Help Us Cross the Finish Line!

On Saturday, September 26, 15 teams of May Institute riders peddled a combined total of 1,975 miles through Massachusetts in support of our programs for children with autism, brain injury, and other special needs. Among this distinguished group of riders were May Institute staff, Board Members, business partners, parents, and friends. A group of students from the May Center for Child Development in Randolph also attended the event to help cheer riders across the finish line.

Stephen H. Peck & Associates/UBS, Merrill Lynch, and Todson, Inc., are among the corporate supporters of May Institute’s participation in the 2009 Ride.

Staff members from various May Institute children’s programs also formed teams to raise money for the children they serve. Teams held bake sales, car washes, and tag sales to raise money for their programs. They also held unique fundraising events, such as a full clam boil and an arts and music jubilee, to engage the community and show off the talents of their students.

Every dollar raised through our participation in the Rodman Ride will be used to fund the “wish lists” of each program – allowing them to purchase items for the kids that they may not otherwise be able to access. Examples of purchases to be made with funds raised through the Rodman Ride for Kids include:

• Specialized computer equipment for speech production, classroom materials, and books
• Funds for the development of a new clinic to provide counseling and support to families of children with autism
• Classroom enhancements, such as furniture, iPods, a Wii, and other electronics
• Equipment for a multi-family Gym Program and supplies for outpatient services and school-based counseling initiatives

We are within $8,000 of reaching our fundraising goal of $150,000 and receiving an additional 15 percent match from the Rodman Ride for Kids. We’re working hard to reach this goal, and we need your help to cross the finish line! To make a donation, please click here.

About the Rodman Ride
The Rodman Ride for Kids is an umbrella matching gift charity raising funds for youth-focused social service agencies in Massachusetts. The Ride for Kids and its affiliated agencies fundraise year-round, culminating with The Ride event, a 25, 50, and 100-mile non-competitive cycling tour, each fall.

The expenses associated with the Ride for Kids are less than 4% of the total revenue, and they are all underwritten. This means that when you donate to the Ride or Kids, 100% of your donation will directly benefit at-risk kids! The Ride for Kids mission is to have every kid in our community live as we would want our own kids to live.