This Blog Post was originally published in 2016 and has been updated to reflect information for 2018-2019…

By Hunter Hedenberg, guest blogger

Erin Fernandez, executive director at Vermont Adaptive, says that the holiday season is a humbling time of year, and that she is grateful for all who contribute in any way to the organization. This may mean volunteering as an instructor, and physically being out with our athletes. It applies to resort and programming partners like Sugarbush, Bolton Valley, and Killington and Pico Mountain. And it is truly meaningful when it comes from a place of giving.

“Vermont Adaptive is proud of its more than 30-year legacy in the state,” she said, “and we wouldn’t be able to achieve that without the help of all of our contributors. Looking at our next 30 years, we hope to continue that legacy, and that you will find it in yourself at the end of this year to think of Vermont Adaptive as you make your future plans. Whether that means looking at your current budget and giving at the end of this year, your time commitments so that you can volunteer in the years to come, or a longer term giving plan as we work together through the next 30 years. We from Vermont Adaptive want to thank you from the bottom of our hearts.”

Fundraising and donations can quite literally be the lifeline of non-profit organizations. In 2019, Vermont Adaptive must raise approximately $330,000 in individual and corporate donations in order to sustain all of its programs. That is why year-end giving to Vermont Adaptive could be one of the most meaningful and important donations you make all year.

“Year end giving is a way we can gauge our year moving forward, and it sets the stage for our flexibility as far as scholarships through the winter, and how much equipment we can purchase,” said Fernandez. “The funding that we raise during this time of year goes towards purchasing new adaptive sports equipment to serve a broader range of athletes, providing scholarships to athletes who might not be able to participate in our programs otherwise, and reaching out to new groups who we want to partner with.”

Fernandez said that when Vermont Adaptive has the resources to deliver its programs, it makes the best experiences for its athletes.

“For some of our kids that have a dual diagnosis, where they’re at-risk youth and having emotional behavioral challenges, this becomes such a big and important part of the weekly schedule for them,” she said. “Not only is it beneficial for them physically, but it becomes an emotionally rewarding relationship that betters the Vermont Adaptive volunteers and staff, and the athletes alike. Year-end giving enables Vermont Adaptive the resources to help our athletes face some of those challenges on and off the hill and all year-long in all of its programs.”

Click Here to Make a Donation Online Today.

Hunter Hedenberg is a graduate of the University of Vermont and has a passion for the outdoors and recreation. She was a guest blogger for Vermont Adaptive during the 2016-2017 winter season, while finishing her degree at UVM. We are excited to say that Hunter is now our Action Sports Media Assistant and we’ll be seeing more of her writing!