KILLINGTON, Vt. (Nov. 30, 2016) – Vermont Adaptive Ski and Sports, the largest nonprofit in the state to provide sports and recreation on a daily, year-round basis to people with disabilities, raised $74,015 during the worldwide #GivingTuesday campaign yesterday with some outstanding pledges still to come. The total includes an donation from an anonymous Sugarbush Vermont Adaptive family participant, who gave a matching gift of $20,000; and $10,000 from the Sills Family Foundation to bring the matching gift challenge total to $30,000, helping to mark the beginning celebration of the organization’s 30th anniversary this year.
“It’s a bit overwhelming but this incredible effort shows that people really do pay attention to the season of giving and what it really means,” said Erin Fernandez, executive director. “Monies raised will allow us to reach more people with our programs, regardless of their ability to pay, fund and keep current our fleet of expensive adaptive equipment, and continue to broaden our programming options with not just traditional outdoor sports and recreation, but also with our wellness and environmental programming. I can’t thank everyone enough for their incredible support and enthusiasm during this #GivingTuesday.”

The Tuesday after Thanksgiving (this year Nov. 29) is a global day dedicated to giving back. #GivingTuesday follows Black Friday and Cyber Monday with the goal of celebrating generosity and encouraging people to give during the holiday season.

#GivingTuesday was created to inspire people to take collaborative action to improve their local communities, give back in better, smarter ways to the charities and causes they support and help create a better world. #GivingTuesday harnesses the power of social media to create a national moment around the holidays dedicated to giving, similar to how Black Friday and Cyber Monday have become days that are, today, synonymous with holiday shopping.

Vermont Adaptive must raise approximately $200,000 annually from individual donations to sustain its operating and program budget. Other funds come from grants, foundations, partners, and sponsors. To make a donation, donate online at vermontadaptive.org. Phone donations can be made with a credit card at 802-786-4991. Donations made by check can be sent to Vermont Adaptive Ski and Sports, PO Box 139, Killington, VT 05751.

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Vermont Adaptive Ski and Sports is a nationally recognized 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. In the winter, skiing and winter sports are offered at Killington/Pico Resorts in Killington, Sugarbush Resort in Warren and Bolton Valley Ski Area in Bolton. In the summer, participants can enjoy sailing, canoeing, kayaking, cycling, hiking, rock climbing, camping, horseback riding and more at various locations throughout the state. For more information, visit www.vermontadaptive.org.