For nearly 13 years, Jody has been a participant with Achieve Tahoe, beginning his skiing journey at just five years old. Now approaching 18, his time with Achieve Tahoe has been filled with unforgettable moments. We connected with Jessica Hickingbotham, Jody’s Mom, and Achieve Tahoe Board Member, to hear more about their experiences with Achieve Tahoe and the Ability Challenge.
Achieve Tahoe: It’s great to connect! So, how long has Jody been involved with Achieve Tahoe?
Jessica: Jody started skiing with Achieve Tahoe when he was just five years old. He is now almost 18—13 years! It’s hard to believe it’s been that long. Achieve Tahoe has been such a huge part of his life and our family’s journey.
Achieve Tahoe: Wow! That IS a long time. What is your favorite Achieve Tahoe moment?
Jessica: I have so many! Here are two—it’s hard to choose.
I’ll never forget the day we saw Jody ski at High Camp, unassisted. We were skiing alongside him and his Achieve Tahoe instructors for the Ability Challenge, all decked out in costumes. It was a fun, lighthearted day, but Jody’s spirit was the real highlight. As he made turns down the slope, he sang with sheer joy, his voice carrying the happiness of every accomplishment along the way. He was so thrilled to be skiing with all of us, and it was impossible not to feel moved by his pride in what he had achieved. The joy was infectious – we all shared in his triumph, and I’ll carry that moment with me forever.
Another moment that stands out was attending the Achieve Tahoe Gala. We listened to Wounded Warriors and their families share their stories about the week they had just completed with Achieve Tahoe. The room was filled with raw emotion as they spoke about the incredible struggles they faced in the wake of their injuries and disabilities. What struck me most was hearing them talk about how their time with Achieve Tahoe had given them something they hadn’t felt in a long time: hope and joy. For many, it was the first time since their injury that they experienced those feelings. The courage and resilience they demonstrated were nothing short of inspiring. It was a reminder of the profound impact Achieve Tahoe has on people’s lives—changing them for the better, one lesson at a time.
Achieve Tahoe: Over the years your family has become one of our top fundraisers for the Ability Challenge (our biggest fundraiser of the year). Why do you participate in the Ability Challenge?
Jessica: We participate in the Ability Challenge because we believe in the incredible work Achieve Tahoe does for people with disabilities. Our family is deeply grateful to Achieve Tahoe for giving us the gift of being able to ski together. It’s an experience we treasure, and we know it’s one that many families like ours might never have without the support of Achieve Tahoe.
We’ll do whatever we can to help support this amazing program so that our son, and so many others, can continue to benefit from the life-changing opportunities Achieve Tahoe provides. It’s more than just skiing—it’s about giving individuals the chance to thrive and experience the joy of being part of something greater.
Achieve Tahoe: We cannot tell you how much we appreciate your support and energy. What are your best tips and strategies for fundraising success?
Jessica: We are incredibly fortunate to have such a generous circle of friends and family who support Jody and the amazing programs at Achieve Tahoe. What has made our fundraising efforts so successful is sharing our personal story and Jody’s journey with others.
- On our donation page, we start by telling Jody’s story—about his disability and the remarkable progress he has made with Achieve Tahoe’s help. This sets the stage for a deeper connection with potential donors, making them feel part of Jody’s growth.
- We send an email to those who’ve supported us in the past, expressing our heartfelt thanks and asking them to consider donating again.
- When we reach key donation milestones, we send out updates to keep everyone informed and involved.
- Social media plays a big part—we post about our initial ask, share ongoing updates about the progress of the fundraising, and post new footage or photos of Jody skiing. These moments help keep the momentum going and give everyone a glimpse into the joy Jody is experiencing.
- Throughout the Challenge, we continue to share Jody’s accomplishments with our community, celebrating every achievement along the way.
- After the event, we send personal thank-you notes—printed on Shutterfly—with photos of Jody from the Challenge and the ski season. We also share how much we’ve raised individually and as part of the larger fundraising effort for the Ability Challenge.
- By keeping everyone connected through updates and gratitude, we’re able to build a community that’s as invested in Jody’s journey as we are. We couldn’t do it without the support of all who contribute, and we’re so grateful for each donation.
Achieve Tahoe: Those are great tips! Also, how much fun is the Ability Challenge Thank You Party?! Do you and your family wear costumes?
Jessica: We love the Achieve Tahoe Thank You Party! It’s a time to celebrate everyone’s accomplishments. There are prizes, which Jody LOVES. I’m excited to see the band this year.
We all dress up—it makes the day that much more fun! The costumes enable us to easily spot others participating in the Challenge, and there’s such a strong sense of camaraderie with everyone that day. It’s a fantastic reason to celebrate.
Achieve Tahoe: I love that you all participate and dress up. What is Jody’s favorite part of the Ability Challenge?
Jessica: Skiing and the prizes!
Achieve Tahoe: Of course! Do you have any advice for people who might be nervous about fundraising?
Jessica: Again, sharing a personal story about your connection to Achieve Tahoe is the way to go. Sending emails and posting to social media is much easier than asking face-to-face. When people hear about the great work that Achieve Tahoe does and how it improves the lives of the participants, the families, the volunteers, and staff, they will be compelled to donate. No amount is too small!