The Mountain Times

Donations from the 2012 Vermont Challenge distributed by the Stratton Foundation

The Vermont Challenge is pleased to announce that with the generous contributions made by those who participated in the inaugural Vermont Challenge this August, they've made two equal donations to the following organizations: Vermont Coalition of Runaway and Homeless Youth Programs and Bridgewater Town Park & Recreation.

Vermont Coalition of Runaway and Homeless Youth Programs
LUDLOW-The original home on Mill Street in Ludlow was hit hard. This is the program for boys. First floor flooding so that all electrical and walls have to be replaced. Loss to the basement included freezers full of food, furnace, etc. At the time of flood eight youth and three staff went to the church in Ludlow, which was the designated shelter and spent the next two days and nights. After that time they made room for the two transitional living program youth at the girls program. The other six youth in the shelter found other safe housing. They were forced to lay off staff. They were fortunate to find rental property in order to reopen the boys program. Thanks to insurance and too many kind donations the home on Mill Street will be fully renovated by Thanksgiving. There is need for so many things that are not part of the renovation package. Rugs, furniture, blinds for the windows, lawn mower, etc.  Our donation helps pay for some of these needs outside of the renovation costs.
 
Bridgewater Town Park & Recreation
BRIDGEWATER-Riders rode through Bridgewater, Vt., which was one of the hardest hit towns in Vermont by Hurricane Irene. They lost seven homes, the town bridge, and roads. Their town recreational park was completely destroyed. FEMA repaired the property, and now the town is trying to rebuild their community park and in need of replacing picnic tables, playground equipment, baseball fencing, and walking and biking trails. Their estimated expenses for the project are over $13,000. Our donation covers almost 10% of their project costs!!

In 2013, $25 of each rider's registration fee will go toward the Vermont Challenge Community fund administered by the Stratton Foundation. All donations are 100% tax deductible as allowed by the IRS. As the Vermont Challenge grows in stature they pledge to continue to increase the amount funds donated to support the communities that host the ride.
For more information about The Vermont Challenge, visit vtchallenge.com