Cook County News Herald

Lutsen native Cindy Nelson featured at Higher Ed’s annual fundraiser



Cook County Higher Education hosts its annual fundraising event on Wednesday, September 4. The featured speaker is Lutsen native, Olympic medalist and world champion skier, Cindy Nelson.

Cindy will weave a dramatic story of success, injuries, resilience and determination guaranteed to inspire the audience. Donning her first skis at the age of 2, shortly after learning to walk, she and her family loved to ski. It was a natural way of life as the Nelson family owned and operated a ski resort in Lutsen.

She burst onto the scene of international ski racing in 1971. From then until 1985, she reigned as one of the top skiers in the world, holding the top seed ranking in all three of the Alpine disciplines during her career. Cindy has been considered America’s finest combined skier of the modern era.

Achievements include: Olympic Bronze Medal, three World Championship medals, four Olympic and four World Championship team berths. She was the first American to win a World Cup DH, the first skier to win a World Cup Super GS, and the first woman to hold the position of chief of course for a major Alpine competition.

Join us as Cindy literally returns to her roots. The event will take place at Lutsen Mountain Summit Chalet. Tickets include a breath-taking gondola ride to the top of Moose Mountain beginning at 4:30 p.m. Upon arriving at the Summit, you can participate in a silent auction with over $8,000 in items.

Refreshments include appetizers and a cash bar. The program begins at 5:15 p.m. with an overview of an exciting past year, and an even more exciting upcoming year for CCHE by executive director Karen Blackburn. Cindy will begin her presentation at 5:30 p.m. Afterwards, there is an opportunity to mingle, and for old friends, visit with Cindy. “This is our big fundraising event. We really wish to thank our over 100 local business sponsors. Your support goes a long way to helping us provide essential services to both individuals and businesses in Cook County,”said Blackburn.

Tickets cost is $50 in advance and $60 at the “door” (gondola). Tickets can be ordered online at www.northshorecampus.org at the Upcoming Events link. You may also call CCHE at 218-387-3411, or visit at 300 W. Third St. “Hurry and order your tickets in advance because we are almost certain to sell out,” said Janice Latz, board president.

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