COTS largest annual fundraiser kicks off Sunday, May 4, 2014
BURLINGTON -- The 25th Annual COTS Walk kicks off at 2 p.m. Sunday, May 4. The fundraiser is a 3.5-mile trek around downtown Burlington starting from Battery Park, following the route a person who is homeless or at risk of becoming homeless might travel to receive shelter and services.
This is the one day of the year that the nationally recognized nonprofit opens its programs to the community so people can see how their donations make a difference. COTS serves about 2,000 people annually, and is the largest provider for people who are homeless or at risk of becoming homeless in Vermont. Today, there are 24 children staying in COTS family shelters. On any given night, COTS shelters between 60-80 people, including children, elderly, people who are disabled and veterans.
The Walk – COTS’ largest single-day fundraiser -- is a critical part of the organization’s overall fundraising for the year. This year’s fundraising event goal is $175,000. Through the support of generous sponsors, all money raised by walkers goes directly to services. About 50 percent of COTS’ annual operating budget comes directly from community support.
Former “American Idol” finalist James Durbin will perform songs from his Wind-up Records April 8th release “CELEBRATE” at this year’s Walk, thanks to Star 92.9. James was diagnosed with Asperger's and Tourette's Syndrome at a young age. James' experience resulted in a passion for championing those in disadvantaged situations. A partner of the WWE's program Be A STAR (Show Tolerance And Respect), James works to promote anti-bullying, a message COTS also incorporates into its homelessness awareness outreach to children and teens.
“Star 92.9 is so happy, and proud, to have James Durbin in town to support an event we hold so close to our hearts,” said Jennifer Foxx of Star 92.9-FM. “James is an amazing performer, and an amazing human being.”
Up to 1,500 walkers of all ages, from schools, social and religious organizations, businesses and neighborhoods, participate. About 200 volunteers help make it happen, too. The family-friendly event includes children’s activities, face painting, music by the Dixie Six, and free Ben & Jerry's ice cream for walkers. (A shorter route is available, particularly designed for families with young children.)
Also, be sure to see on the Walk this year:
· University of Vermont Rally Cat
· Lake Monsters’ Champ
· Green Mountain Chorus
· Singer-songwriter Silent Mind
How to participate: Register online at www.cotsonline.org or call (802) 864-7402 for more information. Check-in begins at 1 p.m.; the walk begins at 2 p.m. Walk-ins are welcome. The Walk itself takes about an hour.
There is no minimum fundraising required for participation. However, walkers can elect to go the extra mile by taking the “challenge” and pledging to raise $1,000. A challenge grant matches money raised by these walkers. Challenge Walkers also receive special recognition at the COTS annual meeting.
This year’s Walk is Presented by Flat Fee Real Estate. We would like to thank our other generous sponsors, as well as many inkind supporters:
· Community Sponsors: VEIC and Efficiency Vermont
· Media Sponsors: Star 92.9 and Planet 96.7, Free Press Media, WCAX
· Corporate Partner: HomeBridge Financial Services
· Route Sponsors: Dealer.com, Duncan*Wisniewski, Pomerleau Real Estate, MyWebGrocer
· Site Sponsors: Ben & Jerry’s, BlueCross BlueShield of Vermont, Casella Waste Management, Darn Tough Vermont, The Lodge at Otter Creek and The Lodge at Shelburne Bay, North Country Federal Credit Union, Vermont Tent Company
· T-Shirt Sponsors: City Market; Delta Dental; Dinse, Knapp & McAndrew; The Dixie Six; Fletcher Allen Healthcare; Kave Audio; Queen City Printers; Redstone; VSECU; Gardener’s Supply Co.; Northwestern Vermont Board of Realtors.
Founded in 1982, COTS provides emergency shelter to homeless families and individuals, homelessness prevention, case-management and referral services to those who are homeless or marginally housed, and permanent housing to low-income families and individuals.
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