"Always My Buddy" Has a Presence at SnowGlobe

Tragedy struck at the 2012 SnowGlobe in South Lake Tahoe when 19 year old Alyssa Byrne became separated from her friends and died of hypothermia after falling in a snow bank after attempting to walk back to her hotel.

Out of that tragedy, the "Always My Buddy" program was developed. Alyssa's family wanted to make sure another family didn't have to go through what they did by making sure everyone that is an unfamiliar place is safe.

Local business owner Leandra Hale of The Butter Muffin spearheaded the local efforts of "Always My Buddy" by having a tent outside SnowGlobe this year. Volunteers will be at the tent all three days of the event from 2 pm to 2 am to offer help in the way of heat, food, water, cell phone chargers, hot cocoa and food. People are also stopping by the tent to sign the "Always Buddy" promise cards. The cards say "I promise to never let myself or someone I love, leave an unfamiliar place without a buddy system."

The tent will be a warm and safe refuge for people who have had too much to drink or are high, are unsure of their surroundings or not with a group. The volunteers at the tent will give them food or water, and offer help.

"We have a fantastic community with a wonderful event that brings money to our community" said Hale. "We don't want anything bad to happen again." She held a fundraiser at her business in April that brought in $2,000 to help with expenses at SnowGlobe. They are also taking more donations if anyone would like to drop off water or hand warmers at the Butter Muffin on the corner of Sierra Blvd and Hwy 50 or at their SnowGlobe tent (outside the gates so no ticket needed). Hale is also looking for volunteers to help at the tent.