Ridin' for Research: Emails to Participants

Thank you again for participating in the 13^th annual Ridin’ for Research on Sunday March 3. Your efforts in fundraising brought in over $67,000 for cancer research at the Medical College of Wisconsin, bringing our grand total to $1,112,000 since our 2001 inception.

I know there were a few of you who couldn’t make it, and yet still contributed toward our fundraising goal – so kudos to you for your support. 

Additionally, Ridin’ for Research extends a big thank you to Crossfit 100 & First Industry Realty for the use of their warehouse space, Barrett Moving & Storage for moving the donated bikes from Velocity Cycling Studio, YMCA of Metro Milwaukee, and Elite Sports Club, Exciting Events for their assistance with sound, staging, lighting, Brent Emery for his bike donation, and time in assisting riders during the ride, the UWM Women’s Basketball Team and Tom Dixon of Schwanke-Kasten Jewelers for his donations of prizes, and water for all the riders.  

Lastly, thanks to Michael Martz, Jill Sommers, Eileen Seeger and all the other Presenters & Trainers for this event, as well as Jenny Hansen and her Check-In Team!

CONGRATULATIONS are extended to:

The Top 5 Fundraising Individuals:  Pat Dunks, Michelle Draghicchio, Dave Mesick, Lisa Tushaus, and Susan Grzeskowiak – their combined fundraising efforts were nearly $28,000!

The Top 5 Fundraising Groups:  Princeton Club, Gracie’s Fireworks, Golds Gym Downtown, Velocity Cycling Studio, and Milwaukee Athletic Club – their combined fundraising efforts were nearly $40,000!

The Groups with the Most Participants: Gracie’s Fireworks, Gold’s Gym Downtown, Velocity Cycling Studio, Elite Brookfield, with a tie between the Bella Donna’s, Happy Feet, and YMCA Downtown!

Thank you again for your time and support of this event – We hope to see you again next year.

Sincerely,

PS - Please remember to visit the link below to claim your two free pictures, compliments of Image Master Photography: http://imagemastersbygorzek.com/_/Events.html

The first 12 prizes listed below will go to our TOP 12 FUND RAISERS - First place chooses first, second place second, and so on.  You must be present to select or prize OR have someone there to make your selection.  Otherwise, you will be skipped over to the next person, and you will get the remaining prize in this list ... 

However, if you don't make the Top 12, and have raised $300 or more -- you will have an opportunity to win one of the 5 prizes listed below via drawing (so keep reading please)!

ROAD BIKE

Emery’s Cycling-Triathlon-Fitness

Since 2005, Brent Emery has generously donated one road bike to one of our TOP FUND RAISERS, as well as his time and energy in assisting our riders with tweaking their bikes during the event.  Bike Donation Value: TBA 

DIAMOND EARRINGS

Donated by Schwanke-Kasten Jewelers, these beautiful diamond drop earrings are set in 14k white gold. Simply stunning! Value: $1920 

FAMILY PORTRAIT

Image Masters Photography

Our event photographer, Don Gorzek, is not only donating his time and talent in taking pictures during the event, donating a portion of the proceeds to Ridin’ for Research, but is also donating a Family Portrait Session.  Donation Value: TBA 

M2L LIFE COACHING

Jill Sommers, with degrees in spiritual psychology, counseling and exercise science, has worked with over 550 clients in achieving their goals & dreams.  Jill is donating a package of four (4) life coach sessions.  Value: $650 

MARRIOTT HOTEL

Two Night’s Stay & Breakfast

Enjoy two nights in the new Downtown Milwaukee Marriott, with breakfast each morning.  What a great way to enjoy YOUR downtown! Value: $500 

TW STEEL 304 WATCH

This TW304 Watch is a 40mm Canteen, Stainless Steel, 100m water resistant watch.  Donated by Schwanke-Kasten Jewelers & TW Steel, Value: $450 

GOLDI’S SHOPPING PARTY

& $100 Gift Card

Goldi’s of Shorewood closes their doors, and lets you and your friends shop privately for 2 hours (after hours).  They supply refreshments, snacks, and give everyone 10% off all purchases, plus you get a $100 gift card to spend either that night or whenever!  Value: $450

LAKE PARK BISTRO

Bartolotta’s Kitchen Table for Four

A true culinary delight awaits you, as you and 3 guests are treated to the Chef’s Tasting Menu with paired wine.  You will dine at a Table, next to wear the food is expedited, and sent onward to the tables.   One of the best seats in the house (and fun)!  Value: $400 

MITCHELL’S FISH MARKET

Lobster Dinner for Four

Located in Brookfield, this wonderful restaurant features fresh fish and lobster every day!  You and 3 guess will enjoy a live Maine lobster dinner, plus an appetizer for the table, and choice of soup or salad.  Gratuity and beverages are separate.  Value TBA

INTERCONTINENTAL HOTEL

One Night’s Stay & Dinner at Kil@Wat

Enjoy this one-night’s stay and $100 dining credit at Kil@wat Restaurant. Value: $300 

PFISTER HOTEL

One Night’s Stay

Enjoy downtown Milwaukee, without the worries of driving home.  With all the activities that abound in the summer, this is a great way to just stay overnight in one of the city’s historic hotels.  Value: $279 

THAI MASSAGE PACKAGE

Two hour massage with Kelly Lauria, Training Solutions, Pewaukee

This package also includes herbal compresses (please bring for the massage), as well as home-made soaps.  Value: $265

NEW -- The $300 & More Drawing

Anyone who doesn't make the Top 12 and brings in $300 or more will get ONE Door Prize Ticket to try and win one of these five prizes listed below – Winner must be present OR have someone collect on their behalf before leaving.  These are 5 separate drawings.   

