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Show love for neighbors in need: Registration now open for 2019 Point to Point, powered by VSECU

Annual cycling and running fundraiser brings thousands together to benefit the Vermont Foodbank

MONTPELIER, VT (February 15, 2019) — Do you have a love for physical fitness and for philanthropy? Set your passions up on a date at the 2019 Point to Point, powered by VSECU.

The cycling and running event was created in 2002 to raise funds and awareness for the Vermont Foodbank’s mission to end the growing problem of hunger in Vermont. One in four Vermonters are not sure where their next meal is coming from and, according to the Vermont Foodbank, the majority of those people are Vermont’s most vulnerable residents: children and seniors. Over the years, this event has become the Foodbank’s largest fundraiser, bringing in well over $100,000 annually to support their efforts.

On August 10, 2019, the Point to Point, powered by VSECU, will give riders the chance to tackle 100-, 50-, or 25-mile road rides, and a 20-mile mountain bike ride that includes a private trail network usually off-limits to the public. In addition, there’s a new 27-mile “gravel grinder” for those who like to ride scenic dirt roads. Runners can sign up for a half marathon through the woods on the Ascutney Trails. All events start and finish at Ascutney Trails at the base of Ascutney Mountain in Brownsville.

The finish line is where even more fun starts, with the P2P Festival featuring games, bicycle demos and repair workshops, a Family Fun Zone, post-ride food trucks, live music by a special guest (stay tuned!), and plenty of beer from Harpoon Brewery.

“The most rewarding part of powering the Point to Point is building a community of generous Vermonters who come together to have fun for a great cause,” said Simeon Chapin, Director of Community and Social Development at VSECU. “One of the credit union’s goals is helping to meet the essential needs of Vermonters. Our staff are proud to be part of this team who comes together on one day in an overwhelming show of support for the Foodbank’s important work.”

Registration includes course rest stops with food and fuel for participants, a post-event meal from the food trucks, craft beer from Harpoon Brewery, an event t-shirt, a commemorative pint glass, and more. This year, in addition to other gifts at personal fundraising goals, every participant who raises more than $200 will be entered to win a new road or mountain bike, donated by Onion River Outdoors and Paradise Sports.

“The Point to Point is an incredible event that helps make our work possible year-round,” said Vermont Foodbank CEO John Sayles. “We’re so grateful to VSECU, and all of the participants, for their commitment to helping us end hunger in Vermont.”

The Point to Point has raised awareness and more than $1.6 million over 17 years for the Vermont Foodbank’s mission to fight hunger. The 2019 Point to Point, powered by VSECU, is presented thanks to the support of the event’s sponsors: Ascutney Outdoors, Ascutney Trails, Bicycle Express, Cabot, Catamount Solar, Cowbell Mobile Bike Shop, Fiserv, Front Porch Forum, Green Mountain Bike Patrol, Hanover Co-op Food Stores, Harpoon, Kinney Pike, Local Motion, Minuteman Press, Old Spokes Home, Onion River Outdoors, Paradise Sports, Presidio, Skinny Pancake, Sport Trails of the Ascutney Basin, The Point, TomTom, Untapped, Vermont Artisan Coffee and Tea Co., Vermont Foodbank, Vermont Sports, WCAX, and White River Toyota.

Visit www.thepointtopoint.org for more information, registration, and volunteer sign-up. All funds raised through the Point to Point are donated directly to the Vermont Foodbank.

About VSECU

VSECU, a division of New England Federal Credit Union, is a member-owned cooperative and not for profit credit union for everybody who lives or works in Vermont, offering a full range of affordable financial products and services to its member-owners. VSECU is committed to improving the lives of Vermonters by empowering possibilities for greater social, environmental, and financial prosperity. For more information about VSECU, call 802/800 371-5162 or visit www.vsecu.com.