The 41st annual Valley Friendship Tour drew more than 250 participants who walked, ran, and rolled through the Blackstone Valley on June 6 and raised nearly $110,000 to benefit Open Sky Community Services, a nonprofit behavioral health and human services organization.

The Valley Friendship Tour, which starts and ends at Alternatives’ Whitin Mill, is Open Sky’s signature fundraising event for the agency’s nearly 150 programs serving children, adults, and families with mental health challenges, intellectual and developmental disabilities, substance use disorders, brain injury, homelessness and other complex challenges. Since it began just over four decades ago, the tour has raised millions in support of individuals and families in Central Massachusetts.

“The Valley Friendship Tour is a visual representation of Open Sky’s mission – individuals of all abilities coming together in the community with purpose,” said Ken Bates, President & CEO of Open Sky Community Services. “We are grateful to this community that has been created over the past four decades and for its unwavering support of our neighbors throughout Central Massachusetts facing complex challenges. Thank you to our participants, attendees, sponsors, and staff for making this year’s Tour another one to remember.”

Teresa Pitaro, a resident of Norwood who has a family member served by Open Sky, was the top fundraiser for the fifth year in a row. She raised nearly $7,000 for the 2026 Valley Friendship Tour.  

The individual and team participants of all ages and abilities had the option of a 1-mile walk, 5K run or walk, or a 30-mile bike ride through the Blackstone Valley. The all-day event featured lunch, live music, raffles, and entertainment on the Dennis H. Rice Community Plaza at Alternatives’ Whitin Mill.