Six West Michigan, community-based organizations will join forces for a collaborative fundraising effort as they prepare to send teams on the first-ever Climate Ride Midwest. The nonprofits invite community members to learn more about this nationally-recognized event – and their own locally-focused projects – at the Climate Ride Party on August 19 on the lawn of Mangiamo in the East Hills neighborhood.
Climate Ride Midwest is a nearly-300-mile fully supported ride that will take participants from Grand Rapids to Chicago over the course of four days (September 6 – 9). This is the first time Climate Ride organizers have planned a Midwestern route and local participants are honored that Grand Rapids was selected as the starting point for the monumental event.
“At Climate Ride, we want to highlight communities that lead in green innovation and forward-thinking transportation for their citizens,” said Climate Ride Executive Director Caeli Quinn. “Grand Rapids is at the heart of a region that has been committed to conservation, protecting its water resources, and promoting sustainable business. We have a national audience and we want them to see that Grand Rapids is a hip, friendly, and beautiful city with a 21st century vision of sustainability.”
Each local team member is charged with raising at least $2,800 to participate in Climate Ride Midwest. In turn, participants will get a life-changing experience and the opportunity to raise significant funds for the West Michigan nonprofit of their choice.
Riders are raising funds from their own families, friends, and colleagues, with support from the organizations for which they are riding. While fundraising can be competitive, these six nonprofits believe there is strength in working together to generate financial support and awareness of Climate Ride Midwest and the positive impact it will have on the West Michigan community.
The six West Michigan nonprofit organizations to benefit from the August 19 event include:
Greater Grand Rapids Bicycle Coalition - Funds directed to GGRBC’s Room to Ride campaign for 100 miles of bike lanes in Greater Grand Rapids by 2015. Team supported by CompuCraft.
Local First - We foster the development of an economy, grounded in local ownership, which functions in harmony with our ecosystem, meets the basic needs of our people, encourages joyful community life, and builds wealth.
The Nest - We are building one of the world's most sustainable affordable homes devoted to fostering community and creating a safe space where people can do life together. Partnered with Alliance for Environmental Sustainability and Homes of Hope.
The Spoke Folks - We are a not-for-profit bicycle co-op providing open space for education, tools, and knowledge sharing, to act as a resource for the cycling community in Grand Rapids.
Well House - Well House provides safe, affordable housing to the homeless by turning vacant houses into homes and vacant lots into urban gardens and orchards that provide healthy food, meaningful work, and income to under-served communities.
West Michigan Environmental Action Council - Funds directed to WMEAC, which works to lead environmental protection in West Michigan by inspiring action, will support WMEAC’s environmental education and advocacy efforts throughout West Michigan.
About Climate Ride
Climate Ride is a national 501(c)(3) non-profit organization that organizes life-changing charitable events to raise awareness of key issues while also supporting sustainability, active transportation, and environmental causes. Climate Ride events raise critical funds for nonprofit organizations throughout the country. Climate Ride Midwest is expected to generate significant revenue for the Greater Grand Rapids area, both through the tourism dollars it will funnel to the city, but also through year-end grants awarded to local beneficiary organizations. Other Climate Rides include Climate Ride California Wine Country and Climate Ride NYC-DC.
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