FRED ASTAIRE

Dance Lessons &Dance Parties

For the Donald Driver in all of us – here’s an opportunity to learn the moves and then have a party with your friends. Fred Astaire Dance Studios is donating two private dance lessons, and two practice dance parties. Value: $265 

ALOFT HOTEL &

$20 GC to local brew pub!

Going downtown for a festival, Summerfest, or River Splash? Enjoy a one night’s stay at the Aloft Hotel, plus a $20 gift card to Old German Beer Hall. Value: $200  

RODIZIO GRILL

Dinner & Drinks for Four

Formerly Sabor, offers the same Brazilian Steakhouse concept – located in downtown Milwaukee, on Water Street.  Value: $160

FOOD & FUN

Mo’s Steak House &Wave Soccer Tickets

This Food & Fun Package includes a $75 Gift Card to Mo’s Steak House, and 2 Premier Tickets to any Wave Soccer Game. Value: $113  

GOLF MOVEMENT ASSESSMENT

One Hour Appointment with Anita Krier, of Training Solutions, Pewaukee; Value: $100

THIS IS THE RECAP FROM SUNDAY'S EMAIL ...

CHECK-IN

Saturday, March 2, 11AM to 2PM  -- Crossfit100 -- 6523 N. Sidney Place, Glendale. 

Sunday, March 3, doors open at 7:30AM -- 9AM Riders should be near bikes by 8:45AM 

At Check-In:

We validate fundraising efforts/pledges per session, these are $30 per session. You turn in your cash donations or checks you've collected, and if you did not collect enough pledges, we do accept MC and VISA for the remaining balance you committed too.  We add these amounts to your online total, for your grand total.  We will continue adding your ON-LINE donations until 1PM on Sunday, March 3.   Please bring in receipts from on online donations that come in after 7PM Friday, March 1.  

We issue your bike assignment.  Your Bike Assignment Number will be written on a wristband, and must be worn during the event. Wristbands are color coded so we know when your ride time starts. 

We give you your Goody Bag & Dedication Heart – The goody bag is the perfect size for carrying and keeping personal things by your bike.  Large gym bags & coats should be stored around the perimeter of the room.  The Dedication Heart is a laminated heart, compliments of Harry & Rose Samson Family JCC, which you can write the name of those you are riding for, hang on your bike while you ride, and take with you as a reminder of what you accomplished on 3-3-13! 

WHAT TO BRING ON SUNDAY – Try and pack the night before:

• A small bag (like your Goody Bag) to hold your personal needs; you will be asked to move large bags and coats to the perimeter of the room so no one trips walking thru the rows of bikes.
• Towels – this is an open warehouse (yes there are restrooms), but no towel service or showers. 
• Water Bottles (we provide one in your goody bag).
• Heart Rate Monitor to pace yourself
• Foods you might want to eat – we provide bagels, oranges and bananas; these are being served by the UWM Women’s Panther Basketball Team, so please thank them for being there!
• Drinks you might want to drink – we provide water, Gatorade, and 2 NUUN tablets in your goody bag.
• Change of Clothes – if you are riding all 4 sessions, 9AM to 3PM – a change of riding clothes feels great.  Also a change of clothes for when you finish riding too.
• Additional Pledges if you receive them personally or online.
• A SMILE - YOU ARE GOING TO HAVE A GREAT TIME! 

CANCELING/CHANGING RIDE TIME - If you need to cancel or change your ride time, please email ridin4research@yahoo.com asap; in case I need to move riders around.

BIKES ON TRAINERS – because of the dark room during the event, and the layout of all the spin bikes, these need to be in place either after 2PM on Saturday or by 8:30AM on Sunday; Sunday Check-In opens at 7:30AM.  These need to stay in place for the duration of the event so you don’t disrupt the people around you, or those who are on stage, plus again for safety reasons in the dark room.

RIDE AGENDA

• 7:30am -- Doors Open
• 8:30am -- Cyclists should be on or near their bikes
• 8:45am -- MC's, Guest Speaker, National Anthem, Presenter & Sponsor Introductions
• 9:00am -- Session 1 (ends at 10:20)
• 10:30am -- Session 2 (ends at 11:50)
• 12:00pm -- Session 3 (ends at 1:20)
• 1:30pm -- Session 4 (cycling ends at 2:50) event concludes with yoga for cyclists!
• 3:15pm -- Top Fundraisers should report to Check-In to collect prizes*.
• 3:15pm -- Grab a Sub & Congratulate yourself for making a difference!

Additional Reminders:  

• Please lock valuables in the trunk of your car.
• Restrooms are located near the entrance – Ladies will be closest to the venue floor; Gentlemen closets to Check-In.
• When your session is over, please gather your belongings quickly, and exit the Bike Area as soon as possible so we can accommodate new arrivals to the next session.  There is plenty of space around the bikes to stretch and watch.
• Keep talking during the sessions to a minimum, as to not disturb others around you.
• If you think you are sound sensitive, bring some ear plugs
• Please do NOT listen to ipods during the event.  Your Presenters have worked very hard on their sessions with regard to music, video, and message.  It’s why we are together.

So with that, if you have any questions, please feel free to email me at ridin4research@yahoo.com. 

Thank you again for registering to participate in our 13^th Annual Ridin’ for Research.  We are so excited to have you here, and appreciate your time, energy and effort to raise money for the Medical College of Wisconsin Cancer Center. 

See you next weekend, its going to be so fun!!!

Sincerely -- Your Ridin' for Research Planning Team, Presenters & Trainers