Reunion Ride October 3, 2015 Madison PTO Riley Bike-a-Thon

The Madison PTO met with new principal Ryan Towner early in August setting plans and expectations for life and learning for our students. One event they discussed was the Riley Bike-a-thon. Madison Students began a partnership with Riley Children’s Hospital 26 years ago. Dr. Marilyn Mitchell had not written the following statement at that time but its meaning was already written on the hearts of one of our long-standing Riley Bike-a-thon Chairs, Annette Wisler and former principal Mr. Cyril Cole.

Caring is our ability to recognize and respond to the needs and suffering of others. An important part of our internal compass, it includes the ways we show kindness, compassion, and empathy to the people in our lives.   –Marilyn Price-Mitchell, PhD

It was their goal to nurture caring in the lives of students at Madison School and in our community. How? They found the perfect project, Riley Children’s Hospital. As they met they literally gave feet to the project determining that students would pedal their bikes one crisp fall morning in an effort to raise money for suffering, hurting children. The date was set, neighbors contacted and made aware that their mile would be closed to traffic for student safety. Volunteers were stationed at each corner to mark the miles on student pledge cards. Grandparents, friends, and other family members pledged cash for each mile rode during the three hours set aside for the event. Prize money was donated by First Source Bank for top riders and most money collected. Excitement was high that first year and 206 students raised $3,080.00. But the event only whet the appetite for those involved to continue to do more. And students have done just that – raising more donations each year with hearts that care. Through the years it became Madison families and Madison students that were suffering and Riley met their need.

While our enrollment has decreased, student giving increased each year, last year our caring students collected $5,213.71.

In 26 years Madison School has collected just over $92,000.00. This year it is our dream to invite anyone who has participated in past Madison Bike-a-thons to bring your families and join the caring students of Madison; to walk or ride and give, so we may reach our goal of total contributions equaling $100,000.00 or more. One thing is certain if we don’t meet it this year – we will next year!

We really hope to see many former Panthers, teachers and families. Together we can do amazing things! We ask former students and staff to donate $5.00 or more to participate.

This year we invite you to:

• Save the date: October 3, 2015
• Put on your shoes or bring your bike to walk or ride from 9:00 am – 12:00 noon
• Pledge a student or make a donation to Riley Children’s Hospital – Pledge sheet
• Spread the word and get other former students involved
• Show that you have learned to care too!

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