Olympic gold medalist and alpine skiing superstar Mikaela Shiffrin took to social media on Tuesday to share an emotional message of thanks following a highly successful annual fundraiser for US Ski & Snowboard, which shattered previous records by raising $1,375,000.
The event, hosted for the 10th consecutive year by Ron Kruszewski, Chairman and CEO of Stifel Financial Corp. and a trustee of the organization, took place in St. Louis, Missouri. All proceeds from the gala directly support U.S. Ski & Snowboard athletes as they gear up for the 2025-26 competition season, including the FIS Alpine World Ski Championships and the 2026 Winter Olympics in Milan-Cortina, Italy.
Shiffrin, who attended the fundraiser alongside several of her teammates, posted a series of photos and videos on her social media accounts, capturing the evening’s highlights. Dressed in an elegant white gown, the 30-year-old skier was seen accepting an oversized ceremonial check on behalf of the team and even dancing to live music, showcasing a lighter side amid the celebratory atmosphere. In her caption, Shiffrin wrote: “Words truly cannot express our gratitude for all of the individuals who make living this dream possible for us. I felt honored to stand beside a handful of my many incredible teammates at such a pivotal moment for our organization as we head into the season en route to Milan-Cortina 2026.
The fundraiser’s success underscores the growing support for American winter sports at a critical time. With the alpine World Cup season set to kick off on October 25 in Sölden, Austria, athletes like Shiffrin are in the final stages of preparation. Shiffrin, who recently wrapped up training in Chile with the U.S. Ski Team, enters the new season as one of the most decorated skiers in history, having secured her 101st World Cup victory at the finals in Sun Valley, Idaho, earlier this year.
Kruszewski’s longstanding commitment to the event has been instrumental in its growth. “This year’s fundraiser not only exceeded our expectations but also highlights the unwavering dedication of our supporters to our athletes’ journeys,” a US Ski & Snowboard spokesperson said in a statement. The funds will aid in covering training, travel, and equipment costs, enabling athletes to compete at the highest levels on the global stage.
Shiffrin’s message resonated widely, with fans and fellow athletes praising the outpouring of generosity. Her personal reflections add a human touch to the achievement, emphasizing the role of community in sustaining elite-level skiing in the U.S. As the team looks ahead to a packed schedule, including slalom races and the pursuit of more Olympic glory, events like this one prove vital for fueling their ambitions.
US Ski & Snowboard, the governing body for freestyle skiing, snowboarding, and alpine skiing in the United States, continues to build momentum following strong performances at recent international competitions. Shiffrin’s involvement not only boosts the organization’s visibility but also inspires the next generation of athletes.
