ADAPTING FAST

A snowboard accident left athlete and outdoor adventurer Jeff Scott a quadriplegic. But he didn’t stay down for long and never felt sorry for himself. Multiple surgeries, intense rehab and a new wheelchair saw the Revelstoke thrill-seeker exploring again just a year later. He’s now a wheelchair rugby player and avid sit-skier. Recognizing the challenges of his new life in a wheelchair, Scott created the Live It Love It Foundation, a non-profit that makes it possible for people with disabilities to experience the outdoors in a way they may have not thought possible.

Scott was the special guest and keynote speaker at B.C. Adaptive Snowsports’ third annual Black Diamond Gala. Founded in 1973, the registered charity aims to enhance the quality of life for children, youth and adults with physical and cognitive disabilities by providing opportunities to experience the joy, freedom and health benefits of adaptive snowsports. A beneficiary of B.C. Adaptive Snowsports’ fundraising efforts, Scott joined yours truly on stage for a spirited live auction that followed a sumptuous dinner at the Westin Bayshore.

Exotic trips and snow experiences with Olympic skier Mike Janyk and snowboarder Mercedes Nicoll garnered the night’s top bids, but the largest gifts came during the live ask for cash donations. Gifts ranging from $250 to $5,000 contributed to a record haul of $120,000. The white-carpet affair, enjoyed by about 200 guests, was chaired by Dr. Gurdeep

Parhar and MCed by B.C. Adaptive Snowsports CEO Wayne Leslie.

Jeff Scott, founder of the Live It Love It Foundation, is a beneficiary of B.C. Adaptive Snowsports’ fundraising efforts. Both charities aim to enhance the quality of life for youth and adults with physical and cognitive disabilities.

Among the many benefactors, the Evans family — from left, Sarah, Katherine and Susan, along with Brian Hunter — contributed to a record-setting evening benefiting B.C. Adaptive Snowsports.

Black Diamond Gala committee members, from left, Alex Orr, Jennifer Evans, Marina Andrew and Tim Orr partied down at the Westin Bayshore following a successful night of fundraising.