Nate Chute races competitive for a cause

Anna Bengtson has been a top competitor at the Nate Chute snowboard races since they first began 16 years ago at Whitefish Mountain Resort. She makes a point to mark the date on her calendar every year.

While Bengtson, 35, of West Glacier, has yet to win the overall womens title at the banked slalom and boardercross races, she always seems to find her way onto the podium.

“It’s a good and fun competition,” Bengtson said last week. “Some of the best snowboarders in the area compete, and there are quite a few women. It’s a high caliber competition.”

Once again, Bengtson will be aiming to snag the top spot on the snow at the races March 21-22, but she’s already leading a more critical competition.

Bengtson has raised more than $1,200 through the Nate Chute Foundation’s Crowdrise campaign. Race competitors are aiming to raise $10,000 this year to benefit the Foundation — a Whitefish nonprofit focused on reducing suicides among young Montanans.

The race weekend has been a long-standing event in memory of local snowboarder Nate Chute, who tragically took his own life.

The Foundation first used Crowdrise as a fundraising mechanism last winter and raised $7,000.

“I regretted not participating in the Crowdrise campaign last year,” Bengtson said. “I vowed to do it this year. I’m surprised I’m in the lead. It’s neat to see the support from friends and family.”

New this year, the top fundraiser gets a $500 prize.

“That’s increased my motivation even more,” Bengtson said.

The NC Foundation funds the voluntary Student Assistance Programs in the Whitefish and Columbia Falls school districts. SAP is an intervention program that focuses on providing support groups for students.

This year, the Foundation brought in a renowned trainer in SAP methods to teach 30 adults as facilitators at Flathead County Public Schools.

The Foundation also sponsors the Youth Suicide Prevention Program which provides counseling services to suicidal youth.

“I believe in what the Foundation does,” Bengtson said. “It’s a small organization, but they put a lot of money back into schools. I really believe they are reducing suicides in the Flathead.”

To donate to the Crowdrise campaign, visit online at www.crowdrise.com/NateChute2015.

To learn more about the NC Foundation visit www.natechutefoundation.org.