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HomeConv: 2024 Volunteer of the Year



Volunteer of the Year...


91st Annual Far West Ski Association Convention

June 6 - 9, 2024


Atlantis Casino Resort Spa
3800 S. Virginia St, Reno, NV 89502 • 800-723-6500
https://atlantiscasino.com/


"Altitude with Attitude"



Council's Volunteer of the Year Recognition


The Far West Ski Association honors top volunteers each year through the Councils’ Volunteer of the Year Program. Each council may nominate a member to be honored throughout the convention. A panel of judges scores the résumés of the nominees and conducts on-site interviews. The winning candidate is announced at the Saturday evening banquet as the FWSA Volunteer of the Year. Big White Ski Resort, our generous sponsor of this program since 2001, gives the winner a ski vacation for two at the resort.

Many may not be aware that the FWSA Councils’ Man and Woman of the Year Recognition Program started in 1982, fol-lowing several different iterations (beauty pageants and “Kings” and “Queens”) that began in 1975. In 2021, the presidents of the FWSA member councils voted to change the award once more, reflecting ever-changing socio-dynamics that de-manded a more gender-neutral title. As a result of this change, we’re pleased to bring you the very first “Councils’ Volun-teer of the Year Recognition Program,” and its very first honorees!

And while we’re here to honor these exceptional volunteers, we also want to extend our extreme gratitude to Big White Ski Resort, who has been our sponsor for more than twenty years. This program would be nothing without their continued support. We look forward to sending our winning honorees to visit our friends in Canada for many years to come.



Here are your 2024 Volunteer of the Year Honorees:

Arizona Ski Council


Linda Johnston

Linda is a member of the Phoenix Ski Club, and is its current president.  She’s been the PSC trip coordinator for several years, and also acts as the social media director, as well as developing fundraisers for the club. She assists with ASC racing, and is a past winner of the Phoenix Ski Club “Spirit Award” for her contributions and service.


Bay Area Snowsports Council

Cathy Baird

Cathy is a member of Inskiers, and currently holds the office of Membership Director and is widely recognized as a pillar of that organization, working on social activities, member outreach, and race league help and participation. She also works to support other BAC clubs, and FWSA activities.



Central Council of California

Gloria Raminha

Gloria is a past president of Far West Ski Association after serving four terms, and is now the Immediate Past President.  Over several prior years, she has also served FWSA in other positions and is currently a Trustee for the Far West Ski Foundation.  Gloria held positions in the Avalanche Ski & sports Club, Central Council and is a past Western Region Rep for the National Ski Council Federation. She enjoys family, friends, skiing, golfing, traveling and volunteering within the different snow sports organizations and other unrelated organizations.

Los Angeles Council of Ski Clubs


Norbert Knapp

Norbert is a member of Grindelwald Ski Club and is currently the VP of Membership.  Norbert has been a past treasurer, and has worked to collect 75 years of historical memorabilia for donation to the California Ski Museum in Norco, California.  He continues to volunteer with FWSA conventions, and assisted with site selection and as an activity leader.




 
National Brotherhood of Snowsports – Western Region


David Geiger

David is the current Past NBS Western Region Vice President.  He has organized numerous events, workshops and competitions that brought people together and provided opportunities for snow sports enthusiasts of all skill levels to improve their abilities and know snow sports.  He’s also an active volunteer in the local community, organizing charity events and fundraisers.

Northwest Ski Club Council


Sandra Kaufman

Sandra is a member of Mountain High Snow Sport Club, and currently holds dual positions of secretary and membership director.  Sandra has been a volunteer for not only her local ski club, but outside organizations such as the Mt. Hood Cultural Center and Museum.



Orange Council of Ski Clubs


Sheila Van Guilder

Sheila is a member of the Balboa Ski & Sports, where she has held several positions, including Social Chair, Treasurer and President.  She is currently president of the Orange Council of Ski Clubs and one of the host council chairs for the 2025 FWSA Convention in Palm Springs.

San Diego Council of Ski Clubs

Tom Bundgard

Tom is a member of the San Diego Ski Club, where he is the current president, and also is acting club representative for San Diego Council of Ski Clubs.  He is the current president of the San Diego Council, and is a past trustee of the Far West Ski Association.



Sierra League & Council


Judi Cuffney

Judi is a member of the Tahoe Donner Senior Alpine Ski Club, and is acting Communications Officer.  She maintains activities on the club web site, and all club communications.  She also organizes the club trip to Mammoth, and assists with other club social events.  Judi has been a volunteer for past FWSA conventions, as well as social events with Sierra Council.




  

 


 


Contact:
 Sheri Parshall
Volunteer of the Year Program Chair
  503-706-0522










 


Online Registration is now OPEN.

Book your lodging by May 13, 2024 to secure your room.

We look forward to seeing you in Reno, NV, June 6-9, 2024