A message from Martin Buhr
When I set my goal of raising $113,000 for this year’s Out-Spok’n, I hoped it would bring my lifetime fundraising for affordable housing to $500,000. Thanks to the remarkable generosity of so many people, we surpassed that goal.
And I wasn’t alone. Together, 70 riders and about 430 donors helped Out-Spok’n raise over $175,000. Those funds will help build 30 new affordable homes in Elmira.
During my final fundraising ride, I was flooded with memories going back to 2001. Again and again over those 25 years, I’ve witnessed what I can only describe as providence: need and resources coming together, if we are willing to recognize the opportunity and act.
High on my list of unexpected blessings has been the remarkable Board of MennoHomes/Beyond Housing. Each person brought their own skills, and together we worked in extraordinary harmony to bring our vision to life.
This ride brought blessings beyond expectation. At my age, to still be able to help create positive change through Beyond Housing is enough to make me weep with joy. I thought about the generous hearts of donors at all income levels who have supported my rides because they understood the real goal: raising the capital needed to build the next affordable housing project.
So many donors sent me a message of encouragement and support. A senior donor said she has been telling her friends that when she grows up, she wants to emulate Martin on how to age well.
I’m deeply grateful to everyone who donated, rode, volunteered and encouraged us. Thank you as well to our corporate sponsors — Kindred Credit Union, Zehr Group, VCT Group and Josslin Insurance — whose support helped cover the costs of the ride.
I often say that the welfare of one is the welfare of all. Out-Spok’n has shown me what can happen when people put that idea into action, one pedal stroke at a time.
This was my final fundraising ride, but I’m not finished cycling. I’ll keep going as long as I can get my leg over the bar — without training wheels!
With deep gratitude,
Martin
Martin Buhr
Founding President
MennoHomes