Just two days ago, Lindsey Vonn became the first American woman to ever capture a gold medal in the Winter Olympic Games in downhill skiing. She was an inspiration to us all by winning the gold on a severely bruised shin. She persevered and her childhood dream became reality. She now hopes for perseverance and a dream come true for Haiti.
Vonn, along with other U.S. superstars, including Bode Miller and Julia Mancuso, autographed their ski bibs worn during races in Kitzbühel and Cortina. The spontaneous charity campaign was named “Downhillers for Haiti.”
There were 59 signed bibs (start numbers), that were eventually auctioned off on eBay. The sum accumulated to 56,194 Euros, which is around $76,396. Also, eBay waived the deduction fees for the sellers so all the money was accounted for.
Switzerland skier Didier Cuche’s signed bib was purchased for the highest amount at $16,209. The bib of Bode Miller earned $2,504, and Lindsey Vonn claimed the top spot amongst women’s bibs closing out at just over $4,000.
” When you’re racing, you feel like there are so many things that you can control, but really, there’s so much in the world you can’t control and unfortunately those things affect a lot of people. It’s important for everyone to do what they can and I hope our little bit helps.” –Lindsay Vonn
Julia Mancuso, who was a big part with heading the project and other projects for Haiti, reported that half of the bibs were purchased by fans in the United States, with all the proceeds going to the American Red Cross.
In posts to come, you will see how the entire sports world has united together for Haiti.
Photo courtesy of None/Getty Images Europe