Ride for Refuge
Hosted by Sea to Sea
October 4, 2014: 8 AM – 2 PM
Starting at Byron Center Christian School
Two and a half years ago, Chris Freeman started noticing small neighborhood restaurants that he had never heard of and decided to try them. He discovered they were very good. He then started a Facebook group, EatGR, so he could share these local gems with the rest of Grand Rapids–and develop a network of people who were also interested in finding and sharing little-known eateries.
Today, the group has more than 9,000 members all dedicated to sharing their dining experiences at local (non national chain) restaurants within a 60-minute drive of Grand Rapids. From the beginning, group members have asked for a way to give back to the community, acknowledging that while the group celebrates food, there are hungry people right here in West Michigan. The Ride for Refuge event on October 4 presented the perfect opportunity for Freeman to challenge the EatGR community.
The Ride, hosted and operated in West Michigan by Sea to Sea, is a charity event where participants ride a bicycle for 3, 15, or 30 miles and designate the proceeds to one of the partner charities. Currently riders in West Michigan are raising money for:
- Access of West Michigan
- Association for a More Just Society
- Bethany Refugee Services
- Feeding America West Michigan Food Bank
- Sea to Sea (an initiative of World Renew, Partners Worldwide, and the Reformed Church in America)
- Team Beyond
- The Hope Project
Freeman, who works as a REALTOR for his day job and is also a reporter for The Rapidian, will be riding for Feeding America West Michigan Food Bank, and the distance depends on the amount of money raised. If Team EatGR raises $1,500 he will ride 15 miles. If it raises $3,000 he will ride all 30.
“I’m looking forward to having fun with this,” Freeman said. “It’s for a great cause. It’s something that the EatGR community can do together to positively impact West Michigan.”
The ride is family-friendly and open to the public. Participants are encouraged to fundraise for a participating charity or pay a $25 registration fee.
"I hope we have a lot of people come out and support their charity of choice," said Terry Barnes, director of the West Michigan Ride. "With a three mile ride option, this is not just an event for serious cyclists. It's a chance to get out and do something with your family."
The event is still accepting riders, volunteers, and donations. Find out more information here.
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