Kevin Cederstrom
With the final totals in the Ronald McDonald House Benefit Ride raised a staggering $82,550. Saturday, representatives from the Ronald McDonald House in Fargo came to New York Mills to accept an over-sized check from the ride committee. The amount leaves Gail Benson, Executive Director of the RMH, simply amazed at the effort from the NY Mills area bikers.
"I'm astounded. It's such a labor of love for all those people," Benson said, referring to the ride committee and organizers. "This is one of the fastest growing fundraisers I've ever seen."
In five years the benefit ride in NY Mills has grown from about $3,300 the first year to $63,000 last year and finally, over $82,000 this year.
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All the proceeds - from entry fees, auction, raffle and straight-out donations - go to help fund two Ronald McDonald Houses in Fargo.
"This group just did a great job," Benson said.
With an operating expenses budget of about $300,000 in 2006 for two Fargo houses, money raised from the NY Mills ride goes a long way.
"That supports a lot of families for a lot of nights," Benson commented.
It costs the RMH $75 a night to keep a guest room open with staffing, utilities and services. Families are asked to pay $15 a night but many, Benson said, can't pay. That's where fundraisers like the RMH ride keep the operation going.
After being presented the check on Saturday, the ride committee met to discuss the ride and start planning for next year. Benson, along with Wendy Baumann, had an opportunity to express the organization's appreciation.
"We pointed out to them what a significant thing they are doing, serving families from their own area," Benson said. "This is a very dedicated group."
