SANDPOINT — The Sandpoint Rotary Club continues to support local students on the autism spectrum, donating $50,000 to the Lake Pend Oreille School District on Wednesday.

The money was raised during the CHAFE 150 Gran Fondo in June, with more than 300 registered riders taking part in the 11th annual event. Over the past 6 years, the Rotary Club has donated more than $250,000 in CHAFE funds to the school district.

"These funds have been directed to serving the needs of those on the autism spectrum through autism consultation, instruction and intervention, as well as the social and emotional well-being programs that impact all of the students within the district" said Angela Cochran, Rotary and CHAFE 150 member. "In addition, CHAFE funds will keep the programs that are now in place sustainable through continued support, training and staff involvement."

LPOSD Superintendent Shawn Woodward said six years ago, prior to receiving CHAFE funds, the district was doing "really good things" for children with autism and their families. Each year since, he said, it has gotten "better and better."

"Year two we were probably well known in North Idaho, small rural North Idaho, as being a leader for educating students with autism," Woodward said. "I think today we are not only statewide leaders, we are also doing things that should be emulated nationwide."

Dr. Joy Jansen, director of special education for the district, read a quote by Dr. Sam Goldstein regarding resilience, coping with everyday challenges, bouncing back from disappointments, relating to others and more. The quote, she said, emulates everything the department has done over the past six years.

"All the training, all the learning, working with students — every single piece of resilience is sort of like a cherry on top," Jansen said.

Jansen also pointed out that the program goes beyond helping students on the autism spectrum, as there is a "deeper understanding" by all students and staff of the challenges, as well as strengths, of those with autism. CHAFE funds have been used "intentionally" over the years, she said, to build sustainability of the program. The money this year will be used to fund an autism specialist for three years.

CHAFE was initially organized by Panhandle Alliance for Education, as the brainchild of Brad Williams, said PAFE board president Geraldine Lewis who served as the event coordinator at the time. The event started out funding the READY! For Kindergarten program, and has continued the emphasis on education.

"Having it transfer to Rotary has given them such a broad sponsor and volunteer base — Rotary is so dynamic that way," Lewis said. "So it was a really good transition. The fact that Brad Williams stayed with it through that transition, as did Mel Dick, really helped the continuity of the program ... It's just been a great partnership all along. I have loved watching Rotary just take it and run and grow it."

As for the sponsor and volunteer base Lewis alluded to, Dick said this year the event saw nearly 100 sponsors, as well as 100 community volunteers. With 300-350 riders annually, each is required to raise a minimum of $50 for the cause, Dick said. Prizes are awarded to those who hit certain levels of fundraising.

CHAFE is a one-day ride, held on the third Saturday of June each year, with the option of going the full 150 miles, 80 miles or 30 miles, starting and ending at City Beach. Riders make their way from Sandpoint to Bonner Ferry, on to Troy, Mont., through the Bull River valley and back to Sandpoint.

"It's an absolutely drop dead beautiful ride," Dick said.

The ride was named one of the top nine charity rides in the country last year by "Bicycling Magazine," and several years ago was named one of the top 10 scenic rides in the country. CHAFE is known for it's "fantastic" support, "incredible" rest stops, breakfast and after-ride party, Dick said. In fact, the after party at City Beach is a big event open to the public, he said, and community members are encouraged to stop by and support the riders.  

Registration for the 2019 ride will open in early January. Funds raised over the next three years will still go to LPOSD, though the focus will change a little bit as they will be dedicated to an after school reading program.

"Education is a very big thing for Rotary in our local community, and working with youth in our local community, as well as education internationally," Dick said.

Information: chafe150.org

Mary Malone can be reached by email at mmalone@bonnercountydailybee.com and follow her on Twitter @MaryDailyBee.