Media contacts:Veronica Palmer, veronicap@tahoerimtrail.org, 775-298-4490
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: The Tahoe Rim Trail Association awarded excellence in our community.
WHAT: TRTA Annual Awards
WHEN: Tuesday, October 7th 2017
INFO: www.tahoerimtrail.org or (775) 298-4485
The Tahoe Rim Trail Association (TRTA) honored seven individuals and one organization at its 2018 Annual Celebration and Fundraiser this year hosted at the Big Springs Lodge at Northstar California Resort on Oct. 7. Each year the TRTA recognizes a business, organization, or agency as its Partner of the Year. The Association has many incredible partners that make its work possible but this year Vail Resorts stood out as an outstanding partner. Vail Resorts provided grant funding through their Epic Promise program over the years to support programs from trail building and maintenance to currently funding efforts to engage regional youth in the outdoors. On top of this grant support, each year Vail Resorts employees participate in group work projects and some staff even spend their Vail work hours with the TRTA. With the Tahoe Rim Trail running through Heavenly’s backyard and near their resort at Northstar, the TRTA and Vail Resorts have worked in partnership to improve the recreational experience for hikers, bikers, and equestrians throughout the region.
Individual awardees at the Annual Celebration included:
• John Singlaub, who was inducted into the TRTA’s Hall of Fame for his many years serving on the organization’s Board of Directors, including eight as President;
• Jackie Ferek and Bill Doherty, who were jointly awarded Volunteer of the Year. The couple serves as Crew Leaders for the trail’s Brockway to Tahoe City segment, spearheading maintenance and trail building projects for the 20-miles of trail, and help with a variety of other service projects around the lake;
• Vera Daegling, who was honored with a Peak Award for her many years of volunteer service to the TRTA, initially as a trail crew volunteer helping to build and maintain trail, and currently as an office volunteer on a regular basis;
• LaTrenda Easton, who was honored with a Peak Award for going above and beyond as a volunteer Trail Guide, not only as a community educator through guided hikes such as Backpacking 101, but as a volunteer trainer annually supporting the education of new trail guides;
• Jim McNamara, who was honored with a Peak Award for his years of volunteer service with TRTA, first by helping to build trail as a Boy Scout troop leader and then as a guide for the organization’s annual Thru-Hike;
• Carl Woods, who was also honored with a Peak Award for sharing his time in many ways including serving on the TRTA Board of Directors and as the Vice President of Trail Use, volunteering in the office, and as a Thru Hike guide each year.
The TRTA’s annual awards recognize just a few of the many volunteers that contribute more than 17,000 hours annually to support the mission of the TRTA. Volunteers are also celebrated each year at a Volunteer Appreciation Party.
The fundraiser portion of the Annual Celebration and Fundraiser combined a silent auction, Heads or Trails game, and wine pull for attendees to enjoy. Prizes included regional getaways, outdoor gear, artwork, and trail memorabilia donated by area businesses and individuals. The nonprofit raised $14,000 to support its many outdoor programs, including trail building and maintenance and youth backcountry outings.
For more information on volunteering with the TRTA or supporting the nonprofit’s programs visit tahoerimtrail.org.