I think that you all are aware that the majority of club income comes from whatever “profit” we realize from the Spring Classic. Sure, we receive dues from everyone, but the $30 membership fee doesn’t cover a whole lot. The revenue from the Spring Classic pays for a lot of the club’s ongoing expenses such as ride insurance, catering the annual meeting and summer picnic, etc. What some may not realize is that we have a long history of using those funds to give back to the community by supporting other organizations that, in some way, are furthering engagement with cycling in some way and generally making the world a little bit better. In the past we’ve provided support to enable the Special Olympics program purchase bicycles for their team members, pledged funds to repair damage at the BMX facility in Mt Vernon and have been a sponsor of the Anacortes Open Streets annual event.
Recently, I received an email from one of our members, Duncan West, regarding a funding effort on DonorsChoose (sort of a GoFundMe for schools). The request was made by a special education teacher at Mt Vernon High School to enable the purchase of an adaptive tricycle for her class. Duncan is familiar with the program as he has been a substitute teacher there on several occasions and suggested that we consider supporting the request. At the time that I checked on the web site, the project was budgeted at approx. $1,800 and had raised $1,050 leaving a balance of $750. At our April meeting, the SBC Board voted to complete the funding and we subsequently donated $750 to top them off.
Today I received the following email from Ellie Crowe, the teacher who put the request on the web site.
Hello!
I hope this email finds you well.
I wanted to take a moment to express my sincerest gratitude for your recent donation to our Enhancing Special Education Through Adaptive Bikes project. Your generosity has truly made a difference and has put us in the position to complete the fundraising and purchase a bike!
Your kindness and generosity inspire us to continue our work with even greater dedication and passion. We are deeply touched by your support and feel privileged to have you as part of our community.
I will be sure to reach out should we need any help with assembly or any other bike help! We will also be sure to share some pictures with you of our students enjoying their new ride!
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Ellie Crowe
School Behavior Analyst; MEd, BCBA, LBA
Student Support Services
360-428-6100 Ext. 41719
Mount Vernon School District
So, yes…we’re all about riding, but we’re not all about just us. This was an opportunity for us, as a club, to help others and we did some good. Something for us all to keep in mind as we ride, volunteer and support the club in whatever way that we can.
Thank you to all of you.