This heart may need a scupper

Many of you in the community know Shaun and Linnette Gratton. They are the heart and soul of Penticton mountain biking- they were even married on a Three Blind Mice trail overlooking Okanagan Lake! Date nights maintaining the trails followed by dinner out have been a common theme in their relationship. 

Unfortunately, in addition to dealing with severe pneumonia leading to significant scarring to his lungs in 2009 Shaun recently discovered that he has a damaged heart valve. This was likely something present at birth. The damage is now significant enough that he requires heart valve surgery. This operation will occur in Vancouver and will require an extended period of time off work (and his bike) recovering. 

While the Gratton's haven't asked for any help, we know what a strain this will be on them financially and emotionally. We would love an opportunity to show our care and to help offset some of cost of the travel expenses to Vancouver and their stay there while Shaun recovers enough to return home. 

If you don't know the extent of their behind the scenes good deeds, I have listed some here:

Shaun's biggest contribution is his devotion to maintaining the trails. He has put in numerous hours building and repairing trails, building bridges and most significantly- cutting out and removing deadfall. Somehow Shaun is out there with a saw seemingly minutes after the tree hits the ground. He has also volunteered for most cycling events to come through the Mice and is know for his famous Bacon Station. 

Linnette is best known for her huge enthusiasm for the sport of mountain biking and her desire to share it with as many people as she can. Safety and skills are a priority for her so Linnette got her coaching certification and has swept dozens of new riders in to the bike community. Keeping it social and fun has always been her mantra and Linnette continually creates social ladies-only events including 2019's weekly Wednesday night ride which was enthusiastically attended each week. 

Together they have worked on developing better communication tools with Search and Rescue (SAR) and have helped to educate SAR on the benefits of Trailforks and more efficient routes in to the trails . This is an ongoing project which numerous people have already benefited from and you hope that you won't need it but will be grateful for their efforts if you do. 

Our goal is to raise $2000 at this evenings event (which will include a silent auction). If you have any items to donate to the silent auction we would gratefully accept. Please email Laura Harp at laura@bikepenticton.com for pick up/drop off details.

The menu was chosen in keeping with Shaun and Linnette's switch to a plant based whole foods diet.  

We hope that you will be able to attend this fun evening with Shaun and Linnette to help send them off with the best support and well wishes possible.