• 2009 Rodman Ride photo album

May Institute Raises More than $173,000 for Critical Children’s Services

01/22/10

Randolph, Mass. — Thanks to the combined efforts of its employees, Board of Trustee members, business partners, corporate sponsors, and friends, May Institute raised more than $173,000 to help meet the needs of children with autism spectrum disorders (ASD), brain injury, and other special needs.

A provider of educational, rehabilitation, and behavioral healthcare services for children and adults, the Institute was selected as an “affiliated agency” by the 2009 Rodman Ride for Kids, an umbrella matching gift charity. This was the Institute’s third year of participation in the Rodman Ride.

Last fall, 15 teams of May Institute riders pedaled a combined total of 1,975 miles to raise funds for its children’s programs in Massachusetts. To help support the effort, May staff members from a variety of its children’s programs formed teams that conducted letter-writing campaigns to friends, neighbors, and families. They also held unique fundraising events such as a full clam boil, bingo night, and an arts and music “jubilee” to engage the community and showcase the talents of their students.

With strong support from corporate sponsors including Stephen H. Peck & Associates/UBS, Merrill Lynch, and Todson, Inc., the Institute exceeded its $150,000 goal for 2009. That success earned the organization another $22,665 from the Ride for Kids organization – a 15 percent match for every dollar raised by May Institute.

“One hundred percent of these funds will directly benefit the estimated 16,000 children in New England who receive services from May Institute,” said Heidi Howard, M.P.A., Chief of Business Development. “We are extremely grateful to the Rodman Ride for helping us make a difference in the lives of the children we serve.”

Programs, events, and new materials that will be funded with money raised through the Rodman Ride for Kids include:

• Equipment to improve motor skills, classroom materials, and educational games and books for May Center schools for students with ASD, brain injury, and other special needs
• Classroom enhancements for May Center schools, such as furniture, iPods, a Wii, and other electronics
• Student outings and other enrichment activities such as music, art, and “Outdoor Exploration” programs for students with brain injury
• Equipment for a Gym Program that serves children with behavioral health challenges
• Supplies for outpatient services and school-based counseling initiatives

About the Rodman Ride
The Rodman Ride for Kids is an umbrella matching gift charity that raises funds for a wide variety of children’s social service agencies across Massachusetts. The Ride for Kids and its affiliated agencies fundraise throughout the year. These efforts culminate each fall with the event itself – a 25-, 50-, or 100-mile non-competitive cycling tour. Since its inception in 1991, the Ride for Kids has raised over $44 million for youth-focused social service agencies in the state.