Photo Credit: Courtesy Of Tom McNeill and Jim Mauchly
Recreation departments are under increased pressure to satisfy the demands for a broad range of leisure activities for participants of all ages. The demands on staff members, facilities, and resources are stressful enough, but when asked to accommodate commercial and non-profit users as well … can it be done? It most certainly can! However, forming a successful partnership of a local recreation department and a nonprofit organization also takes a willingness on the part of the guest to minimize any adverse impact on resources and staff members.
The Annual Prouty, in Hanover, N.H., is one example of how a non-profit event can rally an entire community to raise awareness and money to fight cancer, while minimizing the adverse impact on recreational resources and staff. The Prouty began in 1982 when four nurses rode their bicycles 100 miles to honor an inspiring patient, Audrey Prouty, who had been diagnosed with ovarian cancer nine years before. Unfortunately, Audrey died just before the ride. Supported by Audrey’s husband, John, the nurses rode through the White Mountains and raised $4,000 for cancer research. Today, produced by the Friends of Norris Cotton Cancer Center, The Prouty hosts more than 5,000 participants (cycling, walking, rowing, and golfing), 1,300 volunteers, and 137 corporate sponsors for a combined 33-year fundraising total of more than $22 million.
Through the years, The Prouty has owed a great debt of gratitude to the overwhelming support from event participants. Not to be overlooked, however, is the wide range of successful relationships with public partners, local towns, and recreation departments. In small and large ways, Hank Tenny, the director of parks and recreation for the town of Hanover, has witnessed the sustained growth of The Prouty firsthand. And for over “41 happy years” he has worked to form positive collaborative relationships.
