By Ed Karvoski Jr., Contributing Writer
Shrewsbury – When Jeffrey Chin of Shrewsbury began as chief executive officer of Big Brothers Big Sisters of Central Mass/Metrowest in 2013, he also joined the agency’s team for the Rodman Ride for Kids. Now, he’s preparing for his third ride in September and a fundraising kickoff party in July.
“I certainly ride recreationally on vacation, but don’t necessarily consider myself an avid cyclist,” he acknowledged. “In preparation for this event I do try to get on the bike two, three or four times prior to that weekend. The course itself isn’t especially tricky for a novice cyclist.”
The 25th annual Ride for Kids will be held Saturday, Sept. 26, beginning and ending in Foxborough. It’s an umbrella matching-gift charity that raises funds for organizations supporting at-risk youth statewide. Participants have the option of riding 25, 50 or 100 miles. Chin rode 25 miles the past two years.
“The first year was pretty daunting, but you soon realize that if you stay with the pack and keep a steady pace it ends up being fine,” he said. “It’s really energizing to have legions of people along the course, cheering and encouraging you throughout the various number of miles you might be doing. Right now I’m riding 25 miles. I was able to do the 25 last year without too much of an issue, so I’m considering 50 miles this year.”
Expenses associated with the ride are less than 3 percent of the total revenue and are underwritten, so 100 percent of donations directly benefit at-risk youth organizations. Chin’s individual fundraising goal is $1,500.
“The Rodman Ride is a large fundraiser for our agency,” he said. “We typically garner about $100,000 each year from the event. We’re hoping to do so again this year. It takes a lot of people and volunteer effort to make it happen, but it’s always a good time.”
New this year to boost the fundraising effort, a kickoff party is scheduled for Wednesday, July 22, from 4:30 to 9:30 p.m., at Smokestack Urban Barbecue, 139 Green St. in Worcester. The restaurant will donate 15 percent of sales when patrons tell their server that they’re there to support BBBS and the Rodman Ride.
In addition to fundraising, the kickoff party is a chance for guests to learn more about the agency, which matches Bigs and Littles through community- or site-based programs in over 40 communities.
“Our staff members and many of our volunteers will be at the kickoff to help us,” Chin noted. “It’s a great opportunity to learn about the agency, get some good food and certainly help a good cause.”
For more information about Big Brothers Big Sisters of Central Mass/Metrowest, visit bbbscm.org. To donate to Chin’s Rodman Ride page, visit goo.gl/251Lw1.
