What is Valley Haven School, Hike, Bike, Run, and LaFayette Day?
Valley Haven is The Arc Center for Chambers and Lee Counties and serves this whole area. It is an independent, non-profit organization that is designed to help our community meet the needs of its citizens with special needs. Started 60 years ago by volunteers, the school is now professionally staffed by excellent, long term teachers and other professionals. Each person served is supported in ways that suit the individual’s strengths and learning style. Valley Haven currently offers skilled training to 112 people ranging in age from 3 months to 83 years. Valley Haven is known throughout the state as a model and a strong advocate for the best services for people with special needs.
Hike/Bike/Run is the fund drive for Valley Haven School each year. The goal is to raise $100,000.00 for the local match for the state and federal grants that operate Valley Haven School. This volunteer effort brings together hundreds of committed individuals. Together they raise the necessary funds so that Valley Haven can get state and federal grants. It is an approach that has worked for over 40 years.
Only 10% of every dollar raised goes to pay campaign cost. The cost of Hike/Bike/Run is lower than most other fund raising campaigns because all the work is done volunteers. A great team of area people generously volunteer their time to this cause each year. Hike/Bike/Run is one of the most cost-efficient and effective ways to meet our community’s need for services for children and adults with handicapping conditions.
Hike/Bike/Run actually is the conclusion of a month of events. One of the first events is always LaFayette Day for Valley Haven. It is held the second Saturday in April every year. This year it will be Saturday, April 13th from 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. EST. The Hike/Bike/Run tradition, which began 43 years ago was extended into LaFayette twenty-two years ago. LaFayette Day includes Arts and Crafts, Antique Car Show, Children’s Games and Rides, Live Family Entertainment, a wide variety of food, a Motorcycle Ride from Lanett, and much more.
The dollars that are generously given through Hike/Bike/Run and LaFayette Day are handled very carefully. All contributions are overseen by a volunteer Board of Directors. The Board of Directors of the Valley Haven School takes its responsibilities very seriously and has all funds audited by a CPA each year.
On Hike/Bike/Run Day, May 4th participants hike, bike, run, or ride. They get pledges for their participation or can just make a donation to participate. Participants raising $50.00 or more receive a special Hike/Bike/Run t-shirt. Prizes are also solicited from area business to give to the participants.
Hike/Bike/Run will start at 8:00 a.m. ET at Valley Haven School, located at 6345 Fairfax Bypass, in Valley AL 36854. Activities will go on until around 11:30 a.m. ET.
There will also be an auction at The Valley Community Center on Friday, April 26th, starting at 5:30 p.m. ET, which will also benefit Valley Haven School. Food will be available.
Valley Haven is a tax exempt 501 (c) (3), organization so all donations are tax exempt. Our legal name is The Arc of the Chattahoochee Valley, Inc.
For more information on Hike/Bike/Run or Valley Haven School call Valley Haven School at 334-756-2868, or e-mail us at valleyhaven@valleyhavenschool.org or visit our website at www.valleyhavenschool.org.