Community comes out to support Challenge at Annual Gala
By Allison Sayer
TNews Staffwriter
On February 1, Challenge Alaska welcomed about 680 guests and 40 volunteers to their annual fundraising gala at the Dena’ina Center in Anchorage. The theme was “Wild West,” and attendees dressed in their best cowboy attire.
Challenge is well known in Girdwood for its adaptive ski and snowboard program. They also offer opportunities for intellectually or physically disabled Alaskans to master archery, cross country skiing, water sports, hockey, tennis, mountain biking, and many other sports.
A Challenge supporter enjoys the festivities at the annual Challenge Gala. (Photo by CamiLynnGrace Photography)
Ski racer Anna Boltz, who has spina bifida, captivated the crowd with her keynote address. She described her journey from being strapped into a tiny sit-ski at the age of two to racing at the national level now at age 18.
Through her experiences at Challenge, Anna has found community, independence, and focus. “This is what I want to do with my life,” she said, “I want to train. I want to race. And I want to be around these people.”
“I don’t feel like I have a disability when I ski,” she said, “I feel free… I can be a teenager and go out and ski with my friends… I can go wherever I want on the mountain.”
Anna has formed lifelong relationships with her fellow racers and coaches. She credited Performance Director Jeremy “Jaha” Anderson with helping her push the limits of her comfort zone, even recounting a crash right underneath the chairlift that resulted in a bloody nose but no other injuries.
Executive Director J. Nathan “Nate” Boltz, who is Anna’s father, described Challenge’s vision during his words: “When the mission is complete, Alaskans of all abilities will have equal access to sports, recreation, and community.”
Anna Boltz racing in Park City on February 6. (Photo by J. Nathan Boltz)
Nate announced two new developments during his speech. Alaska Dance Theatre is now partnering with Challenge to offer adaptive dance instruction, and the Alaska Rock Gym and Challenge received a cooperative grant for adaptive climbing equipment and training.
Alaska Dance Theatre entertained attendees with a series of performances, including the debut performance of the Wheels Class. Dancers in sport wheelchairs performed a spirited routine set to Dolly Parton’s “9 to 5.”
Alaska Dance Theatre Executive Director Cari Zawodny shared the Wheels Class has been practicing since September. The class includes both wheelchair users and non-wheelchair users. This class is available free of charge thanks to a grant from the Alaska State Council on the Arts and Challenge’s equipment.
Alaska Dance Theatre has also recently begun offering a class where dancers with developmental and cognitive disabilities can “dance in a safe and inclusive environment.”
I talked with a few gala guests who all had the same story about their relationship with Challenge. Many years ago, each of them came through the door seeking an opportunity to participate in a sport. They found not only that opportunity, but also a “come as you are” community that hooked them in and would not let them go. Years later, they’re still here. “It’s a family,” said Raye Ann Neustel, who has been an educator at Challenge since 2002.
The Alaska Dance Theater Wheels Class had their debut performance at the Challenge Gala February 1 at the Dena’ina Center. (Photo by CamiLynnGrace Photography)
Michael Hanson came to Challenge eight years ago seeking an opportunity to play sled hockey after a spinal injury. He is now fully independent on a monoski at Alyeska, and is advocating to expand adaptive mountain bike trails in the Anchorage bowl. He still plays hockey, along with many other sports. “Participating in sports is great,” he said, “I’m competitive and I enjoy it. But the community is what makes it what it is.”
Volunteers contributed their talent and energy to make the night of raising funds engaging for attendees. Alaska’s News Source anchor Ariane Aramburo leant her professional skills to emcee. Auctioneer Rayne Reynolds tirelessly kept the bidding going for big ticket items throughout the night.
Pageant royalty from Mrs. and Miss Alaska and The Fur Rondy circulated to sell raffle tickets and other fundraising items. Many others helped behind the scenes to keep the event running smoothly. Additionally, dozens of artists and businesses donated silent auction items.
Challenge works to provide the best equipment and instruction available to participants, without turning anyone away who cannot afford the full cost. According to development director Mariel Ballew’s preliminary estimate, over $400,000 was raised towards this cause at the gala.
(Disclosures: Allison Sayer is a volunteer instructor at Challenge Alaska’s adaptive ski school. Challenge Alaska Executive Director James Nathan Boltz reviewed a draft of this article prior to publication.)