HOULTON, Maine — Perfect weather for pedaling greeted 100 participants in Greater Houlton Christian Academy’s 19th annual Bike-A-Thon Saturday.
Over the years, bikes have helped bulk up the school’s fund-raising efforts in a big way, and this year was no exception.
Family and friends of the school pedaled their way toward a major fund-raising goal on Saturday. Deb Jacques, GHCA parent and chair of the Bike-A-Thon committee, said Monday morning that after final tallies are counted they expected the final total to be close to their goal of $20,000, money that will go toward the GHCA general operating expenses.
“Our challenge this year was that, due to a scheduling conflict, we had to hold our Bike-A-Thon two weeks earlier than normal,” explained Jacques. “But our families really came through and people really put in a huge effort. … I couldn’t be more delighted with the outcome [of this year’s Bike-A-Thon].”
The Bike-A-Thon isn’t just a big fundraiser: it also includes some big prizes. Over the years, students have worked hard to raise pledges and top winners earn prizes like iPads, Kindles, game systems and more.
This year’s top winners were Joel Carmichael and Daniel Henderson. Carmichael took home a Samsung Galaxy Tablet, and Henderson snagged an Xbox One for his fundraising work. The other top winners: Hunter Duttweiler, Henry Monarca, and Abigail Freier also each won $100 prizes or gift certificates.
Daniel Henderson, a second grader at GHCA, biked 20 miles for the event with his family and said he was surprised to take home of the top prizes.
“I would encourage anyone to do any mile [amount] they want and I would do it with them,” he said.
Joel Carmichael, a member of the school’s cross country team, ran his miles for the fundraiser.
“It’s a good cause and just a lot of fun to be a part of,” he said.
