On the morning of September 21, Team Boston Partners in Education gathered in Foxborough, MA to participate in the 29th annual Rodman Ride For Kids. While volunteers checked in, riders donned their gear, and supporters arrived to cheer on their teams. The DJ played upbeat pop music to get the crowd excited to cycle the 25 or 50-mile route through scenic Norfolk County. This year, 11 riders from Team Boston Partners participated in the fundraiser. Five team members rode 25 miles and six cycled 50 miles. Despite one flat tire, all Boston Partners riders crossed the finish line and raised over $11,000 in support of our mentoring programs!
What is Rodman for Kids?
Rodman for Kids is an umbrella charity that raises funds for organizations that support youth in Massachusetts. They are the #1 single-day athletic fundraiser in the nation supporting at-risk kids, and Rodman promises that 100% of donations will directly benefit the children. Every year, Rodman for Kids hosts the Rodman Ride in Foxborough, providing games, food, and music for participants. Since 1991, the Rodman Ride has raised over $143 million.
Who rode for Boston Partners in Education?
This year’s team of riders included Boston Public Schools teachers, academic mentors, and members of Boston Partners’ staff and Board. We were excited to welcome back Stephen Lucien, a long-time mentor who has supported students in Power Lunch (reading one-on-one with a student during lunch) and assisted high school students with mathematics. After participating in the Rodman Ride in 2014 and 2016, Stephen returned to ride the full 50 miles in support of Boston Partners!
Emily Gordon, Boston Partners’ Events Manager who helped organize this year’s team, had an eventful day that started with a flat tire!
“Riding in the Rodman Ride again this year was beautiful and a great kick-off ride for fall. Despite getting a flat tire in the first mile, the Rodman for Kids team got me patched up and riding again in time to join the last wave of riders,” said Emily. “The celebration BBQ after the ride is a tasty way to refuel. Next year, I’m hoping to have even more riders join our Boston Partners team – it’s a great way to bond with coworkers and make new friends. Plus you’ve got a great workout and a meal all while supporting Boston Public Schools’ students.”
Benadette Manning, a teacher with the Boston Public Schools, rode 25 miles on Saturday. Benadette teaches mathematics at Boston Day and Evening Academy.
“When I heard that I could help Boston Partners in Education by participating in the fundraising efforts through the Rodman Ride, I jumped on the opportunity to give back,” said Benadette. “I have been working with Boston Partners for over 10 years and their mentors have helped my students learn, like, and understand math! I owe Boston Partners so much! Next year I have two hopes: 1. Raise $2,000 and 2. Ride 50 miles!”
As of today, our team has raised $11,326! We’re just $3,674 short of our goal but you still have until November 15th to make a donation!
To learn more about how Boston Partners improves the academic and personal achievements of students in the Boston Public Schools, visit our Impact page.
RIDERS: 25 Miles
Emelia Andres, Pamela Civins, Emily Gordon, Laura Koepnick, Benadette Manning
RIDERS: 50 Miles
William Flagg, Michele Goe, Ron Hathaway, Andy Kall, Stephen Lucien, Michael McKenna,
The Rodman Ride, currently in its 29th year, supports hundreds of nonprofit organizations in their fundraising efforts. Over 1000 riders take part in the event every year. If you would like to join Team Boston Partners for next year’s ride, please contact us, and we can be sure to include you in our future communications about the event.