Tuesday, February 24, 2015

4th Annual Ryde-A-Thon Wrap Up!

A feeling of electricity filled the room as 25 cyclists pushed themselves harder than they ever have before. Everyone is concentrating on what they are doing as upbeat, exhilarating music and the encouraging words of an instructor known as "Dr. Feel-Good" energizes the cyclists forward.

This is the adrenaline-charged atmosphere of RydeOn! Cycling Studio in Saline, MI as cyclists are not only riding for their own fitness, but to raise funds and support for a bike program in their community aimed at helping children with disabilities. The 4th Annual Ryde-A-Thon in collaboration with Programs to Educate All Cyclists (PEAC) and RydeOn! Cycling Studio took place on Sunday, February 8th, 2015 and raised over $3,500.



Brigid Lossing, owner of RydeOn! Cycling Studio generously offered her studio, certified instructors and time to help make this fundraiser a success. Lossing said the partnership between PEAC and RydeOn! Studio is an easy one because both organizations have similar goals of providing a sense of community and fitness for all. PEAC's motto, "Everyone Can Ride" also rings true for the RydeOn! Studio where people with all different fitness levels and goals can ride together in a welcoming and inclusive environment.

The money raised from this fundraiser will directly support the PEAC Summer Program in Saline. This program is structured to work with individuals with disabilities to identify and achieve their personal cycling goals. The goals could vary from balancing a two-wheel bike, riding on a tandem bicycle, or developing safe community riding skills. The summer program site in Saline works with over 30 students twice weekly June through August.

Among the 74 participants at the 4th Annual Ryde-A-Thon was Lisa Rentschler, whose son Connor has been a part of the PEAC Summer Program in Saline for many years. Connor learned to ride a two-wheel bike with PEAC and is now mastering his community riding skills. Lisa says Connor was able to get over the fear of riding, and now feels confident to ride his bike around his neighborhood.



Sponsors of the event include American Cycle and Fitness, Bearclaw Coffee Co., Busch's Fresh Food Market, Pampered Chef Consultant Amy Robke, Treefort Bike Shop, Janet Horvat and Wheels in Motion. 

For more information about PEAC or RydeOn! Cycling Studio, visit www.bikeprogram.org or rydeoncycling.com


Monday, January 26, 2015

Toledo Community Foundation Awards Grant To Programs to Educate All Cyclists to Fund Bicycle Program for Students with Disabilities





             The Board of Trustees of Toledo Community Foundation has approved a grant to Programs to Educate All Cyclists (PEAC) in the amount of $20,000. These funds will fully fund a two day a week summer program in the Toledo community teaching students with disabilities how to safely ride a bicycle. In addition, the Toledo Community Foundation’s grant will provide funds for PEAC to work with the Toledo Ability Center at Cricket Camp.
The mission of the PEAC is to empower individuals with disabilities through cycling. The summer cycling program is structured to help individuals with disabilities identify and achieve cycling goals. PEAC believes everyone can ride, and creates specialized curriculum for every individual who wishes to be involved in cycling. Biking plays a critical role in increasing community access, fostering social involvement and self esteem, and promoting healthy lifestyles among individuals with disabilities. The Toledo Community Foundation and PEAC are happy to bring this program to the Toledo community.
Toledo Community Foundation, Inc. is a public charitable organization created by citizens of our community to enrich the quality of life for individuals and families in our area. In existence since 1973, the Foundation has more than 670 funds with assets of approximately $219 million. The Foundation provides philanthropic services for individuals, families, businesses and corporations to meet their charitable giving needs. For more information on the Foundation, visit the organization’s website at www.toledocf.org or follow us on Facebook.

As a non-profit organization, Programs to Educate All Cyclists (PEAC) would not exist without the generous support of our donors and sponsors. We humbly accept monetary gifts, as well as equipment and other in-kind donations. For more information on PEAC or how you can support it’s community efforts, visit bikeprogram.org.

Monday, January 12, 2015

THANK YOU!

Thank you for being a committed supporter of PEAC in our annual giving campaign! We are so grateful for your continued belief in our program and mission. Through your generous donations, PEAC continues to make a difference in the lives of individuals with disabilities.  Every donation makes a big impact on each of our students and helps them to reach their goals!

Due to your overwhelming generosity, our annual giving campaign raised money for 2 new tandem bicycles, 1 student sponsored for the entire Summer Program, 1 new mountain bike, 4 hours of the Summer Program for 6 students, Celebration of Cycling registrations for 10 students, 8 helmets, and 4 tire tubes. Your commitment to helping PEAC expand and become an even more successful organization is sincerely appreciated.


Thanks to you, our remarkable supporters, PEAC continues to change lives for the better. Aaron Sweet, a student who has been a part of PEAC for many years, is generally quiet and soft spoken. However, Aaron really comes out of his shell during the summer bike program and loves to provide words of encouragement for new riders, saying, “Great job, you can do it!” By creating a positive environment and being a good example to others, Aaron has become a leader who inspires more students to reach their cycling goals.  Your belief in us truly helps make a difference and continues to empower individuals with disabilities throughout every aspect of their lives.


Thank you again for your generous support of our efforts.

Best Wishes,

PEAC Staff