Nick Blagec, right, Kiwanis Ski Club president, presents the first three buttons for the 2019 FIS Continental Cup International Ski Jumping at Pine Mountain to the family of Kurt Massicotte. Massicotte was a former ski jumper, and an active member of the Kiwanis Ski Club for over 50 years. From left: Susie, Maggy and Dayne Massicotte. (Chris Tomassucci/Daily News photo)

IRON MOUNTAIN — The Henry Foundation has contributed $50,000 to the Kiwanis Ski Club for its Capital Campaign.

The goal of the Capital Campaign is to raise funds for improvements to the Pine Mountain Ski Jump and facilities as required by the International Ski Federation to continue hosting a Continental Cup event.

The Henry Foundation was established by local residents Charlie and Carol Henry with the intent of supporting organizations or projects that have a positive impact on the community. Charlie Henry was one of the founders of Cable Constructors Inc. in Iron Mountain.

“We are proud to support this campaign, as the Pine Mountain ski jumping event is so unique and economically impactful to our area,” said the Henrys’ daughter, Laurie Dicken. “I am hoping by the Henry Foundation making this contribution that many others will step up and donate what they can so we do not lose this great event.”

In addition to the ski jump infrastructure improvements, plans are under discussion to create a four-season recreation and tourist facility around the ski jump.

The Kiwanis Ski Club and its partners are applying for grants toward those ancillary facilities that may require matching funds.

The Michigan Legislature and Gov. Rick Snyder recently established a $10 million fund for northern Michigan sports and tourism, with about $2 million potentially slated for Pine Mountain improvements.

If these improvements happen, the possibility has been raised of the club hosting a World Cup ski jumping event as soon as 2020.

For more information, go to www.soaringinto thefuture.org or call Paul Bujold, Kiwanis Ski Club treasurer, at 906-396-0595 or Susie Fox at 906-396-2825.

The dates for the 2019 Pine Mountain Continental Cup event are Feb. 8-10. Booster buttons are currently available by mail order at www.soaringinto thefuture.org or www.kiwanisskiclub.com and soon will be available throughout Dickinson County.