We did it!  The goal had three simple parts: My job was to  ‘bike my age’ (85).  And then 85 people would each donate $85, for a total of $7,225, to the MV Island Housing Trust, which builds attainable, affordable housing for essential workers and their families here on Martha’s Vineyard. 85 times $85

Well, I biked 86 miles, which was just barely–1.1%–above the stated goal.  

In all, 101 different people donated, which is an impressive 18.8% above the stated goal.

And those 101 people donated $27,845 to MVIHT, which is a mind-boggling 385% above the stated goal.

And on my blog and in these emails, about 3,000 of “my closest friends” have read about IHT, a truly remarkable organization that has built homes and apartments for hundreds of families here on Martha’s Vineyard.  More than 500 beds, with hundreds more in the pipeline.

To be candid, once I learned that more than 85 people had donated, I began hoping for 100.  And we made it, thanks to you.

And now that we are so close to $30,000, I’m hoping that a few more of you will go here and make your tax-deductible donation.  We need just $2,155.

But, whatever, my heartfelt thanks….

John

(PS: Planning is underway for next year when I will turn 86 (Lord willing and the creek don’t rise).  However, in this political climate ‘86’ is interpreted as encouraging assassination, and so the plan is to try to bike 100 miles.)