Hello friends and family!
It's that time of year when I start planning for next year's big adventures, and that means Vermont 100 in July!! I will be training over the next several months to prepare for this, but more importantly, I will once again be fundraising for Vermont Adaptive (VASS), a charity that I've grown to really appreciate over the last several years. While I was first introduced to Vermont Adaptive in 2011, I didn't truly understand what Adaptive Sports were all about until a few years later, when I was looking for a reason to step outside of my own "abilities" and see if my miles could help others. Around the same time, I was connected with my WingMan Nick, a young boy and his family who were impacted by a physical disability (which I believe has been his super power all along, but that's another story). Over the years, he has been shown what it's like to really be able to experience and enjoy outdoor sports like water skiing because of an adaptive program nearby. To me, it seemed as though my WingMan and his awesome family came into my life when I needed them most...they opened my eyes to what amazing freedom and confidence an Adaptive Sports program can provide and made me realize that I could help folks around me to experience the same feelings. And what better way than by running...something that has always brought me such joy and therapeutic value that can actually be used to help others! And to know that VASS also has a Veterans program really touches my heart, as both of my parents proudly served our country. Veterans Ventures programming has grown so much over the years, and
So once again I am toeing the line at the VT 100 Endurance Race in July...and will be fundraising my heart out so that families like Nick's can feel that same joy. And the best part is that VASS never turns anyone away if they can't afford to pay; that's where you come in! Not only do you help raise money for different adaptive equipment, but also so that folks of all abilities and ages have access to getting outside and can experience the freedom that skiing, biking, hiking, riding, paddling and climbing can provide. And to those of you who have supported me year over year, THANK YOU for being awesome...you have made a huge difference in the lives of so many! Even though VT 100 didn't happen in 2023 because of epic flooding, your donations still went to VASS to help support their work. With your help, I'm even more determined to crush my fundraising goal this year!
BEST NEWS: any donation made now through tomorrow, Giving Tuesday, will be doubled by a generous donor, so your dollar goes twice as far!!!
Please consider donating what you can to help me reach my goal and help Vermont Adaptive meet their goal too! For every donation, you get to choose a number between 2 and 99...and that mile along my race will be dedicated to you and your kindness! Help me get to 100 donors!!!
Thank you!
MORE INFO:
Vermont Adaptive Ski and Sports is a nationally recognized nonprofit organization that empowers people of all disabilities through inclusive sports and recreational programming regardless of ability to pay. In addition to sports, year round programming options integrate environmental, holistic wellness, and competitive training philosophies for people of all ages with cognitive, developmental, physical and emotional/behavioral disabilities. The organization believes sports and recreation provide a physical, mental and social experience that is immeasurable in promoting self-confidence and independence in an individual.
With nearly 400 active volunteer instructors, plus generous partners and sponsors, and an amazing base of clients and friends, Vermont Adaptive Ski & Sports has been at the forefront of sports and recreation for those with disabilities in New England for over 30 years. Vermont Adaptive Ski & Sports is committed to empowering individuals with disabilities. We promote independence and further equality through access and instruction to sports and recreational activities.
The VT 100 is one of Vermont Adaptive Ski and Sports biggest fund raisers every year. For more information about Vermont Adaptive Ski and Sports: www.vermontadaptive.org.