To the Editor,

Last week we had another successful “Hike for Spencer.” With more than 200 hikers participating, we raised $25,000 for the Spencer Nelson Memorial Fund. For those of you who came, donated or just spread the word, thank you so much for your support.

The money raised will be used to pay for fees and travel expenditures for Grand County youths who otherwise would not be able to participate in the Winter Park Competition Center. This year the Spencer Nelson Memorial Fund was able to help 65 youths with scholarships with athletes in all the disciplines receiving funding. Our goal is to make sure that every child in Grand County who has the desire to participate in winter sports is given the opportunity.

We want to thank all of our local sponsors for helping us make this event successful. Thank you Winter Park Resort, Winter Park Competition Center, The Rendezvous Foundation, Winter Park Fraser Valley Rotary Club, Town of Winter Park, Grand County, Grand Foundation, Cornerstone Community Foundation, Wells Fargo, Real Estate of Winter Park, McConnell Printing, Fraser Valley Lions Club and Mountain Parks Electric.

Life is about building community and the “Hike for Spencer” gives us an opportunity to give back to two communities — the Fraser Valley and the Winter Park Competition Center that gave so much to our son. Thank you again and we hope to see you all next summer.

Peggy Smith and Peter Nelson

Fraser