Tickets will be available after December 1st, 2024 at www.towertheatre.org 

Join us for an unforgettable evening celebrating Bill Healy, the visionary founder of Mt. Bachelor, whose determination transformed Central Oregon’s skiing community. In honor of what would have been his 100th birthday, MBSEF, in partnership with Mt. Bachelor, is proud to premiere a heartfelt film that captures Bill’s remarkable character, pioneering vision, and enduring legacy.

The evening will feature reflections from family and friends, an engaging discussion with the filmmaker, and an exhibit of early Mt. Bachelor memorabilia and Bill Healy artifacts curated by the Healy family. This special event also serves as a fundraiser for the Mt. Bachelor Sports Education Foundation (MBSEF), which is honored to uphold Bill Healy’s legacy and share his story.

Proceeds from the event will support MBSEF’s mission to inspire young athletes, foster a love of winter sports, and create opportunities for the next generation of snowsport enthusiasts. Together, we can carry forward Bill’s vision of a vibrant and thriving snowsports community.

Following the program, guests are invited to enjoy dessert and reminisce, connecting through stories and celebrating the extraordinary life of a man who left an indelible mark on our community.

In addition to  Mt. Bachelor, MBSEF would like to extend their thanks to Brooks Resources Corporation, Sean & Hilary O’Hollaren, Cameron Healy & Suzy Snow for their significant contribution toward the production of the film, as well as to the event’s supporting sponsors First Interstate Bank, Waypoint Hotel, Miller Lumber and Charley & Lauri Miller.

Sean & Hilary O’Hollaren

Cameron Healy & Suzy Snow

Charley & Lauri Miller

Brief Biography of Bill Healy

Bill Healy was born in 1924 in Portland, Oregon, and was raised with the Cascades as his playground. By the time he reached high school, Bill was a champion ski racer and jumper. After graduating from high school, Bill joined the US Army’s 10th Mountain Division, an elite force of ski troops specializing in winter warfare during World War II. The life skills learned in the 10th Mountain Division by the young soldiers influenced many veterans when they returned to their mountains of home and subsequently revolutionized winter sports and outdoor life in the U.S. Bill’s professional pursuits brought him to Bend in 1950 where he ran the family-owned Bend Furniture Co. and raised a family of his own. Bill’s interests in the outdoors were also pursued, and his vision of central Oregon as a year-round recreating destination blossomed. While living in Bend, Bill befriended local members of the The Skyliners Ski Club, which was founded in 1927 and whose members initiated winter sport opportunities in the area. The Skyliners Ski Club introduced Bill to Bachelor’s terrian. With the help and support of fellow Skyliners member Gene Gillis; Regional head of Forest Service, Don Peters; and many other Bend community members, the dream of a ski resort on Mt. Bachelor became a reality in 1958. In 1980, Bill was diagnosed with Neuromuscular Disease. He remained involved with the resort as Board Chair throughout the eighties until his passing in 1993.