LA CROSSE — Jay Jaehnke, a long-time supporter and former board member with Aptiv, has reached the halfway mark in a 1,200 mile trek on the Ice Age Trail. His goal is to raise funds to support people with disabilities and Aptiv’s mission.
On Sept. 1, Jay began a new extreme fundraising challenge; a 30-day, 1,200-mile hiking and bicycling trek along the Ice Age Trail. For over 20 years, Jay’s work with Aptiv provided a clear picture of how underfunded services for people with disabilities are. The need for the highest-quality support and long-lasting skill-building is vital to allow individuals greater independence.
Jay has completed over 600 miles and is on track to complete 1,200 miles by Sept. 30. The hiking and biking has been extreme. Jay has encountered countless bears, a rabid dog, and harsh terrain on the trail. He keeps pushing forward with the goal in mind, to raise awareness and support individuals with disabilities who want to live as independently as possible. Jay is equipped with a GPS tracking device, allowing people to follow his progress on Aptiv’s website, aptiv.org/events. Followers can check-in, send messages of encouragement, and make a donation to help him raise funds to reach his goal of $80,000, providing much-needed support for people with disabilities.
Aptiv is a nonprofit organization providing services for people with disabilities. As a nonprofit, it is responsible for funding its capital improvement projects, program expansion, new program development, and transportation costs. Aptiv must raise funds to improve its programming, facilities, and services to ensure it provides people with disabilities the best services possible.
Founded in 1977, Aptiv is a private, nonprofit organization that provides support and training to people with disabilities so they can live independently, work and earn paychecks and participate in the community as workers, neighbors, and friends. Aptiv serves thousands of individuals each year throughout Wisconsin.
For more information about Jay’s hike, contact the Aptiv Foundation at 608-785-3508 or by email at foundation@aptiv.org.
