08/08/2026
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๐ด WHAT A WAY TO START THE DAY! ๐ด๐
There was something pretty special about watching the sun rise over SIA this morning as we kicked off the 15th Annual CASA for Kids Cycling Challenge. โค๏ธ
For 15 years, this incredible event has brought our community together to ride for children, and during that time, more than $1 MILLION has been raised to support kids served by CASA! That number is incredible, but what it represents is even bigger: opportunities, experiences, necessities, comfort, stability, and moments of joy for children who have already faced far too much.
More than 200 riders are taking on the challenge of cycling for 24 hours, each mile representing the commitment this community has made to showing up for our kids. ๐ดโโ๏ธ๐ช
We began the morning with a beautiful rendition of the National Anthem by Representative Sheila Klinker and her son, and Patti OโCallaghan kept everything moving as our wonderful Master of Ceremonies.
A tremendous thank you to Jim Stafford of the CASA for Kids Board, who coordinated this incredible event. So much work happens behind the scenes to make a day like this possible, and every board member pitched in to bring it all together. CASA staff and volunteers were also out bright and early, lending their hands, their energy, and their hearts. โค๏ธ
CASA Executive Director Julie Bonaventura had the privilege of sharing a few words about why we were all there: because children who have experienced abuse and neglect need someone in their corner. They need a CASA who will know their story, speak up for their needs, and make sure their voice is heard. And they need CASA for Kids to help make possible some of the things that can bring normalcy, opportunity, healing, and simply a little childhood back into their lives.
This Cycling Challenge is so much more than bicycles and miles.
It is 24 hours of our community saying to our kids: You matter. We see you. And we are willing to go the distance for you. โค๏ธ
To every rider, fundraiser, sponsor, board member, volunteer, staff member, supporter, and person cheering from the sidelines: THANK YOU.
Hereโs to 15 years, more than $1 million raised, 200+ riders, countless miles, and one incredible community riding together for our kids. ๐ดโโ๏ธ๐ดโโ๏ธโค๏ธ
