They ran, they biked, they kayaked, they swam, and they raised some big bucks.
A pack of athletically-inclined Coupeville parents put in 19 hours of outdoor activity over Labor Day weekend, pulling off “Circumnavigate Whidbey 2018: The Traverse” and raising $21,000.
James Steller, Greg White, Neil Rixe and Andrew Wyman piled up more than 150 miles as they worked their way around Whidbey Island.
Money raised through donations goes to help the Community Foundation for Coupeville Public Schools, which funds educator grants, awards scholarships to graduating CHS seniors, and provides assistance to financially disadvantaged students.
Founded in 1997, the group’s mission is to “provide an extra measure of support to students and educators at Coupeville Public Schools.”
Steller, a marathoner and endurance runner, launched the inaugural “Circumnavigate Whidbey” last year, and this time around was joined by fellow parents, which lightened the assault on his body (at least a little).
“I love where we live. The people and this island’s beauty and rural nature are amazing,” he said. “Our families and friends are special!
“The finishing lines were so heartwarming,” Steller added. “Each day we were tired, but the loud cheers from the big crowds made it all worthwhile.”
The group was almost down a member at the start, as Wyman was in a bad bike accident while training, but he was able to bounce back and participate in the running part of the event.
As they navigated the waters and road of Whidbey, the group came face-to-face with Orca whales while kayaking.
All four men are fathers of school-age children, and their offspring came along for the adventure, as support staff, and, in some cases, putting in miles running with their dads.
“It was really fun to have the Coupeville kiddos with us for portions of the course,” Steller said.
Numerous people helped to make the weekend event a success, and Steller sent a special thank you out to one of them.
“I want to recognize Chic Merwine, the president of the Foundation, who just recently retired from his job at Coupeville schools,” Steller said. “He dedicates so much of his life to the district and has made such a big difference.”
Whether they provided assistance, cheered from the sidelines or chipped in with money, the many members of the community who backed the event will see it pay off in the coming months and years.
“The folks and businesses that supported the effort with donations – thank you!,” Steller said. “There will be at least 15 or so innovative and enriching grants for teachers that will affect so many of our Coupeville students because of you!”
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