August 1, 2020

Dear Friends,

Every day I am inspired by the resilience of our Vermont Adaptive community members – athletes, families and volunteers who continue to thrive while facing the challenges of disability.

This year has put that resilience to the test! Like many other organizations, we’ve had to adapt to these unprecedented times. However, at Vermont Adaptive, that’s what we do best.

As we slowly return to play, programs will look a bit different. But many things remain constant: our mission to empower people of all abilities through inclusive sports and recreational programming; an ever-increasing community need for the services that we provide; and our commitment to providing these programs for all individuals with disabilities, regardless of their ability to pay.

As a result of the COVID-19 pandemic, we have a shortfall of nearly $150,000 in revenue due to cancelled programs and major fundraising events. At the same time, we have increased and unexpected expenses associated with the purchases of additional adaptive equipment and sanitation supplies needed to ensure the health and safety of our participants, volunteers and staff.

Your generous gift in 2019 helped make more than 3,000 adaptive outings happen!

If you are able, I hope that you will consider donating to the “Resilience Fund” to ensure that Vermont Adaptive can continue to safely support our community during this difficult time.

Your gift to the Resilience Fund will sponsor our most immediate needs;

• PPE (masks, gloves, face shields) and sanitation supplies
• On-going health and safety training on COVID-19 guidelines and best practices for all staff and volunteers
• Adaptive Sports Equipment as well as trailers to transport equipment so that our programs are more mobile, bringing activities to our participants and allowing for physical distancing
• Scholarships to guarantee that no one will ever be turned away from play

Thank you for being a part of our community. Your support ensures that people with disabilities will have access to the outdoors during this most difficult time.

Wishing you good health, resilience and lots of PLAY!

With gratitude,

Jenn Rand
Director of Development
jenn@vermontadaptive.org