Nearly 100 riders from around the area were treated to a beautiful spring day as they showed up in support of the 5^th Annual Bike for Habitat held in New Glarus this past Saturday.   All together, the bikers gathered pledges of nearly $8,000 for Green County Habitat for Humanity (GCHFH).  Many local business sponsors also chipped in another $8000 to make this event a huge success.  The top “Platinum” level sponsors for this years ride were Walmart, The Swiss Colony and Thrivent for Lutherans of Green County.

Among the participants was Carl Marquart, a 5^th year participant, who acted as Grand Marshal for this year’s  event .   Carl road with a team of 25 riders from the Swiss Church in New Glarus , who together helped raise around $3,000.  The St. Johns Lutheran Church in Monroe also put a large team of riders together.

“We were extremely pleased at the support we received this year from the faith community”, said Carol Holmes, chair of the Church Relations Committee of GCHFH.  “We had groups of riders and helpers from 10 churches in Green and Lafayette Counties, raising nearly half of the total funds.  We also had many of our church ladies volunteer to help prepare food to feed the participants.  The riders were treated to a meal that included barbeque, brats, salads…and everyone’s favorite, home made pie!

The weather could not have been better and many riders opted for the 30 mile route that wound around country roads to Monticello and back to New Glarus.  Some of the brave soles took an additional 20 mile route north to complete a 50 mile ride.    Still there were many families who chose a leisurely 15 mile route that stayed primarily on the two State bike trails and included the tunnel. 

“While we didn’t quite meet our goal of 100 paid riders this year, we did see a big increase over last year in both number of riders and pledges received” said Rob Frie, President of GCHFH and Chairman of the Fundraising committee.  “Each year we learn more about attracting riders and putting on an event that runs safe, smooth and is enjoyed by everyone involved. Even the weather cooperated with us this year.

Plans are still being finalized, but it looks like funds from this years ride will help GCHFH take advantage of a wonderful opportunity to move a nice home that was slated for destruction onto an abandoned lot in Monroe.   A portion of the funds will also be slated for purchasing a lot this summer in Blanchardville where we have made a commitment to build a home in the near future.

The all volunteer board of Green County Habitat for Humanity would like to take  this opportunity to thank all the businesses and churches that played a role in the success of this event.  The Bike 4 Habitat event is held each year on the Third Saturday in May and is the non-profit groups primary fundraiser of the year.

About Habitat for Humanity of Green County

Habitat for Humanity of Green County is a nonprofit Christian housing ministry dedicated to building decent, affordable housing in partnership with those in need in Green County.  Since 1991, Habitat for Humanity of Green County has worked with 16 families to build or remodel homes. For more information, visit or website at www.greencountyhabitat.org

About Thrivent Financial for Lutherans

Thrivent Financial for Lutherans is a not-for-profit membership organization helping nearly 3 million members achieve their financial goals and give back to their communities. As a not-for-profit fraternal benefit society, Thrivent Financial sponsors national outreach programs and activities that support congregations, schools, charitable organizations and individuals in need. Thrivent Financial has main offices in Minneapolis, Minn., and Appleton, Wis. For more information, visit www.thrivent.com.