Berbee Derby focuses on supporting community as event goes virtual

Sanika Bhargaw | nbc15.com

MADISON, Wis. (WMTV) – For nearly two decades, many families in Dane County have kicked off Thanksgiving with a special run and walk aimed at giving back to the community. This year, the annual Berbee Derby had to move online, but they are still finding ways to keep the tradition alive during the pandemic.

The race coordinator for the Berbee Derby said the virtual format has only attracted about a third of their normal participants, but they are still planning to give away around $100,000 in grants in 2021.

“In a normal year, we’d have about 6,500 participants and this year, we have 2,200,” said Berbee Derby race coordinator Suzy Shain.

The race raises a lot of money from registration fees, but Shain said they can make up the loss from fewer participants.

“Thankfully we have those great sponsors that are going to help put us over the top,” Shain explained.

For the last 17 years, the event gives all its proceeds to the Technology Education Foundation (TEF). Through the Derby’s fundraising, TEF has given out more than $1.6 million in grants focused on expanding access to technology.

“Technology can be very empowering,” said Dorothy Steffens, TEF grant coordinator.

In 2020, one TEF grant recipient was Madison’s Omega School. The school helps young adults, often in difficult situations, fulfill their high school requirements and get their GED.

“They might have a baby, they might be involved with the court system,” explained Oscar Mireles, executive director and principal of Omega School…continue reading on nbc15.com>