Mission statement : A community based non-profit organization dedicated
enabling the blind and visually impaired to experience recreational
activities through a shared vision.

VIBeS is an all-volunteer, non-profit organization devoted to
enhancing the physical and mental health of the blind and visually
impaired of our community. We offer year-round recreational and
physical fitness activities that might otherwise be unavailable to
them. Our program provides the people, resources, guidance and
encouragement so that blind and visually impaired individuals of all
ages can venture outside of the darkness into a bright world of
shared vision. VIBeS is a unique partnership between blind and sighted volunteers. Each person contributes to the growth and success of themselves, one another and VIBeS. Adult guides receive training to chaperon and supervise each impaired skier and their activities throughout the entire outing. Our blind and impaired participants take part in many activities including, skiing - downhill and cross country, snowboarding, snow-shoeing, tandem cycling, hiking and camping.

VIBeS members include the blind, partially sighted and sighted who come from all facets of the community. Members:
1) enjoy outdoor activities together as guides and skiers; 2) train new guides and skiers how to work together; 3) coordinate trips and travel arrangements; 4) initiate social gatherings; and 5) publish a monthly community newsletter.

The VIBeS roster contains over 200 individuals, all of whom receive the monthly newsletter. Participation in events varies. During the 2007-2008 ski season, VIBeS provided over 60 skier-days to the blind and visually impaired and 20 snow-shoer days. VIBeS also provided summer fitness activities during the summer including hiking, tandem bicycling, and camping. Estimates indicate that approximately 100 individuals participate in at least one event per year. Participation in VIBeS is open to all VIPs (Visually Impaired Persons) in the Pikes Peak region.

Approximately 50% of VIBeS income comes from two major fund-raisers conducted by its members each year. The 31st Annual VIBeS Benefit Race was held at Monarch ski area on March 2, 2008. This event is a friendly, amateur downhill ski race. The 7th annual VIBeS Poker Ride will be held at Criterium Bike Shop on June 28, 2008. This event is a non-competitive, at-your-own-pace bike ride where the participants collect playing cards (in Braille) at various stops to create winning poker hands.

VIBeS relies on sponsors and grants for the remaining 50% of our funding. Our Black Diamond sponsors are The Ski Shop and Monarch Ski and Snowboard Resort, plus we have four other supporting sponsors. Past grants include the El Pomar Award for Excellence in Sports and Recreation (Winner in 2004 and Finalist in 2002), the Gerald Erickson Fund and the Castaways Foundation.

Additional Historical Information can be found at the following link: www.rockymountainnews.com/news/2008/mar/18/a-clear-path/