Why Fundraise?

The Colorado-Eagle River Ride is a charity ride with the sole purpose of raising funds and awareness for a cause. The cause? Investing in positive youth development through SOS Outreach.

About SOS Outreach

Colorado-Eagle River Ride is the single largest fundraising event of the year for youth charity SOS Outreach. SOS Outreach was founded in 1993 in Colorado’s Vail Valley and has since grown to serve over 5,500 youth in 14 states as well as in New Zealand.

If you have ever rock climbed, you know the impact it can have on a person’s self-confidence, focus and appreciation for the outdoors. If you have ever snowboarded you know the impact it has on one’s courage, persistence and self-motivation. As you ride your bike through the Rockies you know the impact of something as pure as spending a whole day being active outdoors. These are the experiences we strive to provide for youth across the county who need a little extra guidance and some time outside the house.

One hundred percent of the proceeds and rider-raised dollars from CERR go back to SOS Outreach to provide opportunities to more and more youth each year. It is our hope that our students graduate SOS programs as an active member in their community and with a strong understanding of the importance of giving back. That said, we salute the riders and fundraisers in this year’s ride and wish them the best of luck in their training and fundraising! Go get ‘em!
Visit the SOS site to find out more!

Why is youth development so important and worthy of your time, money and perspiration?

• A recent survey by the Afterschool Alliance found that in 2005/2006, three in four afterschool programs were full or overcrowded and 86% of the providers surveyed said that children in their communities who need afterschool programs do not have access to them.
• Every dollar invested in high quality afterschool programs saves tax payers on average $3.00, mentoring programs save an average of $5.29 for every dollar spent.
• Studies have found that youth development and/or after school programs are essential to the well being of today’s youth and are quickly becoming the most promising resource to help close the achievement gap in schools.

If you think of yourself as just a fundraiser, you’re selling yourself short. Successful fundraising is a way to spread the word about SOS Outreach. You become an ambassador who increases awareness, education and passion for our cause – by making it your own. It’s an opportunity to feel empowered by enhancing the lives of others. It’s a way to teach other adults and children to be good stewards of their community.