A gold medal national freestyle skier from West Virginia will be in Ghent Friday to help raise funds for this year’s Ninth Annual Ski Swap and Tent Sale.

“Shoppers will have the opportunity to meet Corey Lilly, who has been described as one of the country’s most dynamic rising young athletes in amateur competition,” said David Denault, Ski Swap coordinator.

The three-day event is held at The Ski Shop, located off Interstate 77 Exit 28 in Ghent.

Denault says the event gives the public the opportunity to sell their good used skis, snowboards, boots, clothes and accessories to benefit the Children’s Home Society of West Virginia.

“Having a young national freestyle skier from our area should create an unparalleled enthusiasm for the community to meet first-hand an outstanding athlete who is ‘living his dream,” said Mary Goebel, director of The Children’s Home Society Exceptional Youth Emergency Shelter in Daniels.

Lilly will also be the guest of honor at the “First Tracks for Children” fundraiser Friday evening during the silent and live auctions that will be held at the Mountaineer Conference Center on Harper Road in Beckley.

“The event is open to the public with tickets at $15 per person or $25 per couple that will include hors d’oeuvres and beverages featuring items of travel, food, sports memorabilia and winter sporting good,” Denault said.

Goebel said in addition to meeting Lilly, shoppers at the annual Ski Swap and Tent Sale will be able to get an autographed photograph of the skier.

The event is co-sponsored by City National Bank, WVNS-TV 59, radio stations 103 CIR FM and The River 102.3 FM and FOX WV television.

Denault says City National Bank will bring their “Money Machine” that gives individuals a chance to grab some cash.

“Names will be drawn throughout the day and participants will have 30 seconds to grab all the cash they can and keep it,” says Clint Patterson, branch manager of City National Bank in Beaver.

City National will match the amount and donate it The Children’s Home Society and no purchase or contribution is necessary to participate, Patterson added.

The Children’s Home Society was founded in 1896 and is a private, non-profit child welfare organization.

Comprehensive services are provided to more than 6,400 children each year.

“The proceeds will be used for current programs that include adoption, foster care, child protective services, the Daniels EYES (emergency child shelter), family preservation and family support services,” Denault said.

Denault says those wanting to bring their used equipment or ski clothing to sell at the Ski Swap should come early.

“They should bring their items to The Ski Shop between 8 and 11:30 a.m. on Friday morning,” he said.

“This is an opportunity for the entire community to participate by either bringing something to sell or coming to buy something,” says Ben Monast, The Ski Shop’s general manager. “As part of our community involvement some nine years ago, we wanted to hold a benefit for an organization like The Children’s Home Society and also have people from the area be able to help them as well.”

The event has continued to grow each year, Denault added.

Goebel explained that much of the services come from volunteers and funding from contributions and special events like the Ski Swap.

“We hope the community will participate in this fund raising project particularly as the Christmas holiday approaches,” said Goebel. “There are many needs to be met, and some are very basic like warm winter clothing and gloves.”

The Ski Swap and Tent Sale will open to the public at noon Friday and run through the weekend.

For more information call 304-787-3316.