Lake Chelan Rotary prepares for 2nd Annual Vineyard Runs

CHELAN – Summertime in the Chelan Valley brings a number of fun-runs and marathons, as well as bountiful vineyards and blossoming orchards. But, the Lake Chelan Rotary stepped outside the norm with their 2nd Annual Vineyard Run.
Proceeds from the trail running challenges and fun run will go toward the “Promise” scholarship through the Rotary. The scholarship, unlike traditional scholarships, focuses on high school students that may be facing barriers or hardships and at-risk circumstances that may make completing high school and attending continued education difficult. “It’s to encourage high school students to inspire to further their education beyond high school,” explained Jan Fedor with Lake Chelan Rotary, “by providing them an opportunity, while still in high school, to earn scholarship funds for post-high school studies. There’s a number of kids out there who are at-risk,” he continued, “it could be economic or other factors that may prevent them from realizing their full potential.” School faculty at both Chelan and Manson will select students from their schools whom they believe will most benefit from the scholarship, then interviewed by Rotary. “What has to happen is that child has to stay in school, and had the end of their sophomore year they’re awarded $500 toward their scholarship that’s kept in a trust for them, junior year another $500,” he stated, “then senior year another either $1,000 or $1,500 for a total (up to) $2,500 that they can use for technical school or any other kind of education.”
The scholarship does have requirements, as most scholarships do. The student must maintain a 2.0 GPA and must be in attendance to remain eligible. The schools will select the students at the end of their freshman year. “It’s really different,” Fedor explained. The scholarship is a tool to incentivize students to remain in school and continue their education after graduation, even in extenuating circumstances.
Peaked your interest? If you’re looking to help support the Promise Scholarship Program, or even to get out and enjoy a challenging run in the valley, the Rotary’s Vineyard Runs offers two challenges this year, the redesigned 5K Challenge, which offers an 800 ft. elevation gain and the new 10K Challenge with a 1,600 ft. elevation gain. The 5K will begin at Tsillan Cellars and run through Tunnel Hill Vineyards. The 10K Challenge is in addition to the 5K route, that loops up and around the mountainous terrain. There are also a 5K Fun Run and 2.5K Fun Run taking place. All races will be awarding top three males and top three females, with special awards for the two fun run races for top finishers with a dog. This year also features new chip timing for each contestant with BuDu Racing out of Seattle.
There will also be a silent auction taking place on race day, explained Fedor. “There will be around 26 different items,” he stated, “and they’re just incredible.” The event will also have face painting available for the children and young at heart, as well as hot dogs, and live music by Woody Debris. “It’s an awesome weekend because Jazz Fest is going on for the first time,” expressed Fedor, “barrel tasting is also going on … but, our event does not conflict with any of them.”
Registration for the four races begins at 8 a.m., with both challenge races beginning at 9 a.m., the 5K Fun Run beginning at 10:00 a.m. and the 2.5K Fun Run beginning at 10:30 a.m.
For more information on the Rotary Vineyard Runs or silent auction,
visit lakechelanrotary.org/vineyard-challenge.