Beech Mountain Resort’s annual Runs for Buns fundraiser weekend kicked off with an evening of celebration and giving back at Friday’s Not So Gala, Gala. The event, hosted by David Jackson, President of the Boone Area Chamber of Commerce, featured Jesse Miller of First Security Insurance as the auctioneer for the live auction and music from Grammy-winning Steep Canyon Rangers.
One of the highlights of the evening was the presentation of the KG Ripple Effect Award to Corrie Freeman, a teacher at Hardin Park Elementary School. The award recognizes individuals with ties to cancer who have significantly impacted the community. Corrie Freeman’s inspiring story of kindness, empathy, and support in creating the Love Bus at Hardin Park Elementary, which spreads joy through random acts of kindness and celebrates patients completing chemotherapy treatments, touched the hearts of all attendees. Corrie’s journey, stemming from her battle with cancer, embodies resilience and a commitment to giving back to the community.
On Saturday, the focus shifted to the slopes for the annual Runs for Buns, where over 81 participants braved the elements to ski and raise money for the Colon Cancer Coalition. Among the day’s highlights were the awards given to participants, including Christopher Ankrom of Beech Bums for the Most Snowboarding Runs (25 runs) and Tommo Murtland of Beech Mountain Academy for the Most Ski Runs (34 runs).
The Top Fundraising Team award went to Harper, James, and Finley Costin, who raised an impressive $16,340, while the Season Flask Holders earned the title of Most Spirited Team.
The event raised an incredible $101,053 in total for the Colon Cancer Coalition, and donations are still pouring in. The weekend was a testament to the power of hope, compassion, and remembrance for those lost to cancer.
Reflecting on the event, Corrie Freeman shared, “To even be considered worthy of the KG Ripple Effect Award, an award honoring Kelly-Grier Costin, was such an honor for me. She was a model of kindness, courage, and unrelenting hope.”
Beech Mountain Resort extends its heartfelt gratitude to all participants, sponsors, and volunteers who made this event a tremendous success.
