By Maria Prato-Gaines, Staff Writer
CRANBURY — Some local residents will be putting the rubber to the pavement this weekend to raise money for charity.
The Cranbury Area Mother’s Club will be hosting its fourth annual Bike-A-Thon to benefit the Ronald McDonald House in New Brunswick on Sunday from 4 to 6:30 p.m. at Heritage Park on the corner of Old Trenton Road and Main Street.
”This is a fun event for the entire family to come out and raise money for a good cause,” said Lisa O’Donnell, the club’s co-philanthropic coordinator. “Heritage Park has paved paths and people don’t just have to ride a bike for the event. They can walk, jog, push a stroller or ride a scooter. We just ask they do the loop at the park three times.”
For the last three years, the Mother’s Club has worked in conjunction with Bristol-Myers Squibb Children’s Hospital at Robert Wood Johnson University Hospital to host the bike-a-thon, which to date has raised more than $5,500, according to Ms. O’Donnell.
Ronald McDonald houses provide a temporary residence for families close to the hospital while their children receive medical treatment.
”They house families with sick children,” Ms. O’Donnell said. “When they can’t be in their own homes and they’re in a tough situation, the McDonald houses provide a real need and significant value to families. They provide residency and support with other families.”
The contribution is $5 per child and $15 per family and 100 percent of the proceeds go to the Ronald McDonald House. There will be a smaller loop for young children and all kids who participate receive a medal and a snack. There will also be an inflatable bouncer for children to enjoy after their ride, Ms. O’Donnell said.
”I think it’s important for families to show up and give for a couple of reasons,” Ms. O’Donnell said. “It’s important to teach our children to give back to others.”
Whoever brings in the most sponsorships from neighbors, friends and co-workers will win a $50 gift card from Target. In addition, Cranbury Pizza will make a donation for each order received on Sunday when the customer mentions the Bike-A-Thon.
”It’s going to be a great outing for kids and the whole community,” Ms. O’Donnell said.
