Whitinsville, MA - Valley Friendship Tour, Alternatives’ signature fundraiser, will be held June 12th, at Alternatives’ Whitin Mill, 50 Douglas Road in Whitinsville.

Join Alternatives in celebrating 25 years of this wonderful community event. Participants can travel along one of five non-competitive routes, including a “Golden” Mile walk through Whitinsville, both a 5k and 10k walk/jog through Northbridge, and both a 25 and 50 mile bike ride through the Blackstone Valley. Following the event, participants will enjoy a complimentary lunch, live music, and great prizes! Both teams and individuals are welcome; pre-registration is $20, while registration day-of is $25. Teams that are formed by non-profits or community organizations, and raise more than $1,000, will have half the money they raise returned to their organization as part of a community-building effort. Registration on-line at www.alternatives.dojiggy.com

Two participants who have really made a difference for Valley Friendship Tour are Kevin Hunt, of Worcester Restaurant Group, and Helen Scott, of Gaudette Insurance. Both Helen and Kevin have been involved with the Tour’s top two fundraising teams for several years, and Helen has participated since its inception. Gerry Gaudette was instrumental in bringing the Tour into existence 25 years ago, and so those who participate from Gaudette Insurance feel a sense of pride and loyalty. Helen, a representative of the team Gerry’s Gang, says “It’s great to know our support contributes to Alternatives’ continuing growth and dreams…Friends helping friends.” Gerry’s Gang has been the 2nd highest fundraising team for years. This year the team will walk in memory of their long-time team member, John Kidder.

The Worcester Restaurant Group, comprised of The Sole Proprietor, One Eleven Chop House, and VIA Italian Table, has been involved with Alternatives for over 20 years, with employees serving on the Board of Directors, various committees, and supporting the Valley Friendship Tour through participation, volunteering, and fund raising. Started by Robb Ahlquist, the original Sole Rider, this year the Sole Riders hopes to field a team of nearly twenty employees, family, friends, and business associates. Kevin says of the event, “I find it gratifying working with Alternatives knowing that the funds I raise directly support the programs and individuals which Alternatives serve.” He adds “Each year I am humbled by the amazing staff and volunteers who help make the Tour, and the entire Alternatives organization, the community leader that it is.”

Since its inception, Valley Friendship Tour has raised more than $1 million. Proceeds from the Valley Friendship Tour enable Alternatives to purchase much needed adaptive equipment and furnishings for programs, continue the Community Bridging Grant program, and support health and wellness initiatives across the agency.

Alternatives Unlimited, Inc. is a non-profit human services agency currently serving over 1,200 adults with developmental and psychiatric disabilities in 55 residential, employment and day programs throughout Central Massachusetts. For more information about Alternatives, visit our website at www.alternativesnet.org.