FIRST NATIONAL BANK & Trust has pledged $15,000 to the Pine Mountain Ski Jump Complex Capital Campaign. From left are Dave Kashian, First National Bank & Trust president and CEO; Paul Bujold, Kiwanis Ski Club treasurer; Russ Kassin, First National Bank & Trust chief lending officer; and Nick Blagec, Kiwanis Ski Club president.

IRON MOUNTAIN — First National Bank & Trust recently announced support for the Kiwanis Ski Club’s Soaring Into the Future capital campaign to complete major upgrades and renovations at the Pine Mountain Ski Jump complex, as well as add more recreational features to the facilities.

First National Bank & Trust has pledged $15,000 over the next three years to the Soaring Into The Future fundraising campaign.

To meet International Ski Federation standards and ensure the tournament’s future, the Kiwanis have undertaken a more than $3 million renovation of the historic jump. This year’s Continental Cup tournament was canceled due to pandemic restrictions. The tentative date for a 2022 event is Feb. 5-6.

“First National Bank & Trust recognizes the importance of the annual ski jumping event and the possibilities that exist for year-round tourism dollar generation from the facility and how that could impact the many businesses in the region,” said Nick Blagec, Kiwanis Ski Club president. “The Kiwanis Ski Club is grateful for the support from First National Bank & Trust in the past and the support for this campaign now and into the future.”

In addition, the Kiwanis Ski Club will be working with the U.P. Veterans Memorial group as well as the Dickinson County and other local organizations to develop more year-round opportunities for drawing visitors to the Pine Mountain Ski Jump complex.

“We are proud to participate in the future of the Kiwanis Ski Club,” said David Kashian, First National Bank & Trust president and CEO. “With the Kiwanis Ski Club’s history and the backing of our bank as well as other local businesses, we hope for this event to continue for the next 100 years and beyond. Please consider supporting this fine organization and this community asset with a financial contribution.”

“At First National Bank & Trust we believe supporting our local community benefits all that live, work and play in our area,” said Russ Kassin, FNBT’s chief lending officer. “We have been a strong supporter of the Kiwanis Ski Club and look forward to the new opportunities for economic development in our area with the new Pine Mountain Ski Jump complex. The Kiwanis Ski Club has worked hard to provide world-class ski jumping since they have started and with the recent enhancements, we look forward to many more years of what this will provide for our community.”

To make a donation to the Kiwanis Ski Club Soaring Into The Future capital campaign, go to www.Kiwanisskiclub.com or send donations to: KSC, P.O. Box 475, Iron Mountain, MI 49801.