SERVE TOGETHER
Serving our local communities
At Common Ground we are excited to be a catalyst for generous service in and with the outdoor community of Central Oregon. That’s why, at least once every month, we get out and serve together, either supporting other fantastic local entities and events, or by initiating our very own opportunities to give back. It has been said: “It’s better to give than to receive” and we tend to agree. Check out our opportunities below to see how you can serve with Common Ground.
Upcoming service events
Oregon Cascades 100 Race Backyard dad aid station
Oregon Cascades 100 Race Backyard Dad Aid Station
July 25, 2026
10:30AM-6PM
“Backyard Dad” Aid Station
On Saturday, July 25th, runners from across the region will take on the Oregon Cascades 100, a 100-mile trail race featuring approximately 11,000 feet of climbing and descent through the beautiful Central Oregon Cascades. Common Ground is proud to be partnering with the event for another year, bringing volunteers together to support runners at one of the race's busiest aid stations. Whether you're helping fill water bottles, serving food, or cheering on participants, you'll play an important role in helping runners reach the finish line.
This year's theme is Backyard Dad. This isn't just an aid station, it's a Saturday afternoon in the suburbs. Volunteers are encouraged to fully embrace their inner dad: cargo shorts, tucked-in polos or button-up shirts, white crew socks, baseball caps, sunglasses, mustaches (real or fake), and New Balance shoes are highly encouraged. Bonus points for cell phone belt clips, golf clubs, lawn chairs, grilling aprons, and an excessive number of keys hanging from your belt.
The aid station should feel like runners just wandered into a dad's backyard. Think lawn chairs, coolers, golf bags, classic rock, dad jokes, and plenty of enthusiastic encouragement. Greet runners with peak dad energy, offer them "Dad Fuel," ask if they've been staying hydrated, and remind them that "we're making good time." The goal is simple: create the most welcoming, ridiculous, and memorable suburban backyard experience possible for every runner who passes through.
