25 Jun Tour de Llama 2022

Imagine a big open vineyard. There are people laughing and sipping wine, the delicious smell of food permeates the air and — llamas? That’s right! Arbor Investment Advisors is proud to return as Presenting Sponsor of the eighth annual Tour de Llama bike ride and fundraiser for Samaritan Ministries, Saturday, June 25th at Divine Llama Vineyards in East Bend, N.C.

After having to cancel the annual event in 2020 and limit participation in 2021 due to the pandemic, Samaritan Ministries is pleased to have Tour de Llama back in full stride with cycling, tasty food, delicious local wines, engaging music, and around 80 llamas to admire. All proceeds from the event go directly to Samaritan Ministries to help with costs of food and housing for those who need it.

“At Arbor we are thrilled to continue our support of Samaritan Ministries through this unique and enjoyable fundraising event,” says Bill Hollan, Principal at Arbor. “Tour de Llama offers an amazing day for both cyclists and visitors alike, and everyone at Arbor is excited to see this year’s event back to full strength. Most important, we’re so pleased to be a part of Samaritan’s important work in helping transform people’s lives.”

For several years, Arbor has sponsored the Tour de Llama and provided volunteers to help with activities that take place during the event. Other companies such as East Coast Wings and HLM Construction co-sponsor to help with expenses. Last year, 40 sponsors, along with hundreds of cyclists, raised over $39,000.

“Summer is a time when our donations typically decline, and this event is essential as we meet the needs of our neighbors during extreme heat and humidity,” says Jan Kelly, Executive Director of Samaritan Ministries. “As event sponsor for Tour de Llama, Arbor endorses our mission… and helps the community recognize that services are needed year-round for people experiencing hunger and homelessness.”

There are three routes for the cycling tour, each with different lengths. The shortest is 21 miles, the second is 38 miles, and the longest is 61 miles. The routes start at 8:30 a.m. at the vineyard, then cascade through rural Yadkin County. All rides are flat to hilly, and there’s a rest stop located along the courses. After the races, there are plenty of family activities to keep you entertained.

Registration is $30, and participants must be at least 18 years old. The last day to register is June 23rd.

Samaritan Ministries is a nonprofit Christian organization dedicated to serving individuals through prayer, encouragement, and financial support. They operate the only soup kitchen in Winston-Salem, serving around 300 to 400 people per day, as well as the Samaritan Inn Shelter.

The organization also offers several programs to address specific needs in the community, including Project Cornerstone which helps address core causes of homelessness and barriers to housing and employment.

The Tour de Llama helps Samaritan Ministries draw attention to its programs and mission to “provide food, shelter and hope through Christian love.” When COVID hit, the organization had to limit or modify their services — providing to-go meals, reducing the number of shelter guests, and limiting the number of volunteers and people who could be served through other programs.

Founded in 1998, Arbor is an independent, privately owned investment management firm that primarily serves high-net-worth individuals, foundations and retirement plan trustees.

To learn more about the Tour de Llama or to register as a rider for the event, visit the Samaritan Ministries website at: https://www.samaritanforsyth.org/tour-de-llama-event/.