Goal exceeded in damp trike-a-thon

Children from the California Kids LLC Learning Center and Day Care pedaled in support of St. Jude's Children's Hospital Friday, April 28, 2017 during the business' first-time trike-a-thon fundraiser.
Children from the California Kids LLC Learning Center and Day Care pedaled in support of St. Jude's Children's Hospital Friday, April 28, 2017 during the business' first-time trike-a-thon fundraiser.

The weather may have been dark and dreary Friday morning, April 28, but smiles were glowing along Lake Drive as two dozen children, ages 2-6, pedaled their scooters and tricycles in the rain to raise money for St. Jude's Children's Hospital.

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Auburn head coach Gus Malzahn talks to the media during his weekly NCAA press conference Monday, Dec. 2, 2013, at the Auburn Athletic Complex in Auburn, Ala. (AP PHOTO/AL.com, Julie Bennett)

The first-time fundraiser by California Kids LLC Learning Center and Day Care brought in $1,420, well beyond the $1,000 goal.

"I am just so excited," owner Anny Wolford said.

The event received support from the police department, who provided safety lessons in advance of the trike-a-thon, and the city council, which approved closing the residential road for a few hours.

Wolford said she also was pleased with the greater community's support, including business donations to the cause, volunteers to help keep the wheels moving and a donated breakfast for the adults. The local racetrack even loaned its signal flags to add to the racing feel.

"It's awesome to see the community willing to partner in such an amazing cause," Wolford said.

The day care's emphasis the past week was on "healthy habits." Wolford said the event tied in by encouraging students to give back to their community and to be active.

Wolford chose to support St. Jude's because of its zero-cost for families with sick children. She hopes the event, publicized on the day care's Facebook page and in the California Democrat, also raised awareness there is aid available for parents with sick children.

"It's a tear-jerker," she said. "We have little kids sending money to other little kids."

She hopes to continue to keeping her students involved in fundraisers in the future.

"Anytime we can give back, I'm all about it," she said. "The kids were enthusiastic (to) race for sick kids and thought it was cool to ride bikes at school."

Link:

fundraising.stjude.org/californiakids