Last Mile Ride walkers; Last Mile Ride motorcyclists. Gifford photos.
Vermont Business Magazine Nearly 400 runners, walkers, and motorcycle riders from all over the region gathered in Randolph on August 18thand 19thand raised $105,000 for the 12thannual Last Mile Ride.The popular two-day fundraiser has raised $646,000 thousand dollars over the years to support unique end-of-life services provided by Gifford Health Care. Starting in 2006, when 74 motorcyclists rode the very first Last Mile Ride route, the event has expanded into a two-day celebration that includes a timed 5K run and 1- and 2.5 mile walking routes.
Last Mile Ridegrows every year as loyal supporters return with an expanding circle of friends and family. Many participate to honor loved ones who received Last Mile Ride support. This year 222runners and walkers turned outon Fridayas a day of heavy rain cleared for the evening events, andon Saturday171 motorcycle riders participated in the75-mile morning ride through central Vermont.
The funds raised help people with advanced illness celebrate the time they have left with friends and loved ones, supporting patients in the hospital’s Garden Room suites and also those who choose to remain in their home.
“We’ve flown loved ones home to have last goodbyes with moms; put gas in people’s cars to get here for last moments together, or for a patient to seek treatment at other facilities; and we have hosted five weddings in our Garden Room,” Gifford’s Development Director Ashley Lincoln told the crowd. “Sometimes it’s as simple as a voucher for a pizza or a massage. We depend on you, and knowing that I’ll see you here year after year on the third week in August is key to our success.”
Lincoln noted that the unique needs of these patients and families are never predictable, and are never the same. Last Mile Ride funds provide flexibility and an ability to think creatively when responding to individual situations.
The top fundraisers for theFridayevents were Penny Maxfield (overall fundraiser), Rick Grant (top walk fundraiser), and Mark Elmore (top 5K fundraiser).
Top 5K runners were Lucy Rollins (overall female) and John Mattern (overall male). Total race results are listed athttp://802timing.com/results/17results/17results.html
On Saturdaymorning the last of a heavy mist had just lifted from the Gifford parking lot asmotorcycle riders, led by Orange County Sheriff Bill Bohnyak, rumbled through town to start the 75-mile ride. Safety along the route was ensured by volunteers from the Combat Veterans Motorcycle Association, with the help of local police departments. An abundant BBQ lunch was waiting in Gifford Park when the riders returned several hours later.
Participants raise $105,000 to support end of life care
When all the donations were counted participants had raised $105,000 for services that bring end-of-life services to patients and their families.
Leading the top fundraisers announcedon Saturdaywas Chip Milnor (who raised $7,600 in donations!), followed by Todd Winslow, Lynda McDermott, and Larry Richburg. Top fundraiser prizes were: two tickets to a Boston Red Sox game, two ISM Connect 300 NASCAR Cup Series tickets at the NH Motor Speedway, four Six Flags & The Great Escape day passes, and a Local Prize Package (two tickets to the New World Festival with a gift certificate to Saap Restaurant).
Last Mile Ride Raffle prize winners:
• Dr. Dennis Henzig won the Harley-Davidson motorcycle donated by Wilkins Harley-Davidson in South Barre
• Joan Granter won the quilt made by Gifford nursing staff
• Donald Vitali won the toolbox donated by Randolph Auto Supply
Each year generous local business support plays a huge role in the event’s success. Forty-fourbusinesses sponsored this year’s Last Mile Ride, including major sponsors: The Frankenburg Agency, Northfield Savings Bank, Froggy 100.9, Neagley & Chase Construction Company, Lucky’s Trailer Sales,and Wilkins Harley-Davidson of South Barre.
Gifford is a community hospital in Randolph, Vt., with family health centers in Berlin, Bethel, Chelsea, Rochester, and White River Junction; and specialty services throughout central Vermont. A Federally Qualified Health Center and a Top 100 Critical Access Hospital in the country, Gifford is a full-service hospital with a 24-hour emergency department; inpatient and rehabilitation units; many surgical services; accredited cancer program; a day care; two adult day programs; and the 30-bed Menig Nursing Home, which was named byU.S. News and World Reportas one of the best 39 nursing homes in the country in 2012. The Birthing Center, established in 1977, was the first in Vermont to offer an alternative to the traditional hospital-based deliveries, and continues to be a leader in midwifery and family-centered care. The cancer program is accredited by the Commission on Cancer of the American College of Surgeons.Thehospital’s mission is to improve individuals’ and community health by providing and assuring access to affordable, high-quality health care in Gifford’s service area.
Source: Gifford 8.22.2017.www.lastmileride.com.The 2018 Last Mile Ride will be Friday August17 and Saturday August 18.