Since 1993, the Habitat 500 Bike Ride has sent cyclists across Minnesota and the surrounding Midwest each year to raise funds and awareness for Habitat for Humanity. This year, the Ride has gone virtual for the first-ever Habitat 500: Bike @ Home!
Read the full press release here.
MEDIA RELEASE
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Contact: Kaitlyn Meyers
Office: 612.331.4439 ext. 7
habitat500.org
Pedaling to Build a Cycle of Hope
The 28th Habitat 500 Bike Ride to benefit Habitat for Humanity Goes Virtual.
Saint Paul, MN, June 2020−Since 1993, the Habitat 500 Bike Ride has sent cyclists across Minnesota and the surrounding Midwest each year to raise funds and awareness for Habitat for Humanity. Over seven days, riders would bike 500 miles. This year’s Ride was scheduled for July 12th-18th beginning in Pequot Lakes with stops in Bemidji, Menahga, and Pillager. But in light of the Coronavirus outbreak, the Ride has gone virtual for the first-ever Habitat 500: Bike @ Home!
The Habitat 500: Bike @ Home gives participants the flexibility to choose their goals for how far they ride and how much they raise from the comfort of their own hometown. When a rider signs up, they receive a rider packet with a t-shirt, button, bike plate, and other materials. They also get access to their own fundraising page, the Ride’s private Facebook group, and the Ride’s private Strava group. Ride Manager Kaitlyn Meyers has been on staff for four previous Habitat 500 rides, and says, “The Ride always draws people from several states, but this year could reach even further. We’re excited about the opportunities a virtual ride offers for connection between riders, cycling locally, and staying safe and active during the pandemic.”
Since 2002, the Habitat 500 Bike Ride has raised over $5.4 million for Habitat for Humanity. In 2019 alone, the Ride raised over $300,000! Habitat Minnesota Development Director Kristin Skaar said, “The money raised through this Ride is needed now more than ever, as Habitat affiliates have had to cancel many of their fundraisers and temporarily close their ReStore outlets.”
Donna Kummer, who has ridden fifteen times, says she keeps coming back because of the mission: “To see how changing one aspect of someone’s life has a ripple effect on them and those around them is very inspiring.” Every rider, every donation, and every home is a bold action taken towards a world where everyone has a decent and affordable place to live.
For more information on how to get involved, please visit habitat500.org. The Habitat 500 is generously sponsored by Western National Insurance and Becky Finnigan.
About Habitat for Humanity of Minnesota
Habitat for Humanity of Minnesota, Inc. (Habitat Minnesota) is a statewide resource development and support organization that serves, advocates for and advances the work of Minnesota’s Habitat for Humanity affiliates who build simple, decent, affordable housing in partnership with people in need. Habitat Minnesota was created in October of 1997 by the Minnesota Habitat affiliates it serves for the initial purpose of applying for funding and providing funders with a single contact for the distribution of resources. Since that time, we have added a range of programs to support these affiliates. For more information, visit hfhmn.org.
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