I was again fortunate enough to be part of the PMC-Kids Ride in Natick, Massachusetts. This is the fourth installment for this annual event and, as usual, the planning committee did an outstanding job. It was held this year at Belkin Lookout Farm, giving the older riders the chance to cruise through the orchard pathways. Regular visitors to the farm would recognize it as the route that the train takes to give customers a tour of the fruit trees.
Anyone battling cancer has a hill to climb, but it seems especially unfair when it is a child having to fight that fight. PMC Kids encourages the concept of “Kids Helping Kids” through their participation in this amazing fundraising effort. In 2009, every penny raised by the Pan-Mass Challenge — 100% of the money donated — went directly to the Jimmy Fund. This year, right around 250 young people, ranging in age from 3 to 12, participated in the Natick ride. Dozens of others volunteered, performing such duties as registering riders, manning the refreshment tables, face painting, beading, balloon animals, and so on.
Landry’s Bicycles, as usual, was there. Not only did they have a tent set up to provide maintenance to the bikes participating in the ride, but they also donated a very cool looking mountain bike to the raffle. The number of vendors who donated prizes or volunteered their time (or both) continues to impress me. It ranged from the small mom & pop operations and local restaurants, all the way up to contributions from The Boston Red Sox, Celtics and Bruins. There was even an appearance by Batman.
It’s good to be part of a community effort like that.
