Rotary donates $50K raised from CHAFE 150 to local school literacy program

The Sandpoint Rotary Club recently delivered a $50,000 check to the Lake Pend Oreille School District to support its “Everyone Graduates a Reader” initiative. The funds were raised from the 17th annual CHAFE 150 Gran Fondo bike race, which Rotary presents as a one-day ride winding through the scenic lake and river valleys of the Cabinet Mountains in North Idaho and western Montana. The race features road routes of 150, 80, 40 and 25 miles, along with 55- and 75-mile gravel routes and a Family Fun Ride. 

This year’s ride took place June 14 and drew almost 350 participants who hit the road on various routes beginning and ending in Sandpoint with an after-party for both riders and the community as a whole. 

CHAFE 150 has contributed more than $1 million to youth education over the years, with a large portion benefiting local schools and Rotary youth service projects. The Everyone Graduates a Reader program at LPOSD is intended to emphasize “the fundamental right to read for every student, recognizing literacy as a critical tool for personal and academic success,” according to organizers. “When students are proficient readers, they are better equipped in all subjects, improve their communication and develop confidence.”

— Words by Reader staff, courtesy photo