The American Diabetes Association is changing gears to increase fund raising.
"We know Sioux Falls is a huge biking community so we thought we would bring the event to the area and we went from a walk last year to a bike ride this year," Executive Director Shawn Murphy said.
With the option to ride eight, 25 or even 50 miles, the fundraiser already met one of its goals days before the event.
"Our goal was to have 220 registered and as of Thursday we had 230. We've had a few folks walk up this [Saturday] morning and register so we're hoping to have about 250 today," Murphy said.
With hopes of raising around $85,000, many participants were happy to go above and beyond to meet their goal.
"I set my goal at $500 and I reached that pretty quick with some friends and some people I work with," 50 mile cyclist Scott Colwill said.
After asking his parents to spread the word, Colwill soon became the top fundraiser.
"It was kind of fun, watching my friends and family give, and my totals to go up. It felt good," Colwill said.
For some riders like Colwill, riding on Saturday was not just about raising money.
"[It's] to teach the boys I work with fund raising and the importance of giving to others," Colwill said.
South Dakota joins 43 other states who hold an annual Tour de Cure and organizers are positive next year will be even bigger.
"We've gotten huge support, welcoming from the community, Sanford Health has been a great team to work with," Murphy said.
Colwill raised over $1,300 by himself, which helped the event reach over $50,000.
Comments