The board presented checks for $12,000 each to the Moving Mountains Adaptive Program and Kingsford Area Little League.

The lantern-lit family snowshoe walk Jan. 18 at Pine Grove Country Club drew about 250 people. This year’s major sponsors include Bacco Construction, First National Bank & Trust, M.J. Electric, Pine Grove Country Club and Radio Results Network.

“We had an excellent turnout considering the cold temperatures and trail conditions,” Stomp the Snow Board Secretary Jessica Zeuske said.

Because of the winds, volunteers had a hard time keeping the lanterns lit, which caused them to close the trails a little earlier than planned.

THE FAMILY SNOWSHOE Charity Association donated $12,000 to the Kingsford Area Little League. From left, kneeling in front are Jessica Zeuske, secretary; and Beth Linn, vice president. Standing are Jean O’Dette, president; Wendy Wender, board member; Jeremy Zawada, Kingsford Area Little League president; Patti Carollo, treasurer; Paula Hogberg, marketing; and Diane Blaskowski, board member. (Terri Castelaz/Daily News photo)

However, everyone who came out to support the fundraiser was in good spirits, she said, adding some participants even walked all four trails.

Zeuske said continued community support has been phenomenal. “Even though the attendance was lower, with our sponsors’ help we were still able to give the proceeds to these great nonprofits.”

The Moving Mountains Adaptive Program plans to use its funds to purchase a Dynamique Bi Ski that will allow them to increase class capacity.

“As we gain students into our program and bring more instructors, we will have a need for more adaptive equipment,” board member and instructor Denise Delano said.

This year, they project they will teach about 150 lessons to about 70 individual students, as they will ski multiple times. To date, their youngest student was 3 and the oldest 65.

The Bi Ski provides a lower center of gravity that allows for easier learning, increased skill progression and a higher rate of complete student independence than some of their other sitski equipment allows. This type of unit also has a lift assist feature.

MMAP was formed in 2011 to provide adaptive winter snow sports opportunities for individuals with cognitive and/or physical disabilities within the area. Through accessing the unique abilities of each participant, they foster self-confidence, thus improving their quality of life.

Pine Mountain has been their base since the start. “They are great cheerleaders and have always been extremely supportive of the program,” she said.

Delano said the Stomp the Snow event was a wonderful experience and great team builder for their program.

“We are grateful for the opportunity to partner with them and for the donation,” Delano said. “What a tremendous service they provide to the community.”

“We appreciate their ability to organize such a complex process for that day,” board member and instructor Bud Delano added. “They pulled in so many people that haven’t done it before and got the work done — it was really impressive.”

The Kingsford Area Little League will put the donation toward a digital scoreboard for a Quinnesec softball field.

“It’s the only field that doesn’t have one,” Kingsford Area Little League president Jeremy Zawada said, noting they are already in the process of seeking quotes.

After installation, a Stomp the Snow banner will be displayed below the scoreboard.

He said the new addition will be a great asset, as KALL is looking to host more baseball and softball tournaments, and possibly a state tournament, in the future.

The current Little League program consists of baseball and softball divisions for ages 7 through 15 and a co-ed Tee Ball league for ages 5 to 6.

Since taking on his position two years ago, Zawada said they have seen a major jump in participation.

“We had about 330 kids, and after adding tee ball we went up to almost 600 kids,” he said. “It keeps growing and growing.”

With the increased numbers, there is also a demand for additional equipment, along with replacing existing equipment due to normal wear and tear. They also maintain eight fields in Kingsford and Quinnesec.

Donations like these are huge for the program, he explained, as without the sponsorships and donations Little League would have to increase its registration fees each year.

“This allows us to keep it affordable so everyone in the area is able to play,” Zawada said. “We want to keep growing — every dollar we get its huge.”

He added that Stomp the Snow gives area families a fun outdoor activity while doing great things.

“It was a pleasure to be able to provide the volunteers to help make it a success,” Zawada said. “We greatly appreciate the donation and everything they do for the community.”

The Family Snowshoe Charity Association thanked both recipients for their assistance in the event, from setting up to cleaning up.

“They aren’t just recipients, they put forth the effort and without their help the event would not have been possible,” Zeuske said.

The board is now accepting applications from local non-profit organizations to be considered as next year’s recipients. Those interested can request an application by emailing stompthesnow@hotmail.com or going to the group’s Facebook page.

Two new beneficiaries will be selected in the fall, Zeuske said.

The fourth-annual Stomp the Snow event is scheduled for Feb. 8, 2026, at Pine Grove Country Club in Iron Mountain.

“We pushed it into February next year hoping to have a little more snow and see more favorable temperatures — and not the night of a football playoff game,” Zeuske said.

The Family Snowshoe Charity Association also appreciates the community businesses and individuals that sponsor and support the event.

“It’s overwhelming that we can raise this amount of money each year,” Zeuske said.