10/4/2024 – For longtime supporters Harry Grey and Cam McCormick, giving to the Vermont Adaptive Forever endowment is personal. Having been involved with Vermont Adaptive Ski and Sports for years, they have seen firsthand how the organization transforms lives of people living with a disability by providing access to outdoor recreation and adventure. Their commitment to the endowment reflects not just a financial investment but also a shared vision for a future where individuals of all abilities can enjoy the outdoors with confidence and independence.
A Deep Connection to Vermont Adaptive
Harry and Cam’s connection to Vermont Adaptive runs deep.
“Our hope is that by contributing to the endowment, we’re helping Vermont Adaptive thrive long-term,” said Grey. “We want future generations to have the same opportunities—to get outside, to challenge themselves, and to feel the freedom that comes with outdoor adventure.”
For them, Vermont Adaptive represents more than adaptive sports—it’s a place of inclusion, where everyone has the opportunity to push beyond perceived limitations and discover new capabilities.
“We’re not just supporting a cause,” said Grey. “We’re supporting a community where anyone, regardless of ability, can be part of something larger than themselves.”
Both believe that Vermont Adaptive plays a vital role in providing participants with the confidence and skills to live active lives. From skiing to cycling to kayaking, the adaptive sports programs open doors that many thought would remain closed.
“Seeing people out there skiing or kayaking, doing things they never imagined—it’s powerful,” said Grey. “It’s something we want to ensure continues for many years.”
The Importance of Endowment Giving
The Vermont Adaptive Forever endowment was created to ensure that the organization can sustain its mission for generations to come. For Grey and McCormick, supporting the endowment is a way to protect and preserve Vermont Adaptive’s ability to offer life-changing programs.
“As a nonprofit, Vermont Adaptive relies on donations to keep its programs running,” said Grey. “An endowment allows for financial stability, ensuring that more participants can experience the outdoors, regardless of economic fluctuations.”
Vermont Adaptive Forever is managed by the Vermont Community Foundation and is designed to grow over time and provide consistent financial support through interest earned. This stability is critical, McCormick noted, as it allows the organization to plan for the future with confidence.
“It’s about sustainability,” said McCormick. “Giving to the endowment is a way to make sure Vermont Adaptive is strong not just today, but for years down the road. We’re investing in something bigger than ourselves. We want to see Vermont Adaptive flourish for decades, and that requires long-term support.”
How You Can Help
Please join Harry and Cam, and others with the same passion for inclusive outdoor sports and recreation, in shaping the future of Vermont Adaptive by contributing to the Vermont Adaptive Forever endowment. Whether through a one-time donation or a legacy gift, your support will provide vital resources to keep adaptive sports programs growing and accessible for all. Learn more at: vermontadaptive.org/endowment.
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.
