Empowering Children ~ on Skis.

Lauren McKenney is organizing this fundraiser to benefit YOUTH ENRICHMENT SERVICES INC.

Tax deductible

Empowering children ... one ski lesson at a time.

The Gordon McKenney Memorial Scholarship Fund is a 5013c non-profit organization empowering children by enabling them to learn the sport of skiing or snowboarding in the great outdoors that otherwise do not have the financial means to do so.

Since 2009 we have put just over 40 children on snow. It's admittingly small scale, but for those 40 kids, it's monumental. Below is a thank you note we received from one of our inspired recipients.

Children are asked to submit an essay for consideration into the seasonal program. Our early expectations were that we would receive essays speaking to the excitement of playing in the snow. And they do that ~ but what we didn't expect were letters coming from young children speaking to stresses;
children that live in compromised housing, do not know where their mother is, that are taken care of by struggling grandparents, or a single parent with a disability home from fighting a war.

The stories can be tough. These kids ask for a break from their stresses, a chance to go on that after school program their classmates go on, but their family can't afford. They are asking to not have to stay home in front of the TV while their classmates head to the hill.

Studies show participation in sports and exposure to the great outdoors help children develop:

• self esteem
• social skills
• academic confidence
• goal-setting skills
• lifelong health

that will benefit them throughout their lives. Our hope is that this gift is taken with them forever through their journey of life, the very gift we feel blessed to have received from our extraordinary father, Gordon McKenney.

Please consider making a financial contribution of any size. Donate to the spirit of enabling all children to know the thrill of hauling down a winter wonderland playground of fun with their face frozen solid in the shape of a huge smile - leaving their struggles behind.

The inspiration:

The Gordon McKenney Memorial Scholarship Fund is a non-profit organization set up in honor of Gordon McKenney and his love of sharing the sport of skiing.

"Gordon was consistently one of the most professional and dependable ski instructors I have had the privilege of knowing. The thousands and thousands of students that he taught over the 40 + years are an incredible legacy. It can truly be said that he will leave the world a much better place than he found it." – David Chapman, Former Pats Peak Ski School Director

Gordon, an engineer by trade, taught skiing for 42 yrs. He taught skiing weekends throughout his professional career, faithfully bringing his family to the mountain every - single - weekend, and embarking on the teaching of thousands of students. There was no one more loyal. Rain, snow, sleet, bitter freezing temperatures ... Gordon was there ... early ... and always with an enthusiastic smile.

When Gordon retired at the age of 55 from his professional career, he then ramped up teaching skiing full time. He taught until the age of 76 when we lost him to illness. Gordon's enthusiasm and commitment has inspired and encouraged thousands of students over the course of decades. His passion never wavered.

We're certain he has found some mountain upstairs where he continues his love affair with skiing and sharing that eternal passion with others.

Gordon Murray McKenney Jr. 1932 - 2009

How it works:

$300 puts a child on snow for a season of after school lessons @ Pat's Peak in Henniker, NH. This rate includes instruction, equipment rental and daily passes. Low student-to-instructor ratio with personalized classes. Children from grades 1 through 12 are eligible.

The Gordon McKenney Memorial Scholarship Fund is a 5013c non-profit organization. Youth Enrichment Services (YES.org) stands as our fiscal agent. All monies donated live in a separate [email redacted] and are used strictly for the purposes of the The Gordon McKenney Memorial Scholarship Fund. With the exception of any GoFundMe fees, 100% of all monies donated go directly to the mission.

To learn more about The Gordon McKenney Memorial Scholarship Fund go to: