February 19th 2013

High Fives Foundation Auctioning Custom Guitar

Skiing + Guitar = Gibson Les Paul skitar majesty
Editor's Note:  So I receive a Valentine's Day call from my buddy Roy Tuscany, Founder and El Presidente of High Fives Foundation.  When I picked up the phone, I answered by saying, "Will you be my Valentine?"  And of course that was met with an enthusiastic, "Always."  We reminisced about our days filming together in the mountains of Vermont, and other usual East Coast skier chit chat....  and that ended by me dishing out my usual sentiments of, "Even though you're out in Squallywood Roy, don't get soft in all that Tahoe sun, and don't forget where you came from." 

Shortly after Roy moved from Vermont out to California, he was in a bad ski accident that left him physically impaired.  Ultimately he created an amazing non-profit called High Fives to help critically injured skiers with recovery expenses.  Just like any New England transplant, Roy is still deeply in love with Vermont, and we at Ski The East are proud to be affiliated with him and his company.  So from time to time we will flip H5 press releases out to our audience to keep you up to speed on Roy's great mission in life. 

So if you ski and strum the guitar (or know someone who does), then definitely check out this auction.  We are partial to calling it a Skitar, and man does this Gibson look like it's ready to rock.  Hard.  Rock hard.  - CNJ



Gibson Guitars Partners with Völkl Skis to Benefit the High Fives Foundation.  This online guitar auction will run between February 14-24, 2013, with proceeds benefitting the High Fives Foundation; a Tahoe-based 501(c)(3) non-profit supporting injured winter action sports athletes.
 
(Truckee, Calif.) – A one of a kind handmade Gibson Classic Custom Les Paul guitar has been produced and painted with the top sheet graphic of the 2013 Volkl Shiro ski by the artisans at Gibson Guitar in Nashville, TN. This unique guitar will be sold via an eBay auction, which began today, February 14, 2013 at 12:01am (PST) and ends on February 24, 2013 at 12:01am (PST) with proceeds benefitting the High Fives Foundation.

In conjunction with its shift to more “rocker” skis within its line, Völkl has once again partnered with Gibson Guitars and is again offering up a custom Les Paul guitar. Bidding on the guitar (valued at $7,500) opened on February 14, 2013 at 12:01am (PST). For a chance at winning the guitar and supporting the High Fives Foundation, point your browser to www.gibsonguitar.highfivesfoundation.org

The auction will close on the night of the Squaw Valley Prom (Sunday, February 24) at 12:01 Supporters will have the option to “Buy it NOW” for $10,000.

“The collaboration with Gibson is a natural for Völkl,” said Director of Promotions Chris Adams. “Skiing and music go hand and hand – and it’s a great way to highlight our ELP ‘rocker’ technology.”  Adams also said “Völkl couldn’t be more proud of the work that the High Fives Foundation is doing. We’re honored to support their work by teaming with them on this auction.”


The guitar is a Les Paul model that was manufactured at Gibson USA in Nashville, TN and highlights the graphics of Völkl’s popular ‘Shiro’ ski, a popular big mountain model featuring their ‘ELP’ rocker technology, through a one of kind custom hand-painted top sheet.

To date, the High Fives Foundation has assisted 37 athletes from 10 states in eight respective funding categories which include: living expenses, insurance, travel, health, healing network, adaptive equipment, winter equipment, programs and stoke (positive energy, outlook and attitude).

Völkl Skis Athlete and independent recording artist, Matt Reardon has cut a track in conjunction with the auction. To watch the music video “Can I Get a High 5” by Matt Reardon (with Jelly Bread), learn more about the High Fives Foundation and to place a bid on the Gibson Classic Custom Les Paul - Shiro guitar please visit www.gibsonguitar.highfivesfoundation.org.

Key features on the Gibson Classic Custom Les Paul Shiro Guitar:
Mahogany Body with Maple Cap Construction - 60s style slim tapered neck - Grover tuners - Gibson 57 Classic Alnico II Neck Pickup - Gibson 57 Classic Alnico II Bridge Pickup - Lacquer/Nitrocellulose Sealer





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About the Squaw Valley Prom:  The Squaw Valley Prom is scheduled to take place at the Olympic House, in Olympic Valley, Calif. on Saturday, February 23, 2013 at 8pm. A marquee event for the High Fives Foundation, the Squaw Valley Prom is entering its ninth year and has seen tremendous growth and exposure since its inception. The multi-level event will include two DJ sets featuring world-class entertainers wearing the latest KOSS Stereophones. During the event, headliner DJ Chris Clouse with Ryan Lucero, special guests Carlo, The Silver Boombox Thief and DJ Trick Master Fly will bring the heat to the1990’s Spring Break theme. The event will feature world-class musical entertainment, a GoPro video booth, a bigtruck Headwear “Sew on Site” store, an Image Factory photo booth, and a costume contest for the best-dressed “radical 1990’s spring break attire.” Tickets will be sold through February 23 at www.squawvalleyprom.com for $100 per couple and $200 stag (single).

About the High Fives Non-Profit Foundation:  High Fives Foundation is a Tahoe-based 501.c.3 non-profit organization dedicated to raising money and awareness for athletes who have suffered a life-altering injury while pursuing their dream in the winter action sports community. Formed as a way to "pay-it-forward" by the founder from his own recovery to help injured athletes, the Foundation has helped 37 athletes to date since its inception in 2009, more information visit www.highfivesfoundation.org

About the Les Paul Classic Custom Guitar:  When guitarist and inventor Les Paul conceived the Custom model in the mid-1950s, he envisioned it as a “black tie” guitar suitable for the most elegant occasions. In the years since then, the Les Paul Custom has come to represent all of that and more. The most dressed-up of the Les Paul production line, the Custom is nevertheless a full-bore rocker, suitable for the heaviest riffs you want to throw at it, while still excelling on the blues, jazz, pop or fusion stage. The Les Paul Classic Custom from Gibson USA stays true to its heritage. Featuring premium tonewoods and top-flight appointments, this is an instrument of astounding beauty and surprising versatility. With all the legendary power of the Les Paul Standard, and a Custom one of a kind paint job, this guitar makes a solid statement on the stage or in your collection. For more information visit www2.gibson.com
 
About Völkl Skis:  Völkl is the world leader in performance driven skis for skiers of all abilities: from the World Cup racer to the family weekend enthusiast.  Dominating the market with innovation and design, Völkl leads the way with products for all segments of skiing for men, women, and junior skiers alike. To learn more please visit www.volkl.com