BIKE RIDE SUPPORTS CHILDREN FROM FAMILIES IN CRISIS

HOUSTON—246 riders participated in the 4^th annual Pedal for a Purpose last Saturday in Waller. This fundraising event gathered cyclists, volunteers and families to enjoy the outdoors, sports and fellowship in support of local non-profit Boys and Girls Country (BGC). This year’s ride raised $36,265, important funds for the more than 100 children and young adults who call Boys and Girls Country home. Title Sponsor for the event was Arctic Pipe Inspection, Inc.
“The children who depend on Boys and Girls Country have faced what seem to be insurmountable challenges. They have experienced food insecurity and various levels of poverty, and some come from abusive backgrounds. We are so grateful to our sponsors, participants, and volunteers for making sure that our kids have a safe place to call home,” says Vincent Duran, executive director of BGC.
The BGC kids were excited to join the ride after spending months in training. BGC has an organized cycling program which helps kids become more confident and self-disciplined. They train for several hours every week.
“It was so amazing to see the kids enter a race and finish for the first time on their own,” says Jim Stuckey, teaching parent and cycling coach at BGC.
The Pedal for a Purpose bike ride prepares the way for the annual Spring Festival, held this year on May 5. It is a free family event with rides, games, food, and entertainment.
For more information about Boys and Girls Country and Spring Festival, visit www.boyandgirslcountry.org.  
Since 1971, Boys and Girls Country of Houston, Inc. (BGC) has cared for 1,469 children and young adults in need. Their mission is to change the lives of children from families in crisis by loving and nurturing them in a Christian home environment, raising them to become self-sustaining and contributing adults.