SAM Magazine—Cody, Wyo., March 1, 2022—Sleeping Giant ski area launched a fundraising campaign on Feb. 27 to support Ukraine’s army amid the ongoing Russian invasion. The ski area will give 100 percent of ticket sales for Saturday, March 5, directly to Ukraine’s army through a fund set up by the National Bank of Ukraine. 

Sleeping Giant owner Nick Piazza grew up next to the mountain in Cody, Wyo., but spent much of his professional career as an investment banker in Ukraine. “A lot of the money we used to buy the ski resort was generated by our work in Ukraine, so we thought it was important that Sleeping Giant give back to Ukraine,” said Piazza. “Ukraine saved Sleeping Giant. Sleeping Giant wanted to do its part to help save Ukraine.”

The fundraising effort has been well received by the local community, said Piazza, who added that friends from around the globe have purchased tickets in support. Sleeping Giant has also shared links on its social channels for those interested in donating directly to humanitarian efforts ongoing in Ukraine. “We encourage everybody to do their part,” said Piazza.

Several of Piazza’s employees have direct connections to Ukraine, and some were even abroad in the country when the invasion began, making the cause particularly personal for Sleeping Giant’s owner and community. “We are really happy to support our friends and family in Ukraine,” said Piazza. “We have several employees over there that we are working hard to help.”

After an incorrect closing date for the fundraiser was published on Sleeping Giant’s website, there were fears that the site had been hacked, leading to a social media post to that effect. However, the misprinted date was the result of internal confusion, said Piazza, not external interference.