Eric's Story
Eric Douglas Dettenrieder was a vivacious young man with a passion for skiing. Eric learned to ski at a very young age and followed this passion throughout his life. During his years at Oneonta High School (1987-1991) he was a member of the ski team and ski club. As a Rotary Exchange Student in Trier, Germany, Eric jumped at the chance to ski the Alps. He took advantage of every opportunity to head to the ski slopes while doing his undergraduate work at Muhlenberg College (1992-1996).
On March 3, 1997, at age 23, Eric died as a result of injuries sustained in a skiing accident. His family and friends joined together, with tremendous support from the Oneonta community, to create a lasting memorial to Eric’s adventurous spirit and generosity. As the race coordinator at Hunter Mountain, Eric had the opportunity to take part in a program teaching terminally ill children how to ski. This experience moved him deeply and became the inspiration to create the EDD Memorial Fund.
Incorporated in July 1997 as a non-profit organization, the EDD Memorial Fund has helped more than 550 children and young adults of all abilities to experience the joy and freedom that Eric found through downhill skiing. The Board of Directors includes of some of Eric's close friends and family members, including Oneonta High School and Muhlenberg College classmates.
“I thought your program was exceptional… What a great way to honor this individual!”
—Parent