VALLEY — Donations are starting to come in for the 2019 Hike/Bike/Run Auction, which will be taking place at Valley Community Center on the final Friday in April. On Friday morning, Kenny Knox of Kenny Knox Tire, Valley, donated a $400 in-store gift certificate as an auction item and Bob Wilkinson of West Point Tire donated a set of tires for a passenger vehicle. More donations will be announced later.

The Hike/Bike/Run is the annual fundraiser drive for Valley Haven School.

“This year’s goal is to raise $100,000,” said Executive Director Craig Brown. “This money will be used for local match for the state and federal grants that are needed to operate Valley Haven School.”

This volunteer effort brings together hundreds of committed individuals who raise the funds necessary for Valley Haven to receive state and federal grants. It is an approach that has worked for 43 years.

The first major event in this year’s fundraiser will be LaFayette Day.

“The Hike/Bike/Run was extended to LaFayette 22 years ago,” Brown said. “LaFayette Day is a continuing tradition for the local area. On Saturday, April 13, hundreds of people will be in LaFayette to participate in it. This annual event gives everyone another opportunity to take part in this really worthwhile cause. Valley Haven is The Arc Center for individuals with Intellectual or Developmental Disabilities and serves Chambers, Lee and part of Tallapoosa counties.”

Valley Haven School is an independent, nonprofit organization that is designed to help the community meet the needs of its infant and adult citizens with special needs. Each person served is supported in ways that suit the individual’s strengths and learning style. Valley Haven currently offers skilled training to 112 people ranging in age from three months to 82 years.

“Valley Haven is known throughout the state as a model and a strong advocate for the best services for people with special needs,” Brown said.

LaFayette Day includes arts and crafts, antique and classic car shows, children’s activities, a fireman’s competition, live family entertainment, a great variety of food, a motorcycle ride and much more. The hours will be 8 a.m. until 3 p.m. CDT (9 to 4 ET).

Hike/Bike/Run Day is actually the conclusion of almost a month of events. It’s always held on the first Saturday in May, or the same day the Kentucky Derby takes place.

“On Saturday, May 4, participants will be hiking, biking, running, or riding,” Brown said. “Some get pledges for their participation while others make a donation to participate.”

Any participant who raises $50 or more will receive a special Hike/Bike/Run t-shirt. This year’s shirt has an infinity theme, underscoring the point that local support for the Hike/Bike/Run goes on and on.

Prizes are solicited from area business to give to the participants. The Hike/Bike/Run event will start at 8 a.m. EDT at Valley Haven School, located at 6345 Fairfax Bypass in Valley, AL 36854. Activities will go on until around 11:30 a.m..

The annual auction will be getting under way at Valley Community Center at 5:30 p.m. EDT on Friday, April 26. The doors will open at 5 p.m. to give everyone a chance to see all the items that will be up for bids.

The final event for the Hike/Bike/Run will be a bowling tournament will be on Tuesday, May 7 beginning at 6:30 p.m. EDT at Valley Bowl. Bingo will get under way at 7:30 p.m. that evening.

For more information on LaFayette Day call Craig Brown at (334) 756-2868 at Valley Haven School or Lynn Oliver at (334) 219-1890. For more information on the Hike/Bike/Run call Valley Haven School at (334) 756-7801 or 756-2868 or e-mail them at valleyhaven@valleyhavenschool.org. The website is www.valleyhavenschool.org.