12th Annual Ride the Range - $13,070 Raised!

Riders gathered on the main street of Chisholm on Saturday, June 14th, to once again participate in the 12h Annual “Ride the Range” for the United Way of Northeastern MN. With the help of the riders, the many sponsors and volunteers, $13,070 was raised for the United Way partner agencies that help those in need in our area.

“We were thrilled with the results because with the cold, rainy start to the riding season we knew a lot of people hadn’t taken out their bikes yet,” said Shelley Valentini, Executive Director, “we had some new volunteers and Road Captains helping with the ride which went off without a hitch. Eric Hanegmon, the St. Louis County Sheriff who led the ride for the first time did a great job of coordinating the ride with other community law enforcement and the St. Louis County Rescue Squad to help us ride in safety. There are just so many volunteers who are key to the success of this ride.”

This year’s ride, whose major sponsors were Five Season’s Sports Center along with Starkovich Distributing and Northshore Mining, traveled 180 miles across the Iron Range. New this year, Five Seasons provided a lunch for the riders at the start of the journey who then headed to Aurora, stopping in Babbitt and Tower before returning to Chisholm where a wrap up party at Tom & Jerry’s was held. Riders make this ride a part of their summer schedules year after year attending from all over the state. Raffles and a live auction were held during the wrap up party adding to the proceeds of the event.

“We started the ride with over $7,600 in cash sponsorships from generous business owners who believe in the United Way and know what their donation will do in our communities,” said Valentini, “we are thankful for their support because the event planning starts with them.”

Thanks to all who participated!