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Lake Norman Excursion set for July 18 in Mooresville
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Published: July 14, 2009
"We've worked very hard to make it a safe and fun outing for the whole family," said Steve Doolittle, co-owner of Cool Breeze Cyclery. "It's a good way to get the kids outdoors and away from the TV for a healthy activity."
The Lake Norman Excursion, a 40-, 68- or 100-mile bike ride on July 18, starts and ends at Lowe's Corporate Headquarters in Mooresville. There will also be kid-friendly 10-mile fun ride.
All proceeds from the ride will go to the Greater Carolinas Chapter of the Red Cross.
"In times like this, you'll hear a lot about how nonprofits are struggling because of a loss in donations," said Kate Meier, public relations coordinator for the Carolinas chapter. "If you take that one step further, it's not the nonprofits per se, but the people we serve. Those are the most vulnerable people in our communities, and they are the ones who suffer when donations to nonprofits are lacking."
Meier added that the Red Cross in Mecklenburg and Iredell counties last year helped 314 families get back on their feet after a house fire or other disaster; transported more than 3,000 clients to and from critical medical appointments and connected 531 families with their loved ones serving in the armed forces overseas during an emergency.
"Those are all people who need the services of the Red Cross, and the need for our services is growing," she said. "All the money from the Lake Norman Excursion will benefit the Greater Carolinas Chapter. That money will be used to fund our critical programs and services such as Emergency Services, through which we provide critical assistance to families who have lost their home to a fire; and Transportation Services, through which we give rides to clients who have no other means of transportation to and from their critical medical appointments."
The lakeside biking event was started by Dwight Calloway in the mid-80s, but was discontinued in the early '90s when Calloway retired. Cool Breeze Cyclery and the Lowe's Corporation have teamed up with the American Red Cross to re-create the experience.
"This is the third year we've done this event after re-creating the ride," said Steve Doolittle, co-owner and operations manager for Cool Breeze Cyclery. "We had about 600 riders last year and raised over $20,000 for the Red Cross."
The Red Cross seemed like a natural partner, Doolittle said, because of the agnecy's willingness to provide volunteers and the fact that donated funds would be put to use locally.
"We're just a small bike shop, so there's no way we could run a ride of this size without their help," he said. "Lowe's has also been a wonderful partner, donating the use of the corporate campus to start and end the race and is the largest cash contribution at $3,000. They have also put in a lot of volunteer time and it's great."
After the rides conclude, lunch will be provided for all participants.
"The Lake Norman Excursion is a family-friendly event that helps a good cause," Meier said. "When you help the Red Cross, you are truly helping your neighbors, because money donated to the Greater Carolinas Chapter stays here in Mecklenburg and Iredell counties."
Participants can sign up online by midnight on July 17 or visit Cool Breeze Cyclery in Mooresville or Trek Bicycle Store in Charlotte. Get more information at www.lakenormanexcursion.com.
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