Nearly 2000 Volunteers Needed for Birkie Week Events Alone
Hayward, WI (January 8, 2016) Based on the population signs outside of the communities of Hayward, Cable
and Seeley, WI, alone, it doesn’t seem feasible that these small communities could play host to the American
Birkebeiner, the “Birkie,” North America’s largest cross-country ski race. Yet, year after year, nearly 2000
dedicated volunteers band together with pride and in the spirit of Birkie Fever to welcome the world to the
amazing week of Nordic events hosted by the American Birkebeiner Ski Foundation (ABSF).
Each year, nearly 2000 volunteers come for far and wide – some newbies and others seasoned – to donate
their time and energies to help make the American Birkebeiner a world class event. With over 200 shifts in 60
unique roles, there is a volunteer opportunity for everyone. Volunteers answer phones, sort bibs, support aid
stations on the trail, assist with traffic control, staff information desks, assist with bib pick-up at the Birkie Expo,
coordinate awards, and everything in between. Volunteers play a key role, both indoors and out of doors, in
helping to make the Birkie week of events the greatest show on snow! There are currently numerous volunteer
opportunities currently available for both the Birkie Tour (January 17, 2016) and the Birkie week of events
(February 18-21, 2016).
“We have amazing and dedicated volunteers who step up each and every year and help in an innumerable
number of ways,” said Ronda Tworek, ABSF Director of Volunteer & Participant Services. “We have
volunteers of all ages, some have volunteered for years and others are new to the Birkie. We are so incredibly
thankful for each and every one of them. They are truly indispensable and the lifeblood of the Birkie
experience!”
The structure of the Birkie volunteer program provides opportunities for folks interested in playing either a
leadership role or those interested in a supporting role. For many volunteer areas, the ABSF has assigned
Birkie Chiefs, or designated leaders of a particular area, for instance a specific key aid station on the Birkie
Trail. Before race day, the Birkie Chiefs work hand-in-hand with Birkie staff members to determine volunteer
needs, requirements, shifts, and anything else needed to ensure a smooth and efficient race day experience
for all. From there, all information is entered into the ABSF’s new Volunteer Local organizational software
program.
New this year, Volunteer Local has made it even easier for volunteers to sign up for their favorite Birkie events,
to find specific volunteer opportunities, to select areas of personal interest, to sign up for specific shifts, and to
track their volunteer hours. Additionally, Volunteer Local allows volunteers to change or add additional shifts,
stay up to date with last minute details before their scheduled shift, and receive regular reminders from the
Birkie team regarding their volunteer shifts. Interested volunteers can visit www.birkie.com/volunteer, choose
the event they wish to volunteer for, choose the date, time, and shift location they wish to support with their
time and energy. For additional information, email the ABSF at birkie@birkie.com, or call the ABSF office at
(715) 634-5025.
Every volunteer receives a commemorative Birkie hat identifying them as a Birkie volunteer. Additionally,
Birkie volunteers are invited to an appreciation luncheon on the Sunday, February 21, where volunteers are
recognized for their dedication support. Exciting door prizes and a grand-prize will be given away at this year’s
Volunteer Appreciation luncheon.
Giving Back
The ABSF understands the importance of giving back to the community and has developed a volunteer
program for local non-profit organizations, school groups (elementary, middle or high school), and other
organized non-school youth groups or clubs, to raise funds for their group or organization based on volunteer
hours donated to Birkie events. To learn more about this program, participation guidelines, eligibility, and
requirements, please contact the Birkie at birkie@birkie.com, or call the ABSF office at (715) 634-5025.
About the American Birkebeiner® Ski Foundation and Birkie® Events
Located near Hayward and Cable, Wisconsin, the American Birkebeiner Ski Foundation (ABSF), a 501(c)(3)
organization, is known for its signature American Birkebeiner Ski Marathon held each February. Today, the
Birkie has grown to encompass a variety of year-round, silent sport events that promote a healthy, active
lifestyle for thousands of outdoor fitness enthusiasts. The ABSF also acts as steward of the legendary Birkie
Trail, providing year-round grooming, mowing and maintenance to all 107 kilometers. From the iconic
American Birkebeiner ski race, to the Birkie Trail Run & Trek, and Fat Bike Birkie, the ABSF and the Birkie Trail
attract skiers, runners, bikers, trekkers, and hikers, from casual day-trippers to elite athletes. Learn more
at www.birkie.com. BIRKIE Ski. Run. Bike. Live!