SALT LAKE CITY, UT (BRAIN)—Bikes for Kids Utah will host its bike giveaway and fundraising bike rides on May 31.
Previously, the Bikes for Kids Utah dinner/silent auction, 5K, 50K and 100K fundraising bicycle rides, bike giveaway and the Dave Zabriskie Yield to Life Time Trial were held all in one weekend. The May 31 date was chosen to give the bike recipients time to ride their new bikes during the summer months following the giveaway, as well to guarantee as warmer weather for the fundraising bike rides.
"We have had two extremely successful events and each year we learn something new about making the next event better than the last." said Debbie Reid, founder and director of Bikes for Kids Utah. "It didn't seem right to give a child a brand new bike in the fall when he or she may only have a few weeks left to enjoy it. The new dates give these kids at least 3-4 warm months to really get a feel for and enjoy their bikes."
This event marks the third year Bikes for Kids Utah will give 1,000 new bicycles to pre-qualified, underprivileged students from Salt Lake Valley elementary schools. Along with the 1,000 bicycles, the children of first grade age will also receive helmets, t-shirts and bike locks through proceeds accrued from sponsorships, donations and the 5K, 50K or 100K fundraising bicycle rides.
With the new date, unfortunately Dave Zabriskie, Salt Lake City native and the third American ever to wear the yellow jersey in the Tour de France, won't be able to attend this year's event due to his busy race schedule.
For members of the community who are interested in participating in the Bikes for Kids 5K, 50K or 100K fundraising rides, they will take place on the same day as
the bike giveaway, May 31.
For those interested in donating time as a volunteer or for more information regarding the events, please visit www.bikesforkidsutah.org or call 801-523-3730.
