Kelly Brush Ride raises more than $521,000

By Published On: September 18th, 2017Comments Off on Kelly Brush Ride raises more than $521,000

The 12th Annual Kelly Brush Ride powered by VBT Bicycling and Walking Vacations drew 810 cyclists and 40 adaptive athletes, who raised more than $521,000 to empower those with paralysis through sport and recreation and to prevent ski racing injuries. The event was held Saturday, Sept. 9 in Middlebury, Vt.

“This incredible level of support from participants, and those who supported them, will help us continue improving the lives of those with paralysis through sport and recreation and further our mission to prevent ski racing injuries,” said Zeke Davisson, executive director of the Kelly Brush Foundation. “Last year, we had nearly 200 requests for assistance purchasing adaptive gear and we expect that number to grow this year, as it has every year since we started the foundation more than a decade ago.”

To date, funds raised from the event have contributed to the purchase of more than 475 pieces of adaptive sports equipment such as handcycles, sport wheelchairs and monoskis to adaptive athletes in 47 states. In addition, the foundation has supported ski clubs and race organizations across the country in efforts to improve ski racing safety, helping protect thousands of racers around the country with safety netting, trail widening projects and awareness campaigns. Kelly Brush, together with her family, started the foundation in 2006 after she sustained a severe spinal cord injury while racing in NCAA Division 1 competition as a member of the Middlebury College Ski Team in Vermont. The Kelly Brush Foundation affirms Kelly’s ongoing commitment to live life on her own terms and better the lives of others living with paralysis.

The Kelly Brush Ride powered by VBT Bicycling and Walking Vacations is made possible thanks to the generosity of many participants, volunteers and sponsors including: VBT Bicycling and Walking Vacations, Audi South Burlington, Sugarbush Resort, World Cup Supply, Murphy Realty Company and more than 30 other generous sponsors.

Release courtesy of the Kelly Brush Foundation

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