Biking along for a good cause

With their bikes in check and their helmets securely fastened, students at Growing Room Preschool took to the parking lot at Memorial United Methodist Church to participate in the St. Jude Trike-A-Thon on April 28 and 29.

Showing even young children can lend a helping hand, the preschool has been participating in the fund raiser for St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital for 16 years.

“Since 2000, we have raised $11,400,” said Ruth Ann Pope, a teacher with the preschool. “I am amazed at how much money we have raised in that amount of time.”

Elaine Friend, another instructor at the school, stated that donations are generated from a note sent home with the children explaining the annual event. From there, donations are made by families and friends.

For student Natalie Hicks, the event was more than just raising money for St. Jude. It was a chance for her and her mother to bond and have a special moment, even though her mother was deployed with the Army Signal Company in Afghanistan.

Still wanting to help her daughter raise money for the trike-a-thon, Hicks’ mother, Sgt. Nicole Hicks, convinced the members of her unit to help her raise money for the event. In a short time, Hicks’ unit raised $200.

In addition, St. Judes provides families with traveling expense, as well as a housing and a food expenses, so they may focus on their child’s well-being and not expense.

“I think this is an awesome event. The kids are having so much fun,” said Jordan Voss, whose daughter Brooklyn was participating in the Trike-A-Thon. “As far as charitable organizations, there is not one better than St. Jude.”

Although the children were excited about raising money for the charitable organization, most were more excited about bringing their bike to school.

“Bringing your bike to school is a big deal,” Pope said. “They usually don’t have this much space for riding and learning how to ride bikes.”

The school is presently accepting donations for the charitable event until May 6. For more information about the event, contact the Growing Room Preschool at 756-4565.

Growing Room Preschool student Brooklyn Voss tears up the parking lot with a little help from her dad Jordan during the St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital Trike-A-Thon on April 29 on the parking lot of Memorial United Methodist Church.  The school has been participating in the fundraiser since 2000 and has raised $11,400 during that time. 

Just like the start of the Daytona 500, the St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital Trike-A-Thon at Growing Room Preschool starts off with several riders vying to be the first. This year marks the schools 16th year of participation.  

Grant Becker, left, tries to keep his son, Emery going in the right direction during the Trike-A-Thon on April 29 at Growing Room Preschool. The annual event raises money for St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital. 

Craig Vaughn is a reporter for the Farmington Press and can be reached at 573-518-3629 or at cvaughn@farmingtonpressonline.com