RANDOLPH, Vt. — Gifford’s largest fundraising event of the year returns for a 17th summer. The Last Mile Event benefitting end-of-life care patients and their families will be held over two weekends. Saturday, August 13 features a bicycle ride. Friday, August 19 is a 5K and 1- or 2-mile walk and the 80-mile motorcycle ride takes place on Saturday, August 20.
2021’s Last Mile Event saw new participation and fundraising records. A total of 519 people participated and $165,000 went to Gifford’s palliative care program. Since 2006, more than $1 million has gone to assist families whose loved ones are in life’s last mile. That could mean meals, travel accommodations, coordinating special events, transportation to appointments, in-home care, funeral expenses or just one final wish being fulfilled.
“Whether you are walking or running, riding, or serving as a volunteer, you honor our loved ones and our Last Mile community,” Gifford Vice President of Development and Public Relations, Ashley Lincoln said. “It’s a community that has become family and a family that extends across generations.”
Check-in for the bicycle ride on Aug. 13 begins at 8 a.m. at Randolph Rec. Field. You can choose from a 24-mile road or 21-mile gravel route starting at 9 a.m. or an 11-mile road or 11-mile gravel route starting at 10 a.m. It’s $25 per person. Food will be provided.
The walks and 5K on Aug. 19 begin at 6 p.m. with check-in starting at 4:30 p.m. at Gifford Park in Randolph. The registration fee is $25 per person. Participants are encouraged to create teams with friends and family. There will be food provided and local band, Something Reckless, will perform live.
Registration for the Aug. 20 motorcycle ride and barbeque begins at 8:30 a.m. at Gifford Park. The ride starts at 10 a.m. with an entrance fee of $50 per driver and $75 per driver and passenger.
You can also participate in the ride, run or walk virtually anytime before August 20.
Quilt and 50/50 raffle prizes are available as well with drawings taking place following the motorcycle ride on Aug. 20. To register and for more information on the event including routes and frequently asked questions, go to lastmileride.com. Register before July 27 to receive a free T-shirt. Look for updates on Facebook @lastmileride and Instagram @lastmileride_vt.
