his week, staff writer Laura Rysz talks with Shauna O’Rourke Pevec about the seventh annual Ski for Colin, which raises money for local suicide prevention groups.
Residence: Carbondale
Professional background: Title 1 paraprofessional at Isaac Tripp Elementary School, Scranton
Title: Co-planner with father, Dan O’Rourke
Q: Tell us a little about Colin O’Rourke .
A: My twin brother was 28 when he passed away. He was from Newton Lake and was truly one of a kind. He was extremely fun-loving and very compassionate and loved to spend time outdoors, especially in the winter, and his favorite thing to do was to ski at Elk Mountain.
Q: How has this event has grown over the years?
A: It really has flourished. Ski for Colin was a small concept that I thought about a few days after my brother passed. Through the years, the event has raised thousands of dollars. The support of not only the Elk Mountain Ski Resort but also our family and friends and even complete strangers who may or may not have been affected by suicide has been amazing.
Q: Who is the event open to?
A: The event is open to all ages and families, but pets are not allowed at the ski resort.
Q: What else will be on hand at the event?
A: We always have non-skiers who wants to go to Elk and support in any way they can. There is live entertainment in the lodge during the event. We have baskets to raffle off and a 50/50 drawing. Also, people just come up to enjoy a great day in the lodge listening to music and getting a bite to eat.
Q: How will proceeds be used?
A: All proceeds raised will be donated to local suicide prevention groups. Unfortunately, suicide is an epidemic, even here in Northeastern Pennsylvania, and we wanted to help local families who have lost loved ones and also keep the name of Colin O’Rourke alive.
If you go
What: Seventh annual Ski for Colin
When: Sunday, Jan. 12, 12:30 p.m.
Where: Elk Mountain Ski Resort, 344 Elk Mountain Road, Union Dale
Details: Lift tickets cost $25 for either day or night skiing. There also will be live entertainment, basket raffles and a 50/50 drawing. Donations of baskets or gift certificates are appreciated. For more information, visit facebook.com/skiforcolin.
Laura Rysz is the features copy editor and calendar editor at The Times-Tribune and runs the Talk of the Times column, which focuses on local fundraisers and other events. She also writes Chef’s Table that profiles restaurants around the region. Additionally, Laura curates events online on AccessNEPA.com. Laura is involved in the special Mother’s Day edition and curates occasional features Marry Memories and Times Travelers. She is a graduate of Haddonfield Memorial High School, New Jersey, and earned an English professional writing degree with a minor in mass communications from King’s College, Wilkes-Barre. She also earned a certificate in Social Media Marketing from Rutgers Business School. Contact: lrysz@timesshamrock.com; 570-348-9100 x5228.
