Here at Zero Ceiling, we see the best of our community on a daily basis. Whether it’s families donating their Nesters points to our programs, busy locals taking time out to volunteer, or businesses giving generously to make our work possible, we’re always in awe of the generosity of the Whistler community.
And this was truer than ever at the Whitewater Rodeo. On Tuesday, June 18, the community came together to raise $30,000 to fund our fight to end youth homelessness.
Blood, Sweat and Beers Crowned Rodeo Champions…Again!
Blood, Sweat, and Beers victorious after winning the dance-off!
Over 230 Whistler locals rafted down the Green River with Wedge Rafting guides in their bid to win the 2019 Whitewater Rodeo. The team names were hilarious (one of our faves was Usain Boat) and the team costumes were incredible.
At the end of the day, when points were tallied from the race and raft games, two teams tied: Ducks in Tux and returning champions Blood, Sweat and Beers. The winners were decided by a dance-off at the after-party, with Blood, Sweat and Beers taking home the winning paddle!
Our Partners Make the Rodeo A Reality!
The teams take each other on in the infamous sumo wrestling challenge
We are so grateful to the dedicated and extremely generous local businesses who make it all happen. Firstly, Joey Houssian, Wedge Rafting and The Adventure Group, who have donated all proceeds from this decades-old event to Zero Ceiling since 2017. Then there’s Gibbons Whistler, who use their party-planning prowess for a good cause and keep the drinks flowing all night long. Good Fortune Collective once again pulled out all the stops to create beautiful branding and limited-edition Whitewater Rodeo paddles for our supporters.
And Coast Mountain Photography captured the amazing atmosphere and gave the photos away to participants for free! Then there were our rockstar volunteers, who threw themselves at the challenge and pulled off one of the most unique and memorable fundraisers out there.
(Did you know you can download all your Whitewater Rodeo photos at Wedge Rafting Photos – thanks to Coast Mountain Photography!) [Link expired]
Red Bull DJ Nick Bike gets the crowd going at The Hangar
This year, we were excited to bring new partners on board too. We couldn’t have asked for a better venue than The Hangar in Function Junction, which was kindly donated by Whistler Sports Academies. And Red Bull Canada brought the party, with tunes from DJ Nick Bike, and their show-stopping Sugga DJ truck.
Forged Axe Throwing threw a kickass VIP reception for supporters who gave $1500+ to the Whitewater Rodeo, and offered free axe throwing all night long. Evo donated $20 to Zero Ceiling for every bullseye thrown, raising $1000 before the night was up!
Finally, Rocky Mountain Chocolate, Treeline Aerial, Whistler Brewing Company, Whistler Cooks, Blackcomb Helicopters, Scandinave Spa, and Your Independent Grocer all donated to put the finishing touches to the event!
It’s not just a party…the Whitewater Rodeo changes lives.
Thank you for helping young people experiencing homelessness transform their lives and become part of this wonderful mountain community. All the funds raised at the Whitewater Rodeo go straight to Zero Ceiling. And we use them to fund out two programs that fight youth homelessness.
The Whitewater Rodeo funds our life-changing programs for young people experiencing homelessness
Whether your dollars are providing mental health support, outdoor adventures, workplace mentoring, or safe, secure housing, they’re helping change a life. By providing stability, unconditional support, and inspiring opportunities, we give young people the help they need to live independently and pursue their dreams.
It really does take a village, and we couldn’t do it without each and every one of you!
Stay tuned for news of the Whitewater Rodeo 2020. We’ll be back and better than ever. See you on the River!