Reid Health’s 15th and final ReidRide will take place this weekend, but its commitment to buying shoes for kids isn’t ending.
The fundraiser, organized by Reid Health Foundation, will move toward what Reid officials describe in a news release as an “exciting new event to celebrate wellness in a different way beginning in 2025. More information will be released in the months ahead.”
Since the first call to ride in 2009, the biking event has served as a fundraiser for Reid Health’s Shoes for Kids program, providing shoes for area children in need.
Through the years, more than 7,000 riders have helped to raise more than $750,000 to buy over 20,000 pairs of shoes.
Jason Troutwine, Reid Health vice president/foundation president, said Shoes for Kids will continue as a Reid Health Community Benefit program.
Registration for the 8 a.m. Saturday, Aug. 10, ride is available at ReidRide.org at a discounted anniversary price of $15. Individuals and families can ride one of three routes on Wayne County roads and the Cardinal Greenway. Ages 17 and younger can ride free with an adult entry.
Helmets are required.
“ReidRide has been a family-oriented event centered on a good cause, fitness, and wellness for more than a decade. I remember all those riders and volunteers who turned out for the very first one in the rain in 2009. It was a great day,” Troutwine said. “We appreciate all our sponsors, riders, community members, EMS partners and volunteers for rallying around this event for 15 years to support a great cause in our community.”
Dozens of area EMS professionals and first responders, including five Support and Gear vehicles with medical personnel, will be positioned along the route.
“Safety has always been a top priority of ReidRide, and we couldn’t do it without the partnership of our local emergency responders and medical personnel,” said Angela Cline, Reid Foundation director, in the release.
A version of this article appeared in the August 14 2024 print edition of the Western Wayne News.