Fundraiser to Benefit Mental Health Research and Treatment

For the past six years, the Annual George Thanhauser Bike for Hope has been growing in number of participants and funds raised. This year, organizers are expecting the biggest turnout yet for this annual fundraiser benefiting the Foundation of Hope for Research and Treatment of Mental Illness.

The Seventh Annual Bike for Hope will be held Sat., May 14 at Trek Bicycles of Raleigh at 10911 Raven Ridge Road. Three rides will be offered – 50-mile, 32-mile and 15-mile – along with Big Wheel races for kids and adults, other family activities, and a prize raffle. The registration fee is only $35 and includes a Bike for Hope t-shirt, breakfast, refreshments, lunch and more.

The 50-mile ride will begin at 8 a.m., the 32-mile ride at 9 a.m., and 15-mile ride at 10 a.m., with registration for each ride beginning one hour prior to the start time. The staggered starts will allow bicyclists to return to Trek Bicycles in time for a post-ride celebration featuring prizes, giveaways and food. Bikers under 16 years of age must be accompanied by an adult on the 32- and 50-mile rides.

The event started in 2004 as a bike and hike for family and friends in memory of George Thanhauser, who had recently lost his battle with cancer. After retiring from IBM, Thanhauser owned the Town and Country Bike Shop in Wake Forest.

“We want to make this the best Bike for Hope yet,” said Greg Cox, event coordinator and volunteer. “We’ve always been blessed with great weather, and it’s a great activity for the whole family.”

Event sponsors this year include Trek Bicycles of Raleigh, Angus Barn, Pepsi Bottling Ventures, 96 Rock, SoBe Lifewater, Aquafina, Captrust, Fred Anderson Toyota, Lowes Foods and Jersey Mike’s.

For more information or to register, visit www.walkforhope.com and click on the link for the Bike for Hope. Registration materials are also available from the Foundation of Hope by calling (919) 781-9255 or e-mailing bebee@walkforhope.com.