On June 22, approximately 1,000 bicyclists will gather at the Hasbro, Inc. campus in Pawtucket to set out on a two-day, 150-mile ride across Rhode Island, into Massachusetts and back for Bike MS: Ride the Rhode, to support the Rhode Island chapter of the National Multiple Sclerosis.
Director of Development Catie Fauvelle said last year’s 25th anniversary version of Ride the Rhode raised a record-setting $840,000. Organizers have equally high hopes for this year’s ride.
The riders, many representing corporate fundraising teams, will be participating in the chapter’s most important annual fundraiser, one that has raised more than $13 million over the past 25 years.
PBN: Coming off the enormous success of last year’s 25th Anniversary ride, what are the goals and expectations for this year’s Ride the Rhode?
FAUVELLE: We have set big goals for this ride because we are confident in the support and dedication of our amazing cyclists and donors. This year we hope to raise $830,000 and have 1,000 cyclists ride with us.
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PBN: What is new or different about this year’s Ride?
FAUVELLE: Without the glory that comes from riding over the Newport and Jamestown bridges we knew that we had to continue to appeal to our riders so we are riding a completely new route this year that will showcase the beautiful scenery of northeastern Rhode Island and eastern Massachusetts. The one thing that won’t change for our riders is the camaraderie and exceptional experience they gain from the weekend. We will also continue to have well stocked rest stops, support along the route from our volunteers and the Blue Knights motorcycle group as well as a finish line BBQ each day. We’re lucky to have the support of Harpoon Brewery again this year for the Saturday finish and that is always a big draw for the cyclists.
PBN: How important is the Ride to your overall fundraising efforts each year and how does the Chapter use the money raised?
FAUVELLE: Ride the Rhode is the number one fundraiser for our chapter. No other event brings in the revenue and numbers that the ride does so it is incredibly important. We are completely funded by personal donations and special event fundraising so the success of our special events is paramount. We use the money raised here in Rhode Island to support local programs and services like the financial assistance program, the wellness fund and scholarships for local students. We also support cutting edge national and international research.
PBN: Has the fundraising environment for riders become more challenging in the uncertain economic environment? Have you taken any steps to help riders address that?
FAUVELLE: Fundraising is always a challenge but in the recent years it has become increasingly difficult. Our participants feel the strain of the economy themselves and are therefore hesitant to reach out to their networks to ask for donations because, of course, no one wants to be a burden. What we do here is support our cyclists with brainstorming ideas on how to fundraise effectively, assisting them in setting up their own fundraising events, and encouraging them to just keep fundraising and keep Bike MS on the forefront of every conversation they are having. We are also lucky enough to have a fantastic fundraising program that is available on Facebook where participants can fundraise by setting up an application on their Facebook accounts. We’ve found that this is a very easy and effective way for participants to put out an easy ask to a large audience and more times than not, they are surprised at who will donate.
PBN: Have you made any changes to security or other logistical changes as a result of the Boston Marathon tragedy?
FAUVELLE: Keeping our participants and volunteers safe is always a priority. Since the Boston Marathon tragedy, we are just reminded how difficult public events can be to secure and how important it is for event organizers to work hand in hand with local authorities. We continue to work closely with the local municipalities in the areas of our ride and, as always, take whatever suggestions they make to make sure that everyone at our event can feel safe and enjoy themselves.
