OLYMPIC VALLEY, Calif. -- Under the watchful eyes of Jeff Garcia, Bryant Young and new coach Dennis Erickson, the 3rd annual San Francisco 49ers Foundation Celebrity Ski Classic continues today at the Resort at Squaw Creek.
The event, which has increased in popularity each year, has raised a total of $500,000 its first two years. A similar chunk of money is expected this weekend. All proceeds will benefit various Bay Area charities that contribute to youth education programs.
Garcia, who made the Pro Bowl for his third consecutive season this winter, has been a fixture at charity events since becoming San Francisco's starting quarterback in 1999. He attended a Galena High fundraiser last year at the Atlantis Resort and Casino in Reno. Garcia makes about 40-50 appearances each year, which ranks him among the most visible NFL players off the field.
"It's good to be here, I had a really good time two years ago," Garcia said. "If I don't say 'No', which I have a hard time doing, I'd probably have something going every week of the year. There are certain guys that are like that. Then there are ones who separate themselves from that. I just enjoy it. There's not going to be times like this forever. It's kind of a unique period, a unique situation. I have to give back and help out positive causes."
The highlight of the event begins today at 11 a.m. when a former or current Olympian teams up with former 49er in a two-man slalom race on the Far East run at Squaw Valley USA. The team with the lowest combined time wins.
Among the current Olympians to race will be Truckee's Daron Rahlves and Tahoe City's Marco Sullivan. Rahlves, who is ranked No. 6 overall in the world, missed the U.S. Championships earlier this month in Lake Placid, N.Y. because of a broken wrist, according to Franz Weber, the former Austrian Olympic team member and current Director of Skiing at Squaw Valley.
Weber, former gold medalist speed skater Bonnie Blair and brothers Phil and Steve Mahre, who were America's foremost skiers in the 1970s, headline a list of almost a dozen Olympians or former Olympians who will compete. Some of the former 49ers to be paired with Olympians are broadcaster Randy Cross, Keena Turner and Gus McIntyre. All three players won three Super Bowl titles with the 49ers in the 1980s.
Most of the money raised at the event comes from corporate sponsorships. Mercedes-Benz is the main sponsor. Other fund-raising activities are both silent and live auctions. Silent auction prizes include anything from cars to game tickets to autographed memorabilia. Pro Bowl defensive tackle Bryant Young, who's making his second appearance at this event, won a motorcycle last year for $22,000. He couldn't resist. It had a slick painting of an Indian Chief in 49er colors. This year he isn't sure what he'll bid on.
"The year before it (the motorcycle) cost $28,000," said Bryant, flashing a wide grin because he still thinks he got a good deal. "My limit (this year) is $30,000. You can't go wrong because it's for a good cause."
Today's race is open for the skiing public but not the general public. Far East run is accessed by either Squaw Creek or Red Dog lifts.