FROM THE DESK OF EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR KELSEY RIPPER:
Dear members and supporters,
February was a whirlwind month as I got settled in at Friends of the Riverfront as the new Executive Director. Since my start in January, I’ve had the opportunity to meet with dozens of partner organizations, members, and supporters to hear their stories about how important our trails are to people’s lives and this region. Friends plays a critical role in ensuring that people can connect with our riverfront through safe, clean, and accessible land and water trails. I look forward to working with all of you to continue making that vision a reality.
Last week I also had the opportunity to ride in our first-ever IceCycle fundraiser. Over 30 of us had a beautiful bike ride along 30 miles of riverfront trails and raised over $6,500 to support Friends’ work to further develop and steward the Three Rivers Heritage Trail. We were honored to be joined on the ride by County Executive Rich Fitzgerald and U.S. Representative Conor Lamb to talk trails and how we can continue to develop new trail and care for the existing trail.
We are thankful to all of our participants, donors, partners, and friends who helped make this event such a success. I couldn’t be more excited to lead this organization and connect with more members throughout the coming year. I hope to see you out on the trail!
Sincerely,
Kelsey Ripper
