Community Corner
Central Mass. Fundraiser Raises Nearly $11K For Worcester Nonprofit
More than 250 people took part in the 41st annual Valley Friendship Tour in June, raising funds for Open Sky Community Services.
WORCESTER, MA — More than 250 people took part in the 41st annual Valley Friendship Tour in June, raising nearly $110,000 for Open Sky Community Services.
The fundraiser on June 6 began and ended at Alternatives’ Whitin Mill and supported Open Sky’s nearly 150 programs for children, adults and families across Central Massachusetts facing mental health challenges, intellectual and developmental disabilities, substance use disorders, brain injury, homelessness and other complex challenges.
Open Sky Community Services is a Worcester-based nonprofit behavioral health and human services agency that serves more than 8,000 people annually through programs across Central Massachusetts.
Participants walked, ran and biked through the Blackstone Valley, with options including a 1-mile walk, 5K run or walk and a 30-mile bike ride.
“The Valley Friendship Tour is a visual representation of Open Sky’s mission — individuals of all abilities coming together in the community with purpose,” Open Sky President and CEO Ken Bates said in a statement. “We are grateful to this community that has been created over the past four decades and for its unwavering support of our neighbors throughout Central Massachusetts facing complex challenges.”
Teresa Pitaro, a Norwood resident with a family member served by Open Sky, was the event’s top fundraiser for the fifth year in a row. She raised nearly $7,000 for this year’s tour.
The all-day event also included lunch, live music, raffles and entertainment on the Dennis H. Rice Community Plaza at Alternatives’ Whitin Mill.
