When Travis - an 8th grader at Essex Middle School - began attending bike mechanics workshops at Bike Recycle Vermont on Friday afternoons, it never crossed his mind that he'd be leading a fundraiser for Local Motion. But then his best friend Austin, a 7th grader, received a letter in the mail - and the two hatched a plan.

"Austin had been volunteering at Bike Recycle Vermont, and because of that he was included in a solicitation mailing," says the boys' teacher, Kim Desjardins. "The program is close to their hearts and they wanted to do something meaningful to help."

On January 17th, the two students launched a four-day bake sale, held during lunchtimes at their school. After proposing the idea to Local Motion (how could we refuse?), Travis and Austin coordinated the logistics and staffed the table. Board member David Maher of Essex stopped by the sale on January 19th - and reports that while the boys make solid goodwill ambassadors (they enjoyed handing out Local Motion stickers to their customers), they make even better fundraisers.

"By the time I arrived, they'd already collected $120," says David. "It was clear they were having a great time." The enthusiasm was infectious.

"Really, I haven't stopped smiling since I heard about this," says Marion Carter, Local Motion's IT guru. "Everything about the sale is remarkably sweet."*

When the sale ended on Friday afternoon, January 20th, Austin and Travis were excited to tally their final sales figures: $164.04 in support of Local Motion. And their generosity doesn't stop there; in May, the two will be hosting a bike ride and barbecue in support of COTS. (Check our online calendar for details if you'd like to participate; we'll post more info once we have it).

To steal a line from the picture at right: It's true. Travis and Austin really are awesome! We're incredibly grateful for their support.

If you'd like to host your own fun!(d)raising event,  This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it or give her a call at (802) 861-2700 x104.

*Do you know Marion? If not, then yes: pun intended!