Sisters in Sports founder and CEO Danelle Umstead said the support and inspiration she received from the Park City community helped her become the athlete she is today.
After a successful career as a Paralympian ski racer, Umstead is now focused on building a supportive environment for other disabled women to participate in professional sports.
Umstead is asking for more of that same community love at the Sisters in Sports annual fundraising gala on Saturday.
“We are building the community I wish I had,” said Umstead. “A sisterhood where women and girls with disabilities have access to mentorship, mental performance and wellness resources, direct financial support, leadership opportunities and, maybe most importantly, people who stay beside them through the highs, the lows and everything in between.”
The theme for this year’s gala is “Then. Now. Next.” It will focus on bringing together athletes who have already competed, as well as those who have eyes set on the 2034 Games.
“(We’re celebrating) the growth of the Paralympic movement, women with disabilities in sport, our SIS athletes who just competed in Milan Cortina, the women working toward LA 2028 and 2030 and what we are building here in Utah as we look toward 2034,” Umstead said.
The gala, which will be held at the Grand Hyatt Deer Valley, will feature auctions, food and wine, meet-and-greets with athletes and continue the tradition of pin trading inspired by the Olympics.
Tickets, donations and auction bids fund grants, mentorship programs, mental health resources and leadership development opportunities for the Sisters in Sports athletes.
“Come meet these incredible women,” Umstead said. “Ask them about their sports, see their medals, hear their stories. … Most importantly, see firsthand what you’re helping make possible.”
Since it was founded in 2020, Sisters in Sports has supported 80 athletes. There are currently 30 athletes actively involved with the foundation.
Umstead said the foundation prioritizes ongoing mental health support and resources. The foundation facilitates connection with professional services and hosts group discussions to help athletes deal with things like financial and performance stress, confidence, injuries and major life transitions.
“We also provide mentorship, connecting women and girls with experienced athletes and leaders who understand their journey,” Umstead said. “Sometimes having another woman say ‘I’ve been there too’ can be incredibly powerful.”
Auction items will include tickets to watch comedian Nikki Glaser in Salt Lake City, a pair of earrings donated by O.C. Tanner, travel experiences and 2026 Paralympic gear. Athletes and the community donated all the auction items.
“(At the gala) you’ll see what happens when women show up for one another, support one another and lead the way for whoever comes next. That’s Sisters in Sports,” Umstead said.
Donations and ticket purchases for the Saturday event can be made at sistersinsportsfoundation.org/2026gala.