Perfect riding weather greeted the 2,000 eager cyclists who made the trip to Foxboro this past Saturday morning to participate in the 25th Annual Rodman Ride for Kids. The non-competitive cycling event, which raises funds for youth-focused social service organizations supporting at-risk youth in Massachusetts, has become an annual tradition for Boston Partners in Education.

For the fifth consecutive year, Team Boston Partners participated in the ride through a partnership with Mass Mentoring Partnership, an organization fueling the movement to expand empowering youth-adult relationships to meet the needs of communities across Massachusetts, who will generously match 6% of our proceeds raised. This year, seven faithful riders strapped on their helmets for Team Boston Partners, so far raising a total of over $15,500 for the organization’s academic mentoring programs! All of the funds raised and matched through the Ride will benefit K-12 students in the Boston Public Schools (BPS) in need of academic mentoring support.

Boston Partners’ enthusiastic team included casual and avid cyclists alike, who participated in both the 25-mile and 50-mile cycling tours through scenic Norfolk County. Among them were a mixture of dedicated Boston Partners supporters – volunteers, donors, Board Members, and even the Executive Director herself, Pamela Civins – all of whom successfully completed the race. Even supporter Jordan Welu, who experienced some technical difficulties during his first Rodman Ride, refused to let that stop him from crossing the finish line.

“I was honored to ride for Boston Partners in Education and their mission to support academic mentorship in the Boston Public Schools,” said Jordan. “Even two flat front tires couldn’t keep me from finishing! I can’t wait to ride again next year and be a part of the Rodman Ride’s very special atmosphere.”

In addition to a few fresh faces like Jordan’s, Team Boston Partners also saw its share of returning riders during this year’s Rodman Ride. Mike McKenna, a Board Member for Boston Partners in Education, successfully tackled the 50-mile course in support of Boston Partners for the second year.

“It was a great day to ride and an even greater day for Boston Partners in Education and the kids in the Boston Public Schools,” said Mike.

Though the race may have ended, it isn’t too late to provide support to BPS students by donating to our Rodman Ride team. Donations to Team Boston Partners will be accepted until early November. If you wish to make a contribution, please visit our team page here: http://tinyurl.com/RideBP2015, or contact Mendie Welu at [email protected] for additional information.

A profound thank you to all of Team Boston Partners’ riders and supporters. We hope to ride with you again next year!