HOULTON, Maine — Greater Houlton Christian Academy’s 23rd annual Bike-a-thon will still be held this year, with an adapted approach due to COVID-19.
“Each year the bike-a-thon raises approximately $20,000,” Deb Jacques, bike-a-thon chairman said. “This fundraiseris incredibly important to the school, so rather than cancel, we decided to get creative.”
Traditionally, students would collect pledges and then embark on a group bicycle ride, departing from GHCA on School Street, earning an amount of money for each mile cycled.
This year, to earn their pledges, students will hold their own events at their homes between 9-11 a.m. Saturday, May 30. Students have the choice of going on a bike ride or walk with their family or helping a neighbor in need.
Donors have been provided the option to pay their pledges online by visiting the Bike-a-thon page at ghca.com or they can mail their check to the school.
“We can provide a pledge payment form to fill out and mail with their check,” Jacques said.
The form can be obtained by emailing Kelly Little at office@ghca.com.
“During this unusual time, our students have been inspired to think outside the box with their fundraising efforts,” head of school Tom Zimmerman said. “We have had one selling tomato plants that he grew, another is making homemade dishcloths and another is doing artwork.”
I have been impressed by their ideas and the time and effort they have put into this year’s event. We are grateful now more than ever for the community’s support of our students and this fundraiser.”
Now in its second decade, the Bike-a-thon continues to be a critical part of GHCA’s annual fund which helps keep tuition affordable for all families who attend the school.
As a local ministry GHCA’s mission is to provide an academically-solid education that is in harmony with Biblical values. Applications are now being accepted for the 2020/2021 school year. The school has provided a Christian education to students from Aroostook County, Maine, New Brunswick, Canada and overseas students for 36 years.
To learn more about GHCA, visit ghca.com , “Like” its page on Facebook, or contact the office at 207-532-0736.
