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VALLEY — A rainy Saturday morning held down participation in this year’s Hike/Bike/Run fundraiser for Valley Haven School. Even so, more than $50,000 in pledges was generated, pushing the overall total to more than $83,000 with more donations still to come in.

“We were disappointed with it being a rainy day, but we’re very grateful for what we did raise this year,” said Valley Haven Executive Director Craig Brown.

“It will help us to continue providing the services we offer at Valley Haven School. What we raise in the Hike/Bike/Run is the local match we need to receive state and federal funds.”

Next year will be an anniversary year for the Hike/Bike/Run. The first one took place in 1977 and 2026 will mark 50 years of having a Hike/Bike/Run for Valley Haven.

A steady rain was falling when the one-mile run, one-mile walk, 4K and 5K races took place. Because of the weather, participation was much less than it usually is on Hike/Bike/Run day.

Among the truly dedicated runners to have strong finishes were Christian James, Deven James, June Majors, Kathy Givens, Craig Bailey, Roger Keel, James Majors and Don Cleveland.

The top fundraisers in this year’s Hike/Bike/ Diane Greene, Bobby Harris, Jeffery Westfall, Angela Maddux, Marshall Minton, Johnny Nelloms, Brenda Jones, Maddy Herrington, Tristan Ross, Mary B. Lett, Jarrett Clark and Stephen Fornier.

This year’s LaFayette Day took place on Saturday, April 12th in downtown LaFayette. The weather was great that day and close to $11,000 was raised.

The auction took place at the school on Friday evening, April 25th. Participation was good and an estimated $8,500 was raised.

The annual Peach Walk took place the following Friday afternoon at the Georgia Welcome Center on I-85. Other events included Little Caesar’s Night and Skate Night at The Skatin’ Rink in Valley.

The Arc of the Chattahoochee Valley operates Valley Haven School.

Its mission is to provide education, training, special instruction and other services for preschool children who are developmentally delayed and adults who are intellectually disabled and not receiving services from any other school.