This ride could not happen without the generous contributions of seven important Door County charitable organizations. These groups will be out on the course supporting riders with food, fluids, and smiles throughout the routes, and their organizations will be receiving a donation from the ride.
Door County may be home to more non-profits per capita than any place else in the country, and they are desperately needed to support social services, our environment and access to public lands, education, and the local economy. We can’t thank them enough. Here’s a little more about each of them.
Friends of Peninsula State Park
Station: Clark Park
The Friends of Peninsula State Park is dedicated to supporting interpretive, natural and recreational opportunities at Peninsula State Park, Door County. The group has never been more important than it is today. The Friends offer financial assistance and volunteers to support the many initiatives that keep this park one of the top destinations for outdoor enthusiasts in the state, supporting not just the park, but the local economy.
Shepherd of the Bay
Baptist Church
Shepherd of the Bay Youth Group raises money to support summer trips for the high school youth (grades 9-12). The trips rotate every summer between a mission trip, adventure trip, and a national youth gathering. By raising money for the trips, costs can be kept to a minimum for families. “The youth are grateful for the fundraising opportunity provided through the Fall Challenge,” said Rest Stop captain Jane Burress.
Some of the adventure trips they have been on include: backpacking and whitewater rafting in Colorado, a voyager canoe trip around the Apostle Islands, a houseboat trip in Voyager National Park, and backpacking the Porcupine Mountains.
Mission trips they have participated in are working at Bethesda Sunrise Camp 24/7 with intellectually and physically challenged adults in a camp setting, building homes in Guatemala, helping out at a school and painting homes on Pine Ridge Reservation, and an urban immersion retreat in Minneapolis working with the homeless in a variety of settings.
National Youth gatherings, which include mission work, have been in New Orleans, San Antonio, Detroit, Atlanta, and St. Louis. Besides service projects, the event includes inspirational speakers, a variety of music, workshops, and all kinds of hands on experiences.
These are opportunities for youth to have experiences that are outside their comfort zone, quiet time to reflect and grow in their faith, and a chance to serve others in a variety of situations and cultures. The youth group meets twice a month during the school year for dinner and devotions. Over $60,000 dollars has been raised for World Vision’s 30 Hour Famine through their participation over the years. Bargains Unlimited, Scandia Retirement Center, Northern Door Child Care, Habitat for Humanity, and other local organizations have also been recipients of their volunteer efforts over the years. The group welcomes any interested senior high youth. No religious affiliation is required.
Gibraltar Booster Club
Station: Post-ride meal, Waterfront Park
The Gibraltar Booster Club has been supporting this ride since it started in 2013. They use their donation to support Gibraltar School Athletics, supplementing improvements to facilities, supplies, and strengthening connections between the school and its community.
Egg Harbor Historical Society
Station: Murphy Park
The Egg Harbor Historical Society makes Egg Harbor History come alive for future generations through the collection, preservation and sharing of the heritage of Egg Harbor. The society is currently working to restore and repurpose the Door County Bookmobile, which for generations served as a connection to the outside world for peninsula children. The society will resurrect the bookmobile as historymobile, bringing historical presentations and displays to people throughout Door County.
Sevastopol Music, Arts, and Theater Guild
Station: Cave Point
The Sevastopol Music, Art and Theater Guild is a sub-committee of the Sevastopol Education Foundation, Inc. a 501(c)3, non- profit organization. Sevastopol M.A.T. is an all-volunteer organization, administered by a committee of volunteers comprised of parents and community members from the Sevastopol area.
Rotary Club Door County North
Station: Nor Door Cherry Plant
Rotary Club Door County North supports education, environmental, and health and social services organizations throughout the Door Peninsula.
Friends of Gibraltar
Station: Wickman House
Friends of Gibraltar is an organization that has been providing unique educational opportunities in support of the arts to the Gibraltar School community for over 30 years.
