12th Ski Invitational

12th Ski Invitational Promises Snowy Success

For over a decade, vendors from different sectors of Rochester's construction industry have hit the slopes of Bristol Mountain for the Golisano Children's Hospital Ski Invitational. Feb. 10, 2014, will mark the 12th consecutive year the event has supported the region's only children's hospital, raising close to $500,000 in its history.

Originally a ski day among a few business colleagues, the invitational now attracts over 120 skiers. The event was created by Paul Tessoni, an avid skier and former employee of the University of Rochester Medical Center facilities group. At the time, LeChase Construction was in the process of building the Pediatric Intensive Care Unit (PICU) and, after working closely with Tessoni, signed on to be a part of the fun event.

"When more and more people became involved, I decided we should do it for a reason," Tessoni said. That's when they thought of the children's hospital.

LeChase Construction has played a big role ever since, supporting Golisano Children's Hospital as a double-diamond sponsor last year.

In 2002, the official first year as a fundraiser, the invitational was a huge success, raising $11,700. In 2008, Director of Facilities at URMC and an avid skier himself, Mark Schwartz, joined Tessoni as co-organizer of the event. He promoted the event among different vendors throughout Rochester and attracted a wide variety of construction support groups who were not only interested in supporting a good cause, but also in having the opportunity to network in a friendly atmosphere, often with competitors.

Despite the expanding number of skiers, Tessoni still manages to personally prepare a feast for all of the guests. "Paul's Picnic" always features a variety of delicious delicacies, including bacon-wrapped scallops, jumbo shrimp, beef tenderloin, and much more.

"Organizing a ski outing to benefit Golisano Children's Hospital has been a very rewarding experience," Tessoni said. "Bringing friends and business colleagues together for a day of fun and supporting the children's hospital at the same time is a win, win situation."

Golisano Children's Hospital appreciates the continuous support Paul, Mark and all of the Ski Invitational participants have given over the years and look forward to continuing the tradition into the future.

If you're interested in sponsoring the 12th annual Golisano Children's Hospital Ski Invitational, please contact Stephanie Sheets, assistant director of community affairs, at (585) 275-2268 or stephanie.sheets@rochester.edu.