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Page 12 NEWFOUNDLAKELIFE.COM September 2025 Community
Highs & Lows Tour Raises $65,000 for NAMI NH
PLYMOUTH – The fourth annual Highs & Lows Tour took place Saturday, August 9, unit- ing more than 200 cyclists and countless community members in a powerful show of support for mental health awareness and suicide prevention. Riders and supporters came together at Plymouth Regional High School to raise an incredible $65,000 for NAMI New Hampshire (Na- tional Alliance on Mental Illness) — and donations will continue to be accepted for the next two weeks.
The ride’s name, “Highs & Lows,” refl ects not only the dy- namic terrain of the fi ve routes, but also the emotional peaks and valleys everyone experiences — and the importance of having a strong, connected community
to navigate them. Today’s event embodied that spirit, bringing people together to lift each other up in times of challenge and to celebrate victories, both big and small.
“This year’s event set a new high mark for our annual ride,” said Tom Dearborn, co-founder
of the Highs & Lows Tour. “From the fi rst riders out on the course to the last raffle ticket sold, the energy and commitment to supporting mental health were palpable.”
The day featured fi ve fully supported cycling routes — from a challenging 100+ mile Century
Chris Byron
Eric Skinner
ride to a new 65-mile gravel/ mixed-surface course — winding through the Pemi-Baker, Baker River, and Connecticut River Valleys. Riders were supported by SAG vehicles, well-stocked rest stops, and cheering volun- teers along the way.
“The overwhelming support from the Highs & Lows Tour community is nothing short of extraordinary,” said Kristen Welch, CFRE, Director of De- velopment at NAMI NH. “This event not only raises critical funds that make our free programs and services possible for over fi fty thousand Granite Staters each year, but it also showcases the power of community to break stigma, foster hope, and remind people they are not alone.”
The Highs & Lows Tour was founded with four key objectives: • Raise Awareness – Shine a light on mental health and sui-
cide prevention.
• Destigmatize – Foster open
conversations and break down misconceptions.
• Fundraise – Support NAMI NH’s free support, education, and advocacy programs for over 50,000 Granite Staters annually.
• Build Community – Unite riders for a positive and mean- ingful cause.
The success of today’s event was made possible through the dedication of volunteers, the enthusiasm of riders, and the generosity of sponsors, including the Sakowich Foundation, Cy- cles Etc., NBT Bank, Episcopal Church of NH, Roper Real Es- tate, The
Rollins Family, Spectrum Marketing, and many others. Mental health resources are available at www.NAMINH.org.
About Highs & Lows Tour The Highs & Lows Tour is an annual single-day cycling event that promotes awareness of and destigmatizes mental illness, raises vital funds for NAMI New Hampshire (National Alliance on Mental Illness), and fosters community through sport. To learn more, register to partic- ipate, sponsor, or donate, visit the Highs & Lows Tour website www.highsandlowstour.com
Over 200 Riders Cycle to Champion Mental Health Awareness
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