In tandem with forthcoming Ironman races in Cambridge, Maryland and Lake Tahoe, California – the Ironman Foundation Community Fund will give back to local communities in these areas, with grant funding to local initiatives and groups.
Since its inception, the Ironman Foundation has provided nearly US$30 million in charitable contributions to support global non-profit initiatives.
Cambridge, Maryland
The Ironman Foundation Community Fund will distribute US$45,000 in grant funding to groups in the greater Cambridge, Maryland community in conjunction with the 2014 Ironman 70.3 Eagleman and Ironman Maryland triathlons.
Ironman Maryland recently became the 12th US location in the Ironman Series, with the inaugural Ironman Maryland triathlon taking place on Saturday 20 September. This event will become the first Ironman race in the Mid-Atlantic region. The Ironman Foundation’s contribution will provide support to non-profit needs and initiatives within the local community.
The proceeds from the Community Fund provide grant opportunities to non-profit organizations in the communities where US Ironman events are held. US$35,000 of the funding will support non-profit organizations with a volunteerism component in and around Cambridge, Maryland.
One US$10,000 community grant will be awarded to the Dorchester County Family YMCA to support the cost of replacing the ceiling of the organization’s gymnasium. This YMCA is 29 years old, has over 4,000 members, offers over 60 group fitness classes per week, and is the only YMCA in the entire county.
“In the current economic climate, it has been extremely difficult to continue to meet the growing needs of children, families and seniors in our community while maintaining a high quality facility,” said JoAnn Hansen, Chief Executive Officer of the Dorchester County Family YMCA.
“Since the Dorchester County Family YMCA’s inception nearly 30 years ago, our facility has been our greatest challenge. We are so grateful to The Ironman Foundation for their support in shoring up our facility’s infrastructure enabling us to provide the types of high quality programs and services so needed in and deserving of this community.”
“Grant funding is one way that The Ironman Foundation leaves a lasting legacy in the communities where Ironman races take place,” said Dave Deschenes, Executive Director of The Ironman Foundation. “We are thrilled to support the Dorchester County Family YMCA with this community grant award, which will allow their organization to meet the health and social service challenges in their community.”
He added, “Through this grant, the YMCA will be able to continue to provide a safe place where children and families can build relationships and find the support needed to build stronger families and communities for a better tomorrow.”
Lake Tahoe, California
The Ironman Foundation Community Fund will distribute US$50,000 in grant funding to initiatives and groups in the greater Lake Tahoe community in conjunction with the 2014 Ironman Lake Tahoe and Ironman 70.3 Lake Tahoe triathlons taking place on Sunday 21 September.
The Ironman Foundation’s contribution will provide support to non-profit needs and initiatives within the local community, and will bring the total donations to US$119,600 in the region.
The Ironman Foundation will provide US$40,000 in volunteer grants and US$10,000 in community grants to non-profit organizations in the greater Lake Tahoe region through The Ironman Foundation’s Community Fund. Volunteer grants will be distributed among selected organizations with a volunteerism component. The US$10,000 of community grant funding was made available through an application process, and will be awarded to selected organizations in the Lake Tahoe region.
One community grant recipient, The Tahoe Fund, will use the funds to support its mission of enhancing the natural environment of the Lake Tahoe Basin by restoring and sustaining the lake for the enjoyment of current and future generations.
“We are thrilled to have the support of The Ironman Foundation in our efforts to remove aquatic invasive weeds in front of the Tahoe City Dam and down the Truckee River,” said Tahoe Fund CEO Amy Berry. “With the support of Ironman and other donors, we will be able to restore the area to its original pristine quality for our residents, visitors and racers to enjoy.”
“We strive to leave a lasting legacy in Ironman race communities by giving back to organizations that make an impact locally through our grant funding process,” said Betsy Langan, Community Relations Manager for The Ironman Foundation.
“The Ironman Foundation received applications from a range of outstanding non-profit organizations, and we are thrilled to be able to provide support to several groups that improve the quality of life and make a difference in and around the Lake Tahoe community.”
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