Born and raised in East Aurora, NY, Aaron Shoemaker became a legend in just 23 short years. He lost his life on May 24th, 2004 doing what he loved, flying high and far
on a snowboard in the mountains of Italy.
Aaron had such an impact on the people who knew him that every year since his death, the Buffalo community has rallied together to keep his memory alive.
Soon after his death, his friends and family established the Aaron Shoemaker Memorial Fund at
Plattsburgh State University in his honor. By holding several fundraisers each year, they are close to reaching the goal of raising the $25,000 needed for the scholarship to become active. If the goal can be reached before 2013, the funds will be managed and invested by the university so that a scholarship can be given to a Western New York student every year perpetually.
This Saturday, March 13th (Noon) at Kissing Bridge, the second annual Shred for Shoe event will be held in his honor. This event has become a favorite of Aaron’s devoted friends because it encompasses what Aaron liked to do most in his life. With local sponsors like Urban Threads, Phatman, Sliders, Krudmart, Zweigles, and Kissing Bridge, plus hundreds of participants expected, this years event should be even bigger than last years which raised close to $5,000! The fun will be going on all day and into the night with Monster Energy Drinks throwing a huge party in the Lake Effect Saloon as part of the event.
Tickets are $50 and include a lift pass for all day skiing / snowboarding, entry into the after party (free pizza and drink specials), free hot dogs from Zweigles, and much more. A generous portion of the ticket is donated to the scholarship fund thanks to the good people at Kissing Bridge (Thank you Rich and Rachel!).
This is for a great cause and will help out area students for a very long time via the scholarship, so if you’re able to make it, please come and have a blast! If you can’t make it but would still like to donate to the scholarship, please visit the donation page for instructions. Every little bit helps.