[Congressional Record Volume 142, Number 38 (Tuesday, March 19, 1996)]
[Senate]
[Page S2339]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




           VALLEY HAVEN SCHOOL 20TH ANNIVERSARY HIKE/BIKE/RUN

 Mr. SHELBY. Mr. President, I wish to take a moment and bring 
to my colleagues' attention the 20th anniversary of the Valley Haven 
School Hike/Bike/Run. The Valley Haven School, located in Valley, AL, 
is a school for mentally retarded and multiple handicapped citizens of 
all ages. Started 37 years ago by volunteers, the school is now 
professionally staffed and currently offers skilled training to 95 
students ranging in age from 3 months to 60 years.
  Mr. President, local moneys of $100,000 must be raised each year to 
meet operating expenses and match State and Federal grants. The primary 
source of these funds is the annual Hike/Bike/Run, which consists of a 
5 or 10 mile walk, an 11 or 22 mile bike ride, a skate-a-thon, a 1, 
3.1, or 6.2 mile run, a 5 mile bike ride for children, and the Trike 
Trek for preschoolers.
  Each participant in the Hike/Bike/Run obtains pledges for their 
participation, and all proceeds go directly to Valley Haven to support 
the education and training for handicapped students. In 1995, this 1 
day fundraiser involved over 1,000 participants and 8,000 pledging 
sponsors. The event generated over $100,000 in pledges to support the 
work of the school.
  Mr. President, I would like to congratulate and commend Valley Haven 
and the entire Valley community for displaying such strong support and 
concern for these special students. This year's Hike/Bike/Run will be 
held on Saturday, May 4, and I know that the community will once again 
unite to support this wonderful program and help Valley Haven School 
help its students.

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