Lee Canyon announces the 7th Annual Chris Ruby Memorial Cup is Saturday, Jan. 8, 2022. The family-friendly ski and snowboard race held on a fun banked slalom run is open to people of all abilities. Races run from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m.; awards are at 4 p.m. The day also includes live music and prizes for winning racers. A benefit for Nevada Donor Network, since its inception, the Chris Ruby Memorial Cup has become one of the most inspiring winter season events. It celebrates the life of Chris Ruby, a 20-year-old Las Vegas snowboarder who, in 2014, passed away in a tragic accident. At the event, Chris’ father, Jeff Ruby, a retired Clark County firefighter, shares the why behind the race.
Chris was a registered organ donor, and through the Nevada Donor Network, his organs and tissues have helped or saved the lives of over 90 patients, including a family member. Lee Canyon created the event to continue Chris’ legacy with the Ruby family, longtime local skiers. Since 2016, more than 5,000 skiers and snowboarders in Las Vegas have become registered organ, eye, and tissue donors at the race.
Entry fees are $20. Lee Canyon covers registration fees for those who become donors at the event or who are currently donors; 100 percent of proceeds go to Nevada Donor Network, a nonprofit that coordinates, recovers, and allocates lifesaving organs and tissues for transplant to patients locally and around the world.
“The Ruby family’s commitment to Chris’ legacy has been moving. Lee Canyon’s community has grown a lot over the years, yet what remains a constant is the willingness people show to support one another and make Las Vegas a better place,” says Jim Seely, Lee Canyon’s director of marketing. “Our Play Forever commitment is about community and inspiring life-long adventure. There’s no better illustration of that idea than the Chris Ruby Memorial Cup.”
In 2017, Lee Canyon received Nevada Donor Network’s Community Champion Award.
For those who can’t attend the Chris Ruby Memorial Cup but want to contribute to Nevada Donor Network, an online donation is possible through http://bit.ly/2Gw8bCO.
“Nevada Donor Network’s Foundation is grateful for Lee Canyon’s commitment to help us end the wait. The Ruby family’s ongoing support of our lifesaving mission is very important to us. By choosing us as the charitable partner at the 2022 Chris Ruby Memorial Cup, they honor their heroic donor son, Chris Ruby, and the legacy he left behind. They also inspire many Nevadans to make the gift of lie and hope possible by registering as an organ, eye, and tissue donor,” explained Steven Peralta, President of Nevada Donor Network’s Foundation. “Together, we can end the wait for Nevadans in desperate need of a lifesaving organ transplant. We are humbled and appreciative for strong community partners like Lee Canyon whose support saves and heals lives each year.”
Lee Canyon’s winter season is expected to run through March 2022, weather permitting. Guests planning to visit Lee Canyon are encouraged to purchase tickets online for the best pricing and avoid sold-out dates. For more information visit www.leecanyonlv.com.
