2021 Recap: Coupeville Run, Ride and Reunite
by James Steller, Foundation Board Member, Husband, and Father of a Coupeville Wolf (Junior)
As I sit down to put together my reflections of this years Run, Ride, and Reunite Fundraiser, I can not help but be tired and fulfilled. The day ended with my closest friends and family, chilling out at Coupeville Town Park. Kids playing together, adults reminiscing. No one was looking at their phones, we were together for the first time in 2 years, and as I powered through the apple pie, it just felt nostalgic. We saw dozens of kids and family gather to run 6 miles, a healthy group of about a dozen rode 11 miles, and we all reconvened for food. The weather was great - not hot, not wet, fall sneaking up and the heavy marine fog trying to burn off. All the details and planning came together and everyone seemed to have a good time. AND fundraising - our community is wonderful and I am proud to say, we blew away the fundraising goal of $10,000 - surpassing $16,000 when all was said and done including the generous matching gift from Gordon and Christie Sears. $16,000 will go towards scholarships, grants for teachers, and equity for education. It is really gratifying - even if it is a lot of work!
The words (Coupeville Run, Ride, and Reunite) are new - but this event marked the 5th time this fundraiser has been held. Previously, this was called Circumnavigate Whidbey - and it consisted of a few hardy athletes attempting very hard feats of endurance on this beautiful island. This year, as former athletes were not able to reassemble and nursing my own injuries - I put some deep thoughts into what brings me joy. It is always the kids and the community. I love the start line pics, I love seeing my family at aid stations, I love the views, and then the friends who get together afterwards to hang out. So to be a bit selfish, why not more of that? So we cut down the distances to attract more folks to participate and threw in the barbeque to bring back the nostalgia of community gatherings that I remember growing up.
In this 5th year, we have surpassed a staggering $100,000 of fundraising which means so much for a school system that is less than 1000 students but has the most caring and innovative teachers in the world. This Foundation has so many people who are deeply connected with the schools - former educators and administrators - parents of alumni - we just can't help but want to provide our schools with every opportunity. Each year, we are appropriating about $45,000 in support so you know this event makes a huge difference.
I must thank and acknowledge the support and patience of my family - who always get pulled into the planning, participation, and my worrying about every detail the months before this event occurs. Our closest friends, the Wymans, have participated, donated, and volunteered for this event since the beginning. So many very generous donors support this effort year after year, it truly does rekindle my spirit to put this on each year. And our community - I am so happy to see you again. Here is wishing that 2022 will allow for more of us to reconnect.
I hope you enjoy the slideshow of fun pics from the event!
Sincerely
James Steller
The words (Coupeville Run, Ride, and Reunite) are new - but this event marked the 5th time this fundraiser has been held. Previously, this was called Circumnavigate Whidbey - and it consisted of a few hardy athletes attempting very hard feats of endurance on this beautiful island. This year, as former athletes were not able to reassemble and nursing my own injuries - I put some deep thoughts into what brings me joy. It is always the kids and the community. I love the start line pics, I love seeing my family at aid stations, I love the views, and then the friends who get together afterwards to hang out. So to be a bit selfish, why not more of that? So we cut down the distances to attract more folks to participate and threw in the barbeque to bring back the nostalgia of community gatherings that I remember growing up.
In this 5th year, we have surpassed a staggering $100,000 of fundraising which means so much for a school system that is less than 1000 students but has the most caring and innovative teachers in the world. This Foundation has so many people who are deeply connected with the schools - former educators and administrators - parents of alumni - we just can't help but want to provide our schools with every opportunity. Each year, we are appropriating about $45,000 in support so you know this event makes a huge difference.
I must thank and acknowledge the support and patience of my family - who always get pulled into the planning, participation, and my worrying about every detail the months before this event occurs. Our closest friends, the Wymans, have participated, donated, and volunteered for this event since the beginning. So many very generous donors support this effort year after year, it truly does rekindle my spirit to put this on each year. And our community - I am so happy to see you again. Here is wishing that 2022 will allow for more of us to reconnect.
I hope you enjoy the slideshow of fun pics from the event!
Sincerely
James Steller
