This year’s Race Against Poverty, presented by SeaComm, MVP Health Care, and North Star Health Alliance, was definitely our best yet, for a number of reasons. With $18,000 raised, this year’s event marked a record-breaking success to support our Getting Ahead programming and help individuals in our community build more stable, self-sufficient lives.
But what truly made this year’s race stand out wasn’t the fundraising total or the fun of friendly competition, it was the spirit of community connection and the power of resilience and hope that shone through.
A highlight of the event came when Tim Fayette, a graduate of Getting Ahead, took to the mic to share his story. Tim spoke candidly about the challenges he faced and how the Getting Ahead program gave him the tools, confidence, and support network to change his life. His words resonated with everyone present, reminding us all that lasting change begins with opportunity and a community that believes in you.
That same spirit was embodied by six current Getting Ahead in the Workplace investigators, participants in the North Country’s first-ever workplace-focused cohort, who volunteered throughout the event. They helped with everything from photos to cleanup, and showed firsthand what Getting Ahead is all about: teamwork, determination, and investing in one another’s success. Their involvement underscored how this event is more than a fundraiser, it’s a living example of neighbors helping neighbors and creating stronger connections across our community.
The energy throughout Downtown Watertown was electric as thirty teams of two raced through thirteen stops in and around Public Square. Participants solved clues, tested their skills, and tackled a variety of challenges from historical facts and Taekwondo kicks to art hunts and health trivia, before racing back for food and fun at our afterparty.
The Race Against Poverty is inspired by The Amazing Race television show, blending problem-solving and fun into one unforgettable community event. It not only encourages teamwork and friendly competition, but also highlights local businesses and organizations that make our region such a vibrant place to live and work. Most importantly, every clue solved and every challenge completed contributes to a larger purpose: building a stronger, more equitable North Country.
This event wouldn’t have been possible without our generous sponsors, amazing stops and volunteers, and the wonderful teams of community members supporting us. Special thanks to our friends at the Muleskinners MC New York for keeping everyone safe, Tunes Ninetytwofive for bringing the music, The Strand – Watertown for providing a beautiful venue, Cam’s Pizzeria- Watertown for the wonderful donation of pizzas for the afterparty, and KBird Photography for capturing the fun!
At its heart, the Race Against Poverty is about more than just crossing a finish line; it’s about lifting each other up, celebrating what’s possible when a community unites, and helping every person in the North Country move toward a better tomorrow.
Stay tuned for next year’s event on September 26, 2026!
