More than 20 students and teachers from Hawthorne Elementary participate in ADEC’s 47th annual Ride-A-Bike on May 18 to raise money for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities.
The school participated for several years in a row beginning in 2013, but took a few years off. They returned this year with double the participation and helped raise hundreds of dollars so people with disabilities can enjoy lives full of choice and possibility.
“It’s important to take care of people who can’t always do it all on their own,” one of the student riders told his mom before the ride.
Tavianna, a sixth-grader at Hawthorne, wanted to participate to show support for her twin brother with a disability. Tavianna helps feed her brother through a tube and helps give him his medicine.
“The students were glad to be part of the ADEC community, and they know it is important to help others,” said teacher Naomi Baumgartner, who coordinated the ride by recruiting students and arranging transportation. “They loved the ride, the snacks and the craft. We had a wonderful time.”
The group from Hawthorne Elementary lined up at the starting line at Northridge High School in Middlebury and rode the 7 miles to Krider World’s Fair Garden and back.
When they returned to the school, students decorated wicker bicycle baskets using ribbon and foam stickers.
More than 200 walkers, runners and riders participated in this year’s event, raising more than $50,000 for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities at ADEC.
