Blog

Moab Turkey Boogie Fundraiser

• November 2013
• Fly

Every year many base jumpers come to Moab during Thanksgiving time, just as many climbers flock to Indian Creek. This “Turkey Boogie” tradition was started originally by Apex Base when they were based in Moab, as a fun way for jumpers to get together during the holiday. Mario and I had talked about trying to organize something nice for the jumpers through Moab Base Adventures this year, but had not really gotten that far with the idea by the summer. I was really touched when I got an email from Matt Lajeuneusse telling me he’d had some extra time and wanted to organize a way for the Moab jumpers to give back. He told me that Mario had done more for Moab jumping and base in general than any jumper he knew, and he wanted to make this offering in Mario’s memory. His idea was to set up a raffle and an accuracy competition to raise money for the Grand County Search and Rescue team, and run the event through Moab Base Adventures and make the donation in Mario’s name.

Many companies and local businesses, as well as individuals, donated offerings for the raffle and helped with the accuracy event:
Moab BASE Adventures
Apex BASE
Hunter Imagery
Scott Rogers
Antigravity
Kra:ken rigging
Squirrel Wingsuits
Colorado skydive ratings
Andy Copland
Leading Edge wingsuits
Phoenix fly
BASE Dynamics
Brendan McHugh
Canadian BASE
Ari Cassella
Black sheep rigging
G form
Go fast
ILoveSkydiving.org
Classic lifeguard air medical
Mike Mann rigging
La Quinta Inn
Blue Skies Magazine
Diafero
Intrudair
Tiki rigging
Colorado crew
Safeish
Asylum
Base girl
Beta brand

The jumpers raised $3779 to be given to the Grand County Search and Rescue, and the accuracy event itself was a lot of fun.

Matt, Brendan and some other friends cleaned up the landing area from those nasty goatheads and made the beautiful turkey shaped bullseye target with organic flour.

The Tombstone parking lot was filled with jumpers gathering together as well as many people who came just to watch the event. Chris Hunter captured the whole thing on film.

There were some impressive displays of accuracy landing, including a double bulls-eye landing by Brendan McHugh in the first round–he attempted to disqualify himself for mysterious reasons, but mainly because he’s just humble that way 🙂 Those unfortunate jumpers who had not previously trained for dogpack landings had a little extra challenge as they came in. No one was hurt, no tails were stepped on, and the winners were David CL 1st, Rob Pelon 2nd, Matt Frohlich 3rd.

This was a great new tradition to add to the Moab Turkey Boogie and support the volunteer rescue team who helps take care of all visitors to Moab, and we will definitely keep it up. As Matt said, Mario gave more to the sport than most anyone. Moab gives us endless adventure, and the Search and Rescue team gives their time and aid to all who visit and play in Moab. Thanks again to all who made this great thing happen and most especially to Matt Lajeuneusse for your vision, generosity and hard work.