<\/p>\n
The 12 Hours of Mesa Verde mountain bike race at Phil\u2019s World was canceled in 2020 because of the pandemic, but kids who benefit from the charity event did not lose out.<\/p>\n
That\u2019s because sponsors and many of the 800 registered riders decided to leave their money in the pot so donations to local youth programs could continue, said race board member Cap Allen.<\/p>\n
\u201cThe generosity of this community stands out, and we want to express our deepest gratitude. It\u2019s a great endorsement for the cause,\u201d he said.<\/p>\n
With the money left in, the race organization was able to disburse $42,000 to local agencies, including $14,000 to the Pi\u00f1on Project Family Center, $14,000 to the Four Corners Child Advocacy Coalition and $14,000 to the Good Samaritan Food Bank.<\/p>\n
In 2019, $66,000 of race proceeds was donated to local organizations that support the wellness needs of the younger population.<\/p>\n
The annual influx of funding pays for a therapist serving youth suffering from mental and physical trauma, said Rose Jergens, executive director or the Advocacy Center.<\/p>\n
\u201cBefore their generous donations, we could only budget for a therapist two days a week; now we have an office and a therapist on four days per week,\u201d she said.<\/p>\n
Since the race inception in 2003, more than $500,000 has been donated to various local agencies. The race is organized by volunteers, and has no paid staff, Allen said.<\/p>\n
\u201cThe mission has always been to host a great race and that the revenues \u2013 minus race expenses \u2013 be donated to support local programs,\u201d Allen said.<\/p>\n
Race organizers had hoped to reschedule the event for October, but the pandemic situation did not allow for it. Registered participants were offered a 50% refund.<\/p>\n