On February 22, VOA Alaska’s Fireweed Society gathered for the first time since the group’s inception for a members-only event! Society members joined VOA youth and staff for an evening of connection and Fur Rondy activities, including the debut of ‘Hey Bou,’ a snow sculpture inspired by and commissioned by the Fireweed Society, which won second place in this year’s Alaska State Snow Sculpture Championship.
To kick off this inaugural event, society members arrived at the Hilton Hotel in downtown Anchorage to start the night with refreshments and conversation. Attendees also had the opportunity to engage with some VOA Alaska youth and hear from VOA’s President/CEO, Julia Luey, and VOA Alaska Board Member, KC Hostetler, on the importance and mission of the Fireweed Society.
After refreshments and remarks, attendees hopped onto the Anchorage Trolly to Ship Creek, where the Alaska State Snow Sculpture Championship is held. This year, the Fireweed Society conceptualized and commissioned a sculpture, ‘Hey Bou,’ that features a young Alaskan with a caribou above a field of fireweed, celebrating the youth and wonder of Alaska. The sculpture stands as a reminder of the power of children and the possibility of blooming all around us. Local artist Kenna Bates and her team helped bring the vision to life.
Overall, the event was an excellent time for our members to get together, join in the Fur Rondy festivities, and connect face-to-face, reaffirming the commitment of the Fireweed Society’s mission to end suffering for youth and families across Alaska.
This event was made possible thanks to the generosity of local artist Kenna Bates and her team, VOA board member KC Hostetler, Caffé D’arte, the Hilton hotel of Anchorage, Anchorage Trolly Tours, and Golden Wheel Amusements.
