(Photo above: grant recipients and Cascade Relays Staff | courtesy of Cascade Relays)
Race organizers donate $40,000 to help smaller nonprofit organizations in Central Oregon.
Cascade Relays, the producer of Central Oregon’s largest single sporting event, Cascade Lakes Relay, and the mastermind behind Bend Beer Chase, announced the formation of the Cascade Relays Foundation. The Foundation will allow Cascade Relays to continue supporting small, local organizations in need. Over 60 charity group leaders, sponsors and community partners were in attendance at the Cascade Relays Foundation Annual Grant Reception held this evening, honoring its 2016 grant recipients.
Scott and Carrie Douglass, co-founders of Cascade Relays and the Foundation, announced the recipients of $40,000 in grant money that include local nonprofits and community groups: The Boys and Girls Club of Central Oregon and The Ronald McDonald House in Bend, as well as lesser known groups, such as the La Pine Senior Center and Silver Lake Community Center. A full list follows below.
Cascade Relays will also grant an additional $10,000 to nonprofits in the communities along its Spokane to Sandpoint Relay and Centennial Beer Chase course routes, for a total of $50,000 in 2016 for all four of its events. Including this year’s donations, Cascade Relays has directly donated a total of $235,000 to local nonprofits and community groups since its founding in 2008.
“We are able to use our strong brand and sporting events to raise funds and awareness for smaller charities who make a big difference in the lives of residents, especially in smaller communities,” said Scott Douglass, founder of Cascade Relays. “Many of these organizations lack large fundraising machines. Our events are unique and well supported because of the local involvement from nonprofits and community groups, and we enjoy giving back to the communities who open their doors to our runners and walkers.”
“Cascade Relays has been one of La Pine Parks and Recreation’s biggest supporters,” said Bo Deforest, Assistant Director at La Pine Parks and Recreation. “In the five years we’ve been working with Cascade Relays, they have contributed over $19,000 to our youth and adult programs. Many people have been able to take advantage of our programs because of the scholarship opportunities Cascade Relays provides. We can’t thank them enough!”
Cascade Relays also provides pro-bono support and free equipment for several local fundraising races throughout the year, including the Boys and Girls Club Thanksgiving Classic and The Ronald McDonald House Striped Sock Walk. “Equipment rentals and race management services can quickly eat away at the profit from a charity run. By donating use of our time and equipment, we can dramatically increase the amount of money raised from these events to directly benefit the mission of the local organization,” said Carrie Douglass, co-owner of Cascade Relays.
2016 Central Oregon Grant Recipients include:
Boys and Girls Club of Bend
CAN Cancer
East Cascades Back Country Horsemen of Oregon
Hawk Hoops Sports
La Pine High School NJROTC
La Pine Lions Club
La Pine Parks and Recreation District
Gilchrist High School Athletics
La Pine Senior Citizens Inc
La Pine YaYa Sisterhood
North Lake High School Athletics
North Lake Stage Rats
North Lake Rodeo Association
Pleasant Ridge Community Hall Association
Ronald McDonald House Charities of Central Oregon
La Pine Veterans Group (VFW/VVA)
Silver Lake Community Center
For more information about Cascade Relays and the communities they give back to, visit www.cascaderelays.com.
About Cascade Relays:
Based in Bend, Oregon, Cascade Relays is a local business with the mission is to provide exceptional race experiences while supporting the local communities its events we travel through. Owners Scott and Carrie Douglass prioritize rural courses, local vendors & small businesses, personal relationships and supporting local non-profits. Cascade Relays currently produces the Cascade Lakes Relay, Bend Beer Chase, Spokane to Sandpoint Relay and Centennial Beer Chase.
