Ski movie raises money for Common Ground

Level 1 Productions’ ski movie “less” was shown at Utah State University on Thursday. A total of $1,300 was raised from the entrance fee and raffle tickets sold. All proceeds from the sales were donated to Common Ground.

Aaron Bytendorp, a student at Utah State, helped put the event together for a management class project.

“We wanted to help out Common Ground because they’re a sweet organization,” Bytendorp said. “We figured a ski movie fit them well. Our goal was to raise $1,000.”

Common Ground enables people with disabilities to participate in recreation and outdoor activities. According to Common Ground, the organization is funded by private foundations, corporate donations, special events and individuals.

After calling a couple of ski movie producers to see who would give Bytendorp and his group the best deal, he said Level 1 productions was nice enough to donate the movie at a discounted rate of $300.

Bytendorp said movies like “less” are definitely a good way to get people excited about the ski season.

Common Ground’s program director, Bryce Patten, attended the movie showing to help explain to attendees what Common Ground is about and to get people to sign up as volunteers.

Patten said one of the winter activities is taking individuals skiing at Beaver Mountain Ski Resort.

“That’s where our ski program got started,” Patten said.

Brinley Caldwell, the daily activities coordinator for Common Ground, said the ski season for the organization begins in mid-January.

“We need volunteers,” Caldwell said. “It’s really fun and we have a great time. We’d love for people to come hang out and go skiing with us.”

Common Ground reports it is able to take people of all physical abilities down the mountain. It has equipment for adults and youth, along with the ability to take people who are blind or who have vision impairments.