(Photo courtesy of Mt. Bachelor)
A memorable evening at the historic Tower Theatre brought together longtime community members, snowsport enthusiasts, and friends and family to honor the 100th birthday, enduring legacy, and visionary spirit of Mt. Bachelor founder Bill Healy. The evening was crafted to bring Healy’s story to life through photos, memorabilia, and the voices of those who knew him best.
The audience at the Tower Theatre also enjoyed the premiere of a film, co-presented by the Mt. Bachelor Sports Education Foundation (MBSEF) and Mt. Bachelor Ski Area and directed by Martin Sundberg, titled “A Man Who Loved a Mountain,” which beautifully captures Healy’s unique character, vision, and, most notably, the impact one man’s dream can have on an entire community.
At the conclusion of the celebration, Suzanne Geary, executive director of The Healy Foundation announced a generous donation of $100,000 to the Mt. Bachelor Sports Education Foundation. This contribution underscores Bill Healy’s lifelong commitment to creating opportunities for people of all ages and abilities to experience the beauty and thrill of winter snowsports.
Before the staged event concluded, Bill’s eldest son, Cameron Healy, inspired everyone in attendance with a call to action: to rally together as a community and match this gift, ensuring Bill’s legacy continues to thrive for generations to come.
“This evening was about honoring Bill’s incredible vision and legacy while also giving back to the community he loved so deeply,” said Amy Tarnow, Executive Director of MBSEF. “This gift will help MBSEF provide even greater access and opportunities for the next generation of athletes, just as Bill would have wanted.”
The $100,000 donation will directly and positively impact MBSEF’s mission to create opportunities through competitive snowsports programs to support athletes in achieving their individual athletic, academic, and personal goals.
Community members will have two additional opportunities to view this special film in February, one at McMenamin’s Old St. Francis Theatre on February 6th and one at Volcanic Theatre Pub on February 20. Tickets for both of these showings are sold out, however, there will be limited tickets available for purchase at the door of the Volcanic Theatre Pub showing starting at 7:30pm. Attendees can look forward to an intimate look at Bill Healy’s life, legacy, and the ongoing impact of his vision. All sales from the film showings go toward MBSEF’s “Friends of Bill Healy” giving campaign.
“We are grateful to Mt. Bachelor and MBSEF for co-presenting this celebration and for Martin Sundberg’s passion for telling the story, which so beautifully captured my father’s legacy,” said Cameron Healy. “It was a joy to see the community come together to celebrate Bill’s 100th birthday and reflect on how his work continues to inspire new generations.”
As Central Oregon celebrates the life and legacy of Bill Healy, this donation and the match campaign ensure his mission will live on, empowering youth and strengthening our community through the transformative power of winter sports and the outdoors.
