Hale to Participate in Rodman Ride For Kids

For the past 20 years, Rodman Ride for Kids has raised a combined $52 million for at-risk children in Massachusetts. This year, will be involved, and is aiming to raise $50,000.

"It's a huge honor to be an affiliate organization with the Rodman Ride," said Hale Reservation Director Eric Arnold. "It's really nice they have accepted us into the group."

The Rodman Ride has been taking place since 1991, when $30,000 was raised. The event has come a long way since then, with $7.2 million raised last year, and an overall goal of $8.1 million this year.

The Ride for Kids and the affiliated agencies involved raise funds year-round, culminating with Saturday's ride.

Arnold explained that the majority of Hale's fundraising has come from its event and . The organization has recently begun soliciting donations from the public, as well.

Riders have the option of 25, 50, and 100-mile loops. Each of the nine riders representing Hale will be riding at least 50 miles, Arnold said.

Hale's team of riders has been training hard over the course of the last couple of months. Arnold said that the riders have been riding anywhere between 18 and 25 miles a day for three of four days a week.

He added that the goal of raising money for the cause that matters the most.

"For some of us it will be more of a stretch, because some have been riding more than others," said Arnold.

Arnold also pointed out that the beauty of the event is that for every dollar donated, an additional 10 percent will go to Hale.

The ride will take place on Saturday, with 100 mile riders starting at 7 a.m. The ride begins and ends at 10 Lincoln Rd. in Foxboro, located near Gillette Stadium on Rte. 1.

For more information, visit rodmanrideforkids.org.