Vermont Business Magazine Powered by the efforts of 47 peer-to-peer fundraisers known as “Ride Champion, the Brattleboro Retreat’s 6th Annual Ride for Heroes, held Saturday August 16th, exceeded all fundraising records by netting more than $29,000 for the hospital’s Uniformed Service Program. Uniformed Service Program representative Donny Richard welcomed the riders and spoke about the needs of uniformed professionals everywhere who’ve experienced trauma in their public service. Brattleboro Union High School graduate Kristina Meima sang the National Anthem. Pastor Cheryl Meachen offered a blessing, and Mark Hynes gave a safety speech before the riders set out on their Windham County tour.
Then more than 200 riders, escorted by the Windham County Sheriff’s department, departed the Retreat campus riding under a majestic 50’ American Flag raised by the Putney and Hinsdale Fire Departments. They continued through the towns of West Dummerston, Newfane, Townshend, Grafton, Saxtons River, Westminster West, Putney, and East Dummerston. After returning to campus, the riders enjoyed a barbeque lunch, a raffle, and heard from a former client of the Uniformed Service Program who spoke about the program and its role in her recovery.
For the second year, “Ride Champions” stepped up for the cause. The top three Ride Champion fundraisers were Colin Young, Konstantin von Krustenstiern, and Tim Johnson. Together, the Ride Champions doubled their fundraising tally from last year, bringing in more than $14,800.
“It’s extremely touching to witness the outpouring of generosity and enthusiasm associated with this event,” said Brattleboro Retreat’s Vice President of Strategy & Development, Konstantin von Krusenstiern. “The combined support of our sponsors, attendees, Ride Champions, donors, and volunteers set the stage for a fun and successful day.”
Founded in 2009, the Uniformed Service Program provides specialized treatment and support to military personnel, law enforcement, fire fighters, corrections officers, and EMTs who face post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and other duty-related issues.
Funds from Ride for Heroes underwrite important aspects of the program including recreational therapy, financial assistance for patients, and outreach to ensure those who are in need of mental health and addiction care can access these services.
A record-level of sponsorship support helped set the fundraising pace.These included the Ride’s Platinum Sponsors: The Richards Group, Sodexo, and WKVT Radio; Gold Sponsors: Brattleboro Ford Subaru, Brattleboro Pharmacy, Chroma Technology, Communicators Group, GS Precision, and Monadnock Harley Davidson; and Silver Sponsors: Brown Computer Solutions, Fairpoint Communications, GPI Construction, Drs. Drew Pate & Tess Carpenter, and Stop & Go Instant Oil Change.
BRATTLEBORO, VT (August 27, 2015)—The Brattleboro Retreat, founded in 1834, is a not-for-profit, regional specialty psychiatric hospital and addictions treatment center, providing a full range of diagnostic and rehabilitation services for individuals of all ages and their families. Nationally recognized for its premier treatment in behavioral healthcare, the Brattleboro Retreat offers a high quality, individualized, comprehensive continuum of care including inpatient, partial hospitalization, residential and outpatient treatment.