The Nugget Newspaper - News and Opinion from Sisters, Oregon

Nicole S. Woodson, executive director of Circle of Friends, wrote:

I would like to thank the many individuals and businesses who recently gave their time, energy, and donations to support Circle of Friends youth by their participation in our 1st Annual Ugly Sweater Fun Run.

Our goal was to raise $3000, and we blew that out of the water, raising more than double that amount! Even more important was the “friend-raising” and community bonding we all witnessed.

In a long year of ups and downs with COVID-19 and other challenges for our youth, mentors, and staff, the genuine excitement and enjoyment seen on the faces of all those involved was truly heartwarming.

The community spirit in Sisters is alive and well and clearly evident in all those who donned their ugliest sweaters for this fun event!

I would like to share a special thank-you to Kelly Bither of Run Sisters Run for both organizing this delightful event for us all and also for being an amazing mentor at Circle of Friends. Special thanks to Danny St. Lawrence at The Barn in Sisters, Wade Underwood at Three Creeks Brewery, Laird Superfood, Tim Kizziar and the Stellar Realty Team, Sisters Coffee Co., Sisters Rodeo, and Birch and Home Handmade, for supporting this event and our youth at Circle of Friends.

Thank you to all our wonderful volunteers both on the racecourse and at check-in. Our sincerest thanks to Andy Carson for donating his time acting as the most entertaining and engaging emcee; you helped pull all of us together. And most of all we want to thank the community of Sisters for your unwavering support of children and youth. It truly is an honor to live and serve in such an incredible community.