Riding With A Purpose
Levi’s GranFondo is a charity event, one designed to effect change at a local level. We’ve got a variety of beneficiaries in place that have a history of supporting their communities and shepherding those in need through difficult times. We’re honored that you all would join us in assisting these organizations as they conduct their important work.
In 2009, the GranFondo was the single largest donor to the Keep The Tour Campaign in Santa Rosa, providing for the return of the Tour of California to the streets of Santa Rosa. The event also raised over $26,000 for Forget Me Not Farm, a working farm pairing abused animals with local at-risk children to care for them. The Lance Armstrong Foundation received a $10,000 donation from the GranFondo for their ongoing funding of cancer research. These organizations greatly benefit the respective areas they serve and the GranFondo will continue to support their good work in 2010. Additionally, the GranFondo will increase contributions to schools and fire departments in rural communities along the GranFondo route, helping to stretch thin resources in underserved parts of Sonoma County.
New Charities for 2010
This year, we’ve added new cycling initiatives that will be funded by the 2010 GranFondo. These initiatives represent a hands-on approach to directly improving cycling resources in the communities in which the GranFondo operates and throughout California. Some of the programs will include:
- Plan creation and scoping for the construction of the first Sonoma County Velodrome in Santa Rosa
- A cycling-specific signage program for favored bicycle routes throughout Sonoma County to facilitate lawful cycling for tourists and to increase awareness amongst local residents.
- The creation of a competitive grant program to fund cycling initiatives in California and beyond.
“I’ve always said that this area has made me the cyclist I am today and even now, after my most recent Tour de France, I continue to be thankful for what it has given me,” says Leipheimer. “If our event can improve the opportunities for young cyclists and those new to the sport, we’re giving back in a way that’ll make for communities that are healthier, greener, and a whole lot of fun.”
Levi’s GranFondo has taken the additional step in 2010 of allowing individuals to raise money for these same beneficiaries, whether they ride in the event or not. The GranFondo sponsors have donated a host of merchandise and experiential incentives for top individual fundraisers, including iPods, wine, hotel stays, VIP access, and a ride with Team RadioShack athletes.
Forget Me Not Farm
Since its inception in 1992, Forget Me Not Farm has helped thousands of at-risk children and youth break the cycle of abuse. Located on the grounds of the Humane Society & SPCA of Sonoma County, the Farm offers animal-assisted and horticultural therapeutic activities that provide a haven for children, plants and animals to bond, learn, and heal with one another.
Schools Along the GranFondo Course
Much of the GranFondo course traverses beautiful rural scenery with little to no development. Looks can be deceiving however, for there are folks living in these fine stretches of country with kids that need as good a dose of learning as their city dwelling brethren. Problem is, much of these school districts have to spend more money to educate fewer students across these widely spread areas. On top of that, since there are less kids in the classroom, less money comes down from local, state, and federal coffers. The GranFondo is working with schools along the route to identify needs and support this community as we enjoy the views and terrain in their backyards. Additionally, this gets these kids excited about cycling at a young age and in a time where childhood obesity and nutrition are major problems for developing children.
Keep The Tour
Every year, the City of Santa Rosa has to work diligently to raise the cash to bring North America’s premier road cycling event, the Tour of California, back through the streets of our county capital. This is an expensive proposition, one made more difficult with recent economic troubles. Thankfully, the business community has shown exceptional support of efforts to keep the Tour rolling through Santa Rosa. In order to bring back the Tour to Levi Leipheimer’s hometown in 2011, the City of Santa Rosa will have to raise $175,000 in funding. The GranFondo will build upon the existing success from private businesses to make the Tour’s return a reality.
The three-time (hopefully four-time, after this year’s event!) reigning champion invites you to come and join him on the very roads he trains on all year. In doing so, you will gain an insight not only into what has made him one of the best riders in the world, but also you will experience firsthand the landscape that has helped keep Levi motivated to get out on his bike day after day for all these years. And your registration fee goes to growing the sport of cycling.
LiveStrong
Founded in 1997 by cancer survivor and champion cyclist Lance Armstrong and based in Austin, Texas, LIVESTRONG fights for the 28 million people around the world living with cancer today. LIVESTRONG connects individuals to the support they need, leverages funding and resources to spur innovation and engages communities and leaders to drive social change. Known for the iconic yellow wristband, LIVESTRONG’s mission is to inspire and empower anyone affected by cancer. For more information visit www.livestrong.org.
