Biking event raises over $31K for Boys & Girls Club

By Patrick Lynn

Over 300 bicyclists turned out for Saturday’s Boys & Girls Club of Portage County fundraiser.

The carnival-like event, held in the parking lot of AIG Travel, offered bicycle routes between four and 60 miles for cyclists of all ages and abilities, followed with food and family games and activities.

One highlight of the day, according to a news release from the Boys & Girls Club, was a club member willing the Best Effort Award after completing her 13-mile ride on a bike that was too small for her.

“The teen was determined to complete her ride despite her knees hitting the handlebars with each pedal rotation,” the news release said. In addition to receiving a plaque, she won a new bicycle Hostel Shoppe. The girl’s name was not released.

The event raised more than $31,000 raise funds to support programming and free, healthy meals that are served to over 2,000 Portage Co. children at nine Boys & Girls Club sites throughout the county.

The Boys & Girls Club offers a variety of programming to ensure every child’s interests are being met. The funds raised at this event will go towards programs like Healthy Habits, which teaches children that eating healthy can be fun, LEAP, a program designed to help members excel in reading, and Triple Play, a gym-like program that keeps kids active and sparks interest in team and recreational sports.

For more information regarding the Boys & Girls Club of Portage County, call 715-341-4386, email [email protected], visit the website at bgclubpc.org. The group can also be found on Facebook.