"Like many young riders, I wanted to enroll at Stratton Mountain School but financially couldn't afford it. I was prepared to go to public school until my coach told me that an anonymous donation had been made that would allow me to go to SMS and further advance my snowboarding skills. The chance to go to SMS meant so much to me and helped prepare me to make a living out of snowboarding. I had no idea who made the donation until sometime later when my coach showed me a press release about Ross starting a Foundation to help people like me. What he did means everything to me, and the truth is I wouldn't be where I am today without him. I am and will forever be grateful. And the amazing thing is, I am not the only one Ross has helped. I don't think many people realize what he has been doing through his Foundation, all the people he is helping. He is definitely impacting the lives of others in such a positive way."

— Tyler Emond, top-ranked freestyle rider & member of 2005 US Snowboard team