Ride with LSSM in West Michigan for "Ride for Refuge" Sat. Oct. 1

Here is fundraising opportunity that mixes fun and exercise with a good cause. “Ride for Refuge” will take place on Saturday, Oct. 1, 2011. That gives you plenty of time to sign up to ride your bike with us, and even become a team leader and recruit more riders to get additional sponsors. You will be supporting the Grand Rapids office's Refugee Services program for Lutheran Social Services of Michigan.

The Grand Rapids area ride will start and end in Byron Center, and lunch is provided after you finish. Riders will raise support from sponsors and can do a ride of their choice: 5 miles, 15 miles, 30 miles, or 60 miles. With a rolling start, the 60 milers will set out first. People can register to ride with the LSSM team, support our LSSM riders, or volunteer at the Grand Rapids “Ride for Refuge.”

Visit http://www.rideforrefuge.org/location/grandrapids for more information, including start-finish address and times, registration form and lunch plans. Questions? Contact Dana Doll at ddoll@lssm.org or call 616-916-5770.

Joining Dana on the LSSM team of riders are two refugees, one of whom is sponsoring himself for the ride. “He works part-time at Best Buy,” Dana said, “and he decided he could help out other refugees that will come after him.” Also planning to ride is MapleCreek employee Rob Lemon, son of LSSM Vice President Sue Lemon. "I'm going to do the 60-mile ride," Rob said.

Dana would love to have anyone who can ride a bike join the LSSM team. “If you are associated with a church, organization or group, sign up to be a team leader and invite others to ride with you,” Dana said. “We would like as many teams, and as many riders, as possible. Even teams of one are welcome!”