1. Whatcom Events – Home of the World Famous Ski to Sea Race
PO Box 2011, Bellingham, WA 98227 Telephone 360-746-8861
June 3, 2013
To Whom It May Concern:
I take the utmost pleasure in writing this letter of reference for Erika Duncan, who recently completed a six month
internship with the Ski to Sea Race, the hallmark community event in Whatcom County. Ms. Duncan’s main focus was
serving as the Special Events Coordinator for the Ski to Sea Race, along with the special events of the race that include
the Volunteer Appreciation BBQ, Race Packet Preparation, Race Packet Pickup, and the Community Block Party. Erika
displayed the kind of initiative and enthusiasm that would benefit any company.
The Ski to Sea Race is the largest annual Whatcom County community event and attracts 4,000 racers from all over the
country in addition to over 70,000 spectators. It generates approximately 1.5 million dollars to the Whatcom County
economy. The race is a relay race consisting of seven different legs (cross country skiing, downhill skiing, running, road
bike, canoe, mountain bike, and kayak) with seven different exchange areas in Whatcom County covering a distance of 90
miles.
The Ski to Sea Race was bringing back the “Ski to Sea Community Block Party” for the third year after a 30 year hiatus.
Ms. Duncan was the main coordinator for this project, and it was absolutely spectacular in its outcomes. She worked with
national and local companies along with community organizations in staging this event for over 1,200 attendees. She
secured a wide array of local giveaways (i.e., alpine climbing course, dinners, cruises, and more); organized a “cupcake
challenge” with local bakeries as part of the Block Party; assigned and delegated responsibilities to volunteers; and helped
at the end to clean it up. In addition, the Ski to Sea held a Volunteer Appreciation BBQ for the 3rd year and it was a
complete success, with over 250 volunteers in attendance. The BBQ was completely planned, organized and staged by
Ms. Duncan. She also managed the racer packet pickup by teams, also a complete success. Lastly, she saved Whatcom
Events several thousand dollars by getting meals donated that were used to feed the volunteers.
Erika always communicated her whereabouts to me and was willing to do whatever it takes to get the job done. She
managed her work schedule well and as a result, the Ski to Sea race was an astounding success in terms of special events.
I would hire her immediately if Whatcom Events had a position for her. The next company that has Ms. Duncan walk
through their doors is a very lucky company indeed. If you have any questions concerning Ms. Duncan, please feel free to
contact me.
Sincerely,
Mel Monkelis
Executive Director
Whatcom Events