The Park City Professional Ski Patrol Association drew community members, friends and supporters to the 10th annual Backcountry Bowwow on Saturday, raising a total of $32,265 in ticket sales, auction items and donations. While the more than 250 attendees joined the union at the Marquis for live musi c and entertainment, most said they were really there to meet ski patrol’s avalanche dogs. The community gathering focused messaging on the union’s 13 working avalanche dogs, who were present at the event to show off their hard work, and brought in crowds of snowsport enthusiasts and dog lovers in support. Bonnie Russel and Leon Rossi are local skiers who went to meet some new furry friends and support the paw patrol. “We just love dogs. There’s not enough of them,” said Rossi. “We live here, we ski all the time. We feel for the union. They do a good job and we want to support them.”Russell agreed, joking that the crew needs to add more puppies to its ranks. “We appreciate the ski patrol and they need to keep doing what they’re doing, because they keep us all safe. But they do need more dogs, so we can meet them,” said Russell. Similarly, Deborah Jones, the owner of a former water rescue dog, wanted to show up and offer support and appreciation for the working dogs of the world. “We heard there was music and the auction, and it seemed like a really fun venue for a good cause,” said Jones. “My golden retriever used to detect sharks in the water and bark at people to come out. I’ve always had dogs that are amazing, and I know these dogs are, too. They work so hard, so I’m really here to support them.” Laura Turnbow lives in Atlanta, though she spends a few months of the year skiing in Park City. She has been to the Bowwow for the last three years, having heard about the event through an avalanche dog meet-and-greet event in 2022. “I just love it. It’s a great space for connection and, well, I love the dogs. I think the story of their training is absolutely amazing,” said Turnbow. Turnbow entered into the raffle where attendees won handpainted apparel, prints and gear this year. But having won more than six items in the raffle two years prior, she decided to gift away her lucky numbers to others in the crowd. Over 70 silent auction items were available for big until the end of the night Saturday. All of the proceeds went toward the union’s joint fund with other local organizations. Credit: Klara Meyer/Park RecordWhether in support of the union, the dogs, or excited for the concert from Pixie and the Partygrass Boys, the community welcomed friends old and new to join in as a part of the snowsport enthusiast family. “As locals, obviously we are concerned about making sure people are paid and get the recognition they deserve, keeping things safe for us,” said Tessa Weise. “I don’t want to go down in a sled, but if I ever have to, I want to know that I am safe. We know they work so hard, and we’re just here to support them. And we love Pixie!” Another local, Sherry Olden, said, “It’s just a great opportunity to hang out with neighbors, friends, and meet new people. We wanted to support the dogs, support patrol. We need them. Every person here depends on them.” The event offered 74 auction items to the crowd, all donated by local businesses, artists, outdoor educators and individuals to support the cause. The proceeds from the event were split amongst the Park City Professional Ski Patrol Association, Wasatch Backcountry Rescue, the United Mountain Workers Union, Solitude Ski Patrol, the Mountain Training Center and Park City Lift Maintenance. “It’s about just continuing the involvement and spreading the love,” said Mike Reilly, a sixth-year patroller and the event organizer, “to make sure that all these organizations are being funded and keep on doing all the great things to keep people safe.” The community rallied strongly behind the union during the holiday strike at Park City Mountain, where the unit raised over $300,000 in strike fund donations to put towards the ski patrollers and mountain safety professionals during the 13-day work stoppage. The post Backcountry Bowwow raises over $32,000 for snowsport safety organizations appeared first on Park Record. ...read more read less