Clare Whitney with one of the kids she met in Nicaragua

We have said it before and we will say it again – there are so many folks that make this town the terrific place that it is. Tonight -- for example -- folks are giving plenty at a fundraiser at Witherbee's for those impacated by Hurricane Sandy.

There are dozens and dozens of volunteers, who work out of the spotlight, that do their best to help out others, raising money and devoting their free time, muscles and minds to worthy causes both close to home -- and in far off places.

In the later category we are happy to again mention Clare Whitney, a sneior at Schroon Lake High School. When we met Clare earlier this year – at the 5K Fun Run she was organizing – we were immediately impressed by her spunk, tenacity and single guided focus to improving the lives of others.

Her cause is raising money to feed hungry school kids in Nicaragua, kids she met during a couple of Mission of Hope visits in February and July. Her 5K Run raked in $5,053. Now, to help her meet her goal of raising $10,000, she is hosting a Hike and Bike event Saturday (November 3).

While many of you reading this in Schroon Lake know about the event – and hopefully participating -- I’m calling on our large number of readers who vacation here and have second homes, to help Clare raise the remaining funds.

Checks can be made out to Mission of Hope, specified as “CP Food,” and addressed to: North Country Mission of Hope-PO Box 2522, Plattsburgh 12901.

And if you are here this weekend -- and wanna get in on the action – there's the 10-mile bike ride starting at 10 am, followed by a hike to the top of Mt. Severance.

The hike starts at 12 noon up Mt. Severance and ends at 3 p.m.

For who raise $30 or more, they’ll receive a Mission Esperanza bracelet and those who raise $75 or more will receive a Corazones Y Pies t-shirt.

Good luck Clare!