Open Sky Community Services, a nonprofit behavioral health and human services organization, will host the 40th annual Valley Friendship Tour community event and fundraiser on Saturday, June 7 at Alternatives’ Whitin Mill  at 50 Douglas Road, Whitinsville to support essential programs serving individuals with complex challenges.

 The Valley Friendship Tour is Open Sky’s signature fundraising event for the agency’s nearly 150 programs throughout Central Massachusetts that serve children, adults and families with mental health challenges, intellectual and developmental disabilities, substance use disorders, brain injury, and homelessness.

Individual and team participants can choose from a 1-mile walk, a timed 5K run, a 5K walk or a 30-mile bike ride through the scenic Blackstone Valley.  The variety of routes are designed for people of all ages and abilities, those with and without disabilities or mental health challenges, to come together as equal participants.  The opening ceremony begins at 9 a.m.  The all-day event also features lunch, live music, raffles and family-friendly entertainment and activities on the Dennis H. Rice Community Plaza at Whitin Mill.

 “We are extremely thankful for our sponsors, participants and the community for four decades of the Valley Friendship Tour,” said Open Sky President and CEO Ken Bates.  “By coming together for this inclusive event year after year, our supporters are directly helping to ensure that youth, young adults and families served by Open Sky will have the support they need to lead fulfilling lives.”

 Since it began nearly four decades ago, the tour has raised more than $3 million in support of individuals and families in Central Massachusetts.  Many local businesses are taking part in the festivities, led this year by opening ceremony sponsor The Shop at Whitinsville and finish line picnic sponsor Diplacido Development Corporation.

 The Valley Friendship Tour was the signature fundraising event for Alternatives Unlimited for 33 years.  In 2018, Alternatives affiliated with The Bridge of Central Massachusetts to form Open Sky Community Services.  The Valley Friendship Tour continues to be the agency’s widest-reaching fundraising event, attracting participants from throughout Central Massachusetts as well as Connecticut and Rhode Island.