DREAM program secures grants

A $4,000 Plum Creek Foundation grant will put disabled athletes on Montana ski slopes, thanks to a group of Plum Creek employees who were the top scorers in a team-building exercise.

Dream Adaptive Recreation Inc. (DREAM) of Whitefish is a volunteer non-profit organization which has promoted opportunities for winter outdoor activities on Big Mountain for children and adults with disabilities for 27 years.

DREAM executive director Cheri DuBeau said the grant will be used to purchase a new Mountain Man sit ski (skis designed for physically-challenged skiers) and two sets of outriggers. Outriggers provide stability to amputee skiers.

“Currently DREAM has only four sit skis,” DuBeau said. “Because our participant base is on the rise, the demand for ski opportunities is also on the rise. The sit ski and the outriggers will allow our DREAM clients to get back on the snow.”

DREAM also won a $5,000 Giveback Grant from Native Eyewear’s Locals Only Project.

The group will host its annual fundraising dance and auction at the Hilton Garden Inn, in Kalispell, on Friday, Feb. 22, with live and silent auctions, a raffle, door prizes and Big Band music by the Swingin’ On High band directed by B.J. Lupton.

Tickets are $50 available at Snappy Sports Senter. For more information, call Tim at 257-8758 or visit online at www.dreamadaptive.org.