You add color into the lives of the people we serve, so we’re going to add some color to yours.

We realize that not everyone owns a bike, so we are excited to bring back the Color Our World event. This one-mile walk/run through Middlebury Community Schools’ campus is fully accessible to both wheelchairs and strollers.

Why a color run/walk? It’s metaphorical, really. Although ADEC receives fees for service from Medicaid, that money only provides the essentials for the people we serve. For example, Medicaid funding pays for one roundtrip per day. If an individual we serve has a doctor’s appointment, that counts as their one roundtrip. But that appointment only lasts an hour, maybe two. What now? If ADEC operated only on government funding, that individual would be forced to sit at home for the rest of the day, twiddling their thumbs.

But that’s not how ADEC works. At ADEC, we believe individuals deserve a life of choice and possibility. After our individuals go to their doctor’s appointment, we will take them to their job at ADEC Industries or to one of our five day service locations, where they can learn new skills and catch up with friends.

We look at the fees for service we receive from Medicaid like a black crayon. It’s the basics — no more, no less. When you give to ADEC, you are giving us a full box of crayons. You are adding color to the lives of the people we serve. You are making unfunded programs, like Summer Camp and guardianship, possible.

Plus, the color powder will make for some really cool pictures to post on Instagram and Facebook.

Sign up today. Your registration fee includes a white (well, it won’t be white for long) T-shirt, a packet of color powder, and food at the finish line — because you earned it.

Last year we introduced a Color Our World 5K to the Ride-A-Bike line-up, but we made a discovery: The runners who signed up for the timing were not necessarily interested in being blasted with color powder.

This year, the 5K will include color-safe zone for runners (although those that want to start in a cloud of color can do so). 

The route is also new in 2019 — no more mud or mosquitos. The new 3.1-mile course winds through the Middlebury Community Schools campus and uses the new Ridge Run Trail. Runners will turn around after crossing the beautiful Essenhaus covered bridge.

Sign up today. Your registration fee includes timing and food at the finish line — because you earned it. Runners can add a high quality performance T-shirt for $15 at check-out.