The Aaron Shafer Memorial Foundation was started in 2010 to promote what Aaron was committed to and passionate about: making Sparta – his town – a better place. As one of the White County Chamber Board of Directors, he put his efforts into bringing people to Sparta. On the advice of some friends, he and others started planning the first bike race ever held in White County. He believed if people would come to Sparta to ride, they would bring their families, eat, shop and discover the beauty of Sparta & White County- and come back to hike, bike, and spend time in Sparta. Unfortunately, two months before the first race in 2010, Aaron was killed in an automobile accident. His mother, Jeannie, is the spark that keeps Aarons memory and the bike race alive and growing.
The goals set by the Foundation Board of Directors are to promote healthy living and bring others to White County to see the natural beauty it offers. Profits from the race have gone to scholarships, the Rescue Squad, nursing homes, and local school clubs and projects.
We have a great group of volunteers (many of whom were Aaron’s friends) but are always looking for others to help with the race. The racers always comment on how many volunteers we have & how helpful & cheerful they are.