The Kelly Brush Foundation Invites Bike Shop Employees To Join 2023 Ride Supporting Programs For Athletes With Spinal Cord Injuries
Shop Teams From Anywhere Can Participate Remotely and Earn Gifts
Burlington, VT, July 27, 2023 – The Kelly Brush Foundation, whose mission is to inspire and empower people with spinal cord injuries to lead active and engaged lives, is inviting bike shop staff to join its 2023 fundraiser ride. Shop staff in any location can participate, with employees riding either together as a team-building activity, or individually.
All bike shop employees are eligible for a fifty-percent discount on ride registration fees.
The iconic annual Kelly Brush Ride, now in its 18th year, takes place at Middlebury College and is a favorite New England event known for its safe roads, on-course support, and a fun and friendly environment. This year, KBF will also host a ride in Northern California, as well as the Ride From Anywhere option. All three events help to fund the Kelly Brush Foundation’s programs, including grants for adaptive sports equipment and adaptive sports camps. Riders are welcome to register independently, join an existing team, or create their own team to bring friends to the event on August 19.
While cyclists are invited to join the Vermont or California events, the Ride from Anywhere option makes it easy for shop employees to support KBF’s work from all around the country. Riders who fundraise at least $250 in any of the events can earn generous prizes from the KBF’s partners, including lift tickets to Sugarbush, and swag from Flylow, Stio, Topo Designs, and L.L. Bean.
“Our rides help hundreds of people to enjoy sport again after devastating injuries. Rarely can you support and fundraise for a cause that will so directly make a difference in someone’s life, while riding in a fun, supported event,” said KBF Executive Director Edie Perkins. “We’re extending this invitation to bike shop employees because they know better than anyone how joyful riding a bike can be. It’s our hope that shop staff will be excited to help people who have suffered devastating injuries recapture that joy by participating in our fundraiser.”
In 2022, the Kelly Brush Ride raised more than $1 million, and is aiming to raise $1.3 million in 2023. Most of the funds raised comes from 1,000 individual riders and 5,000 donors.
Kelly Brush, a member of the Middlebury College ski team, survived a spinal cord injury she sustained in a race in 2006. She went on to establish KBF with her family. The foundation’s mission is to help others with spinal cord injuries participate in adaptive sports by providing funding for equipment, as well as connections, inspiration, and education.
For information on the Vermont and Ride From Anywhere events, or to register click here. For more information on the California ride, or to register, click here. To take advantage of the discounted entry for shop employees, please email bruce@kellybrushfoundation.org.
