Dear Friends,

The "virtual" COTS Walkathon is "happening" on Sunday May 2! I am asking you to help me reach an important fund raising goal for this organization that has been doing so much good in our community to help people of all ages without homes and at risk of losing their housing.

Covid-19 realities are still present - these next few months hold challenges for everyone.  These realities are and will be especially rough on those without housing or those who are at risk of losing their housing.

So what has COTS done?  COTS has continued to work creatively and collaboratively with Burlington elected officials, State of Vermont and legislative leaders, partner social service agencies and community leaders to make sure that homeless adults and families, and those at risk of losing their housing, have safe options during this most challenging time. 

I am so grateful for the staff and the Board of COTS - for their persistence, care and creativity!

I hope that you will join me in supporting COTS - and help me reach - OR EXCEED - my goal of raising $1000 in support of COTS programs to help many of our most vulnerable neighbors - children and adults. 

Please donate today - online using this page - or by check to COTS - MEMO: Sponsoring Lucy Samara

and mail to COTS at: COTS - P.O.Box 1616 - Burlington, VT 05402

Thank you so very much!

With much appreciation,
Lucy

___________

In 1990, I worked with a small group to start and organize the first COTS Walkathon. On April 1, 1990 - the first COTS Walk started from the First Congregational Church UCC of Burlington. The Sanctuary was full - the pews, rows of people at the back of the huge space - and there wasn't a seat open in the balcony!

I am forever grateful for those wh responded well to the idea of the COTS Walk 30 years ago! I was honored to share leadership with Gail Anderson, Sr. Lucille Bonvouloir, and the many volunteers, congregations and of course COTS staff and the Saint Michael's College community - and First Congregational Church UCC of Burlington VT - who ALL got on board with what was a novel idea in 1990 ... a walk with a purpose to raise funds and awareness about homelessness in our community. Together we raised more than $25,000! 

I am wowed by the leadership of current COTS staff Becky Holt and Rita Markley who have - along with many other staff and volunteers - done so much good for the most vulnerable in our community through COTS!   I am grateful to live in a community that understands that safe, affordable housing is important for every child and adult.

Please help me support COTS' mission to end homelessness by making a donation thru my COTS Walk page.

Thank you!