The Potomac Valley Audubon Society (PVAS) would like to thank the community for its amazing support of the 23nd Annual “This Race is for the Birds!” Between sponsors, participants and volunteers, the race raised over $20,000 to support PVAS’s mission to “preserve, restore and enjoy the natural world through education and action.”

The race was held on April 1 at Broomgrass Farm Community outside of Gerrardstown, in Berkeley County. We were so pleased to be back at Broomgrass for an in-person experience, in addition to providing a virtual option. Nearly 200 people attended, participating in either the 5K or 10K cross country courses. While the wind and rain made set-up a bit challenging, there were no complaints and people were ready to start the race! The skies cleared in time for the start, and race participants thoroughly enjoyed the courses that wind through the farm’s forests and fields.

PVAS is grateful to the 31 local businesses and organizations that sponsored its 2023 “This Race Is for the Birds!” Sponsors alone account for nearly $10,000 of the fundraiser proceeds, and others contributed in-kind services to keep the costs of race organization to a minimum.

We thank all of our 2023 sponsors for their loyalty and their generosity! Presenting sponsor, with a $2,500 donation, was Broomgrass Farm Community. Platinum sponsors, with a $1,000 donation, were Bachner Communications, Inc.; Hoxton Planning and Management; and Hospice of the Panhandle. Gold sponsors, with a $500 donation, were the Bavarian Inn; Manchin Ferretti; Skinner Law Firm; Steel House Farm; The Journal; and Two Rivers Treads. Silver sponsors, with a $250 donation, were Audiology, Inc.; Anne Basham D.D.S.; Community Garden Market; Erb n’ Woods, LLC; Davis Designs; German Street Coffee & Candlery; Merlin’s Beard Band; Michael Sullivan, LLC; Milestone Solar Consultants, LLC; Mountaineer Popcorn; Panhandle Periodontics; Progressive Printing; Rebecca Wellborn at Pearson Smith Realty; Solar Holler; The Charlotte Sherman Team at Modern Realty Results, LLC; The Press Room; and Trees 101. Bronze Sponsors, with a $100 donation, were Good Vibes Sound Therapy; Gus Raisch; Potomac-Mecklenburg Garden Club; and Rediscover Nature Penny JE.

PVAS is very grateful to these generous sponsors for their support, to the in-person and virtual participants of this year’s race and to the volunteers who make it all possible.

All race proceeds will directly support our educational programs and nature preserves.

PVAS now manages over 500 acres of preserved green space for wildlife habitat and human enjoyment. These open spaces are used daily, with people coming from all over the country to walk the trails, go birding, or just have a picnic. We are honored to be entrusted with the care of these lands and your support helps us continue to maintain them for everyone to enjoy.

For more details about PVAS, go to www.potomacaudubon.org.

Ellen Kinzer, PVAS fundraising and communications manager