10/29/2024 – “I contacted Vermont Adaptive in early 2013 during the first of my two years of skiing 100+ days at Killington,” said Sarah DeBlois. “It was too late in the ski season to become an official volunteer, but they allowed me to shadow for a few days to experience Vermont Adaptive in action. I returned the following year, completed my training and began several years volunteering. The energy and sheer joy of the clients and staff was inspirational and contagious.
“Several years later, I suggested to my husband, Art Sills, that we meet with Erin (Fernandez) at the Pico facility. I wanted him to be better informed about Vermont Adaptive. Both Erin and Tommy (Alcorn) met with us and gave us an in-depth tour. Not only do I remember our fascination with learning the details about each piece of equipment that Pico had at that time, but we witnessed the enormous sense of pride that Erin and Tommy have about all that Vermont Adaptive has done and plans for the future.
“We learned a lot that day and left with a far greater understanding of the inner workings of Vermont Adaptive. As a business, we were both impressed with their tightly run operations, professionalism and better understood their Mission. After that visit, my husband and I began making yearly contributions of $10K or more to Vermont Adaptive. In 2016, I joined the Board.
“Growing up, I was a skinny kid who loved math, the outdoors and all sports. I had a harder time learning to read and later learned that I was dyslexic. Sports was where I could excel and I loved the thrill of competing. When I was 8, I learned to ski at Cannon Mountain in NH and raced on my high school ski team. In college, I played varsity field hockey and tennis. Later on, I ran marathons and competed in triathlons, but skiing was always, and still is, my true passion. Playing sports, competing and being outdoors helped me enormously. I gained much self-esteem. It was my happy place and allowed me to stay more focused on areas of my life that were harder. While these are my feelings, I know they must echo with Vermont Adaptive clients.
“After a brief career in finance, I found my true professional passion in elementary teaching. Later on, I became a math specialist and even coached the Math Club where some students competed in Math League. I enjoy helping others learn, setting goals, and helping them meet those goals.
“I know how important an organization like Vermont Adaptive is to individuals with disabilities. Having fun, being outside, learning skills, building self-esteem and independence are all fostered with each outing. These elements are central to Vermont Adaptive’s Mission and they resonate with me. Everyone should be encouraged to partake and strive to excel in all aspects of life and the more ways, the better. Vermont Adaptive provides multiple opportunities for this to happen and all in a social setting that is safe and fun.
“In addition, the benefits are also passed on to their families. Many of Vermont Adaptive activities are multi-generational sports, such as skiing, sailing, biking, and horse-back riding. When clients are able to participate in these activities, the benefits flow to their families as well, as they can now enjoy these activities together.
Why Contribute to the Vermont Adaptive Forever Endowment?
“Building up the Endowment Fund has been a personal goal of mine. Early on as a Board member, I recognized the need to focus on this one element to bring greater financial stability to Vermont Adaptive. In addition, it sends a clear message to others that I am confident that Vermont Adaptive will not only survive as an organization but will thrive in the future.
“My life has truly been enriched in so many ways since I first began my involvement with Vermont Adaptive. Early on, I enjoyed my time volunteering at Pico and socializing. Later on, I’m proud of my involvement on the Board for nearly eight years and the friendships with staff and board members. Three years ago, we sold our Killington condo after 19 wonderful years and now, I only ski at Snowbird where my daughter works as the Senior Director of Marketing. However, my commitment to Vermont Adaptive remains strong.
“I will continue to financially support Vermont Adaptive in the future, because I believe in what they do and they do it so well. The impact of the positivity of Vermont Adaptive on their clients is enormous. I encourage everyone to give and to give generously.”
For more information on how to give, contact Erin Fernandez, Executive Director, at 802.353.8129 or director@vermontadaptive.org. You can also donate directly online here.
