Ride for a Reason - Marathon 2011

For immediate release

Contact: Nicole Belpedio, nbelpedio@delanocatholic.com, 763-972-2528

St. Peter’s School Students Seek Public’s Support for “Ride for a Reason”

School’s Annual Marathon for Nonpublic Education Fundraiser

with Big Purpose Starts September 1

Delano, Minn. – Aug. 24, 2011 – From September 1 through early October, St. Peter’s School students will ask for the public’s support of their fifth annual “Ride for a Reason,” a special bike ride associated with the school’s Marathon for Nonpublic Education fundraiser.

Kindergarten through sixth-grade students participating in the Marathon are seeking donors to sponsor their approximately six-mile bike ride through Delano on Sat., Oct. 1. One hundred percent of the money collected goes directly to St. Peter’s School.

As in past years, the students are riding for a reason, collecting names of special people or groups for whom they’ll ride “in memory of” or “in honor of” that day. The ride falls in step with the school’s mission to provide a foundation for a faith-filled, productive life.

“Ride for a Reason is a unique and effective way to help teach children to stop, think beyond their own needs, and reflect upon others and pray for their well-being,” said Nicole Belpedio, St. Peter’s School principal. “It transforms a fund drive into an extension of our classrooms — and our faith.”

Ambitious Goal

By October 1, the school hopes to raise $50,000 and collect more than 1,000 names.

“We have been deeply moved by the community’s generosity and willingness to open themselves up to be a part of Ride for a Reason since 2007,” Belpedio said. “As in past years, we will ride for people who are suffering from illness or who have survived a battle with a debilitating disease. Our students can also ride for a group of people in need of support, such as our troops or families and local businesses impacted by the economy.”

The students will add the names they collect to a large Ride for a Reason art mural, designed teachers and upper-grade students. Local businesses that support Ride for a Reason will appear on the mural, which will be on display for the public to see at the Marathon finish line in the City Park and other public events.

In addition, the school’s staff will guide students during the month in a variety of special activities, such as a special Mass and weekly educational units that convey the importance of supporting others.

Local Business Support

In 2010, nearly 140 businesses donated to Ride for a Reason. This year, three businesses are supporting Ride for a Reason in a unique way from September 1 through September 30. Dave’s Town Club will donate 10 percent of sales between 5 p.m. to closing each Tuesday. State Bank of Delano Member FDIC will donate $1 for every $100 (up to $500) deposited in a new savings or checking account or certificate of deposit. And, Absolute Automotive Services will donate $5 for every oil change, which includes a tire rotation and 30-point inspection.

Members of the public also are encouraged to place honor/memory requests for students in specially marked boxes at each business.

Rich History

The Marathon has a rich history at St. Peter's School, thanks to its founders, the local Knights of Columbus Council (Immaculate Conception Council No. 4653). In the mid-1970s, the Council established the Marathon as the successful event that it is today.

“Our unique approach builds on the foundation laid by the Knights of Columbus,” Belpedio said. “They continue to be an integral part of our Marathon and are deeply supportive of our effort to educate our students about the value of helping others.”

How to Help

If members of the community miss the opportunity to pledge a student or visit a participating business, pledges and names will be taken by mail at St. Peter’s School, 235 South 2nd Street, P.O. Box 470, Delano, MN 55328. For more information, visit www.stpetersschool-delano.com or call 763-972-2528.

###