ReidRide 2023 raises more than $63,000 for Shoes for Kids
Sept. 1, 2023 -- ReidRide 2023 raised
more than $63,000 to benefit the Shoes for Kids program.
The 14th
annual event had 265 registered riders pedaling across Wayne County roads and
the scenic Cardinal Greenway. Participants could choose one of three route
options, including a 30-mile course.
Reid Health Foundation hosts ReidRide with all proceeds from registrations and donations supporting Reid's Shoes for Kids program.
"We appreciate everyone who participated or made a donation
to Shoes for Kids," said Reid Foundation Director Angela Cline. "Whether you're
a competitive rider, out for a family
ride, or you just wanted to be there to cheer on others, there is something for
everyone. Thank you for being a part of this effort to help others in our
communities."
Once riders cross the finish line, they're provided with
snacks and invited to visit sponsor booths for giveaways, a bike wash station,
or to connect with other bicyclists.
ReidRide is successful with the help of 115 volunteers and more
than 40 public safety and first responders stationed along the routes.
"Thank you to our public safety and first responders who helped
make this year's event safe and enjoyable for all the riders," Cline said. "Our
volunteers are there to assist and cheer riders on as they make their way along
the route. We couldn't do this event without the help of our volunteers or our
first responders, and we appreciate their efforts."
ReidRide is
made possible in part thanks to our corporate partners, including:
- Peloton
Partner: Wolverine
- Leadout
Partners: 3Rivers
Federal Credit Union; Allworth Financial; B & F Plastics; Cycling and
Fitness Warehouse; Earlham College; First Bank Richmond; Hill's Pet Nutrition;
Kaufman Hall; Primex Plastics; Ryan's Flooring; Skanska Shook; Spoke Easy; and
Whitewater Broadcasting
- Breakaway
Partners: Allegiance
Benefit Plan Management; Finance System of Richmond; Hall Render; Kicks96 and
The Point; and Wetzel Auto
- Paceline
Partners: Astral
Industries; Better Homes and Gardens First Realty; Cardinal Greenway; DailyPay;
DB Plumbing; El Bronco; Harrington Hoch; Health Care Professionals FCU; Mercer;
Office360; Paul and Pat Lingle; Pro Lawn; and Runnels Chiropractic
- Trailhead Partners: Boston Bever Forrest Cross & Sickmann; Christian Connectors; RP&L/Parallax
ReidRide
provides funding for the Shoes for Kids initiative in partnership with local
agencies such as Communities in Schools, The Common
Good of Preble County, Heart to Sole Ministries in Randolph County, and several
school systems. Every dollar raised helps buy
shoes for local children, with more than 20,000 pairs given out to children
across the multi-county region served by Reid Health.
About 1,500
pairs of shoes are planned to be distributed this year in Wayne, Randolph, and
Fayette counties in Indiana and Preble County in Ohio. Already, 548 shoes have
been provided to kids in Eaton, Ohio.
Reid volunteers
assist each child in finding a pair of shoes with the right fit.
Sharrie Harlin,
Manager of Community Engagement for
Reid Health and the Shoes for Kids Coordinator, shared two moments from distribution
events this summer.
The first
involved a young lady who asked for similar shoes to those she had received
last year. The shoes are her only pair, and she needed the same color because
she also wears the shoes to work, Harlin said.
Harlin added that
seeing the joy on children's faces is rewarding, including two who were
recently delighted with their new shoes.
"They ran
around the area a few times to test-drive their shoes. I asked if the shoes
made them run faster and jump higher, and of course, they answered, 'Yes!'" Harlin
said.
ReidRide is the
primary fundraiser for the Shoes for Kids initiative, however, contributions
are welcome throughout the year. Donations can be made at ReidRide.org.
"The donations
benefit children and their families," Harlin said. "Our volunteers say those
smiles alone make ordering, inventorying, and separating 1,500 pairs of shoes
all worth it."
Since 2009, more than 7,000 participants
have biked some 122,478 miles. Thanks to the community's help, ReidRide has
raised more than $400,000 in corporate partnerships and $318,917 in
registrations and donations.
Plan now to
join the ride next year. Save the date for ReidRide 2024, which will take place
on Saturday, July 27. Check ReidRide.org for future updates as more information
becomes available.
"We appreciate everyone who participated or made a donation to Shoes for Kids." Angela Cline, Reid Foundation Director