'Ride For The Feast' Seeks To Raise Funds For Moveable Feast

Baltimore MD

26 February, 2021

10:28 AM

Description

Press release from Moveable Feast: Feb. 26, 2021 After consulting a committee of health professionals and in following state and local guidelines, Moveable Feast announced today its decision to host the 2021 Ride for the Feast in person on May 1 to raise funds for its mission of providing nutritious meals and other services at no cost to people with life-threatening illnesses. "The funds raised during Ride for the Feast help guide what we're able to do for the rest of the year. We are excited to continue this annual tradition while also offering the option for anyone to participate from home. As most people learned in 2020, things can change in an instant, so we are monitoring health guidelines and will make any necessary changes to ensure a safe environment for our riders, staff and volunteers," said Sue Elias, executive director of Moveable Feast. Hundreds of riders and volunteers will have two options this year: to ride 100, 62, or 40 miles in-person along Maryland's iconic Eastern shore beginning and ending at the Talbot Agriculture & Education Center or to participate virtually in Move for the Feast, a brand-new offering for the annual event in which participants use the Strava app to set a mileage goal for running, walking or riding (on their own or using a stationary bike) between April 1 and May 2. "In a time of uncertainty, it was a priority for us to offer flexibility with this year's fundraiser. We're hopeful that the virtual Move for the Feast option will help us reach new supporters and accommodate past supporters who are unable to participate in person," said Tom Burns, board president of Moveable Feast. Ride for the Feast is Moveable Feast's largest fundraiser of the year with 100% of the proceeds raised going to providing lifesaving, nutritious foods for low-income Marylanders living with HIV, cancer and other life-threatening illnesses at no cost to clients. The first Ride for the Feast was in 2003, and since then, has raised over $6.4 million. The 2021 Ride marks the 19th event and is expected to raise $800,000. In 2020 due to the pandemic and out of concern for the safety of event participants and volunteers, Moveable Feast hosted a six-hour livestream Ride for the Feast and raised over $750,000, which supported the delivery of 499,741 meals to 2,006 Marylanders throughout Baltimore City, the five surrounding counties and the entire Eastern Shore of Maryland. The event showcased the creativity and dedication of Moveable Feast's supporters – with riders and staff creating unique fundraisers like Burpees for the Feast and Mohawks for the Feast to meet fundraising goals. "I'm very grateful for Moveable Feast, especially in the middle of this pandemic, having healthy meals delivered my home is one less thing I have to be concerned about," said one client recently. For those interested in learning more about the in-person event, the organization will host a virtual Ride for the Feast Social on March 20 featuring veteran riders who will be available to share their stories and tips for training and day-of as well as answer questions. Registration for this event is available here. The 2021 Ride for the Feast co-chairs are Mike Golden and Andrea Clayville. For information on the 2021 Ride for the Feast and Move for the Feast, to register as a rider or volunteer, or to donate to a participating ride or team, visit www.rideforthefeast.org. This press release was produced by Moveable Feast. The views expressed here are the author's own.