advantage of the resort’s free skiing on Christmas Day, Shanty Creek Resorts hopes that those that can, do so.
For more information about The Father Fred Foundation and what types of non-perishable items are most needed in The Foundation’s food pantry, visit fatherfred.org.
About Shanty Creek Resorts
Amid the pristine, pine-dotted countryside of Northern Michigan, Shanty Creek Resorts is a four-season resort and conference center destination featuring three distinct villages: Summit, Schuss and Cedar River. Within its 4,500 acres features are nearly 500 lodging options, 55 ski runs on two mountains, 72 holes of championship golf featuring track designs from Arnold Palmer and Tom Weiskopf, plus a Wellness Spa and Fitness Center, a wide variety of dining and entertainment options, and 36,000 square feet of event and meeting space. Visit shantycreek.com.
About The Father Fred Foundation
The Father Fred Foundation is a non-denominational charity providing food, clothing, household goods, and financial assistance to families and individuals in crisis who live in Antrim, Benzie, Grand Traverse, Kalkaska, and Leelanau counties. Its work is carried out by the efforts of a small staff and more than 160 volunteers. Funding is entirely dependent on the generosity of the local community as The Father Fred Foundation does not accept state or federal funds.