On the evening of March 21, skiers and snowboarders from Oregon, Washington and Idaho participated in the first Jam 4 Cans hosted by Summit Northwest Ministries. The primary event was a rail jam that brought in more than 60 riders and around 250 spectators. Riders spent several hours hitting a setup that included a flat box, up-down box and a flat rail.
Prizes were donated by local shops, ski resorts and industry companies, and all money raised by the event went to help out local charities Elderhelp of North Idaho and Project Safe Place. The entry fee for the rail jam was a 10-can donation to the Spokane and Post Falls food banks, which brought in more than 500 cans of food. In addition to the rail jam, there were also a sledding ramp for kids, airbrush skin painting, food, raffles and live music provided by a band called Paper Astronomer.
Between the concessions and airbrush artwork more than $500 was brought in to help the charities. The event also provided a great opportunity for Summit Northwest Ministries to connect with the local community and share Christ with those in attendance during the opening devotional provided by Pastor Ron Hessel. "This event surpassed all expectations we had going into it," says Caleb Foss, associate pastor and event organizer. "All the donations from the community and the support from our own church members was amazing. We're already working on a date for next year."
(Scott Sturgis)
(Scott Sturgis)
