The Vermont Challenge has teamed up with the Stratton Foundation (www.strattonfoundation.org) to ear mark all donations from riders, optional fundraising efforts of our riders, and a portion of the revenue and sponsorship funding, to address the needs of the Vermonters affected by Hurricane Irene in the communities touched by The Vermont Challenge. Funds collected will be distributed by the Stratton Foundation to those people and organizations in each of the towns that we ride through that can best support our goals of supporting the people and businesses affected by Hurricane Irene. Hurricane Irene is said to be the worst natural disaster to hit Vermont since flooding in 1927. Vermont endured 4 deaths, damage and loss to thousands of businesses and residences, and 50,000 were without power for weeks. Streams and brooks became raging waters creating horrible structural damage to buildings, roadways and historic covered bridges, all the while transforming small towns into floating islands. Many families lost not only their homes and treasured belongings, but also the very land their homes sat upon. These people are still displaced, dealing with mortgages for nothing and awaiting settlements from FEMA. Others are making due without heat and water, as only a Vermonter can. So many families are still in need and face large debt and repair expenses. Along with the hardships of a struggling economy, our local mom-n-pop businesses have exhausted their savings and are faced with the dilemma of closing their doors or trying to come up with a plan to maintain their financial independence. Many farmers are just now coming to grips with the erosion to fields caused by the raging waters leaving slit behind and fallen trees as they begin to plant their crops this spring. All this damage brought by Hurricane Irene just adds to the costs of running these family farms when most can barely break-even. To-date, the Stratton Foundation has raised over $450k, reached out to 300 people, and financially supported 28 residences and 22 businesses, becoming a model statewide for disaster relief. In addition, the foundation's fundamental objectives are to make a real difference in the lives and well-being of local youth and to financially empower individuals who experience an episode of tragedy, emergency, and other personal challenges. Vermont is a state of mind and a place of the heart. The more money raised, the more we can help our communities with your generous contributions and assistance. The Vermont Challenge is all about supporting the communities involved in our event. We can think of no better way than supporting the efforts of the Stratton Foundation's Irene Relief fund. Please give generously or consider raising funds to help the good people of Vermont in their time of need. Irene Hurricane hit Vermont last August, so it's fitting that The Vermont Challenge focuses on helping people affected by its aftermath that is so real one year later. We, at The Vermont Challenge, thank you for your generosity!! Premium levels: Those of you that plan to raise funds will be entitled to great premiums at the following levels: $250, $500 or $1000 or more. More on premium as we receive support from our key Sponsors. Fundraising As a participant in the Vermont Challenge you can make donations yourself, or set up to raise funds from your friends and family. If you have already registered for The Vermont Challenge and had not taken advantage of signing up for raising funds for this cause but would now like to do so, click on the button here. You don't have to ride with us to make a donation! Donating Just visiting and feel you would like to help out even though you haven't registered for The Vermont Challenge? Well, there is a way you can do that, especially if you know someone who is riding. You can make a donation on behalf of that rider. To do this, just click on the button here.