Warrenville resident, Bill Melka, did not want a big party for turning 50 this past April. Instead, he decided to put his love of cycling to good use. He is in the midst of riding 500 miles (100 miles for each decade of his life) to raise money for Ronald McDonald House Charities – Chicagoland & Northwest Indiana, naming his efforts “Mr. Bill’s 5 Century Rides for RMHC-CNI.”
“Mr. Bill’s 5 Century Rides for RMHC-CNI is the result of my desire to combine a lifetime achievement – successfully turning 50 years old – with my passion for cycling to make a difference and raise money for a great charity. RMHC’s mission is to ease the pain and to provide comfort and emotional support to parents and families with children undergoing treatment for cancer and pediatric diseases. RMHC-CNI does phenomenal work and my goal is to assist in the construction of their new house in Streeterville.”
Bill’s timing could not be better for the Charity, as his support will directly benefit the effort to build the world’s largest Ronald McDonald House in the heart of Chicago, due to open in 2012.
“We are thrilled that Bill has dedicated himself to supporting our Campaign to build the new Ronald McDonald House near Lurie Children’s [Hospital],” said Doug Porter, the Chief Executive Officer of RMHC-CNI. “We are very fortunate to have committed volunteers like Bill who are willing to invest so much of themselves in our mission.”
Starting with his first century ride on June 27th, Bill has completed 3 century rides (300 miles) and has raised over $22,000 to-date. Raising $50,000 will sponsor the construction of one of the guest rooms in this new House. Never setting sights low, Bill would love to support an entire floor with a gift of $500,000.
Bill has 2 century rides left and is enjoying every minute of the rigorous training he undergoes on a daily basis. “I have always loved cycling, but making a difference for children and families who will stay at the new House has made riding meaningful,” Bill explains.
His last two rides are:
Century Ride #4 – 9/12/10
North Shore Century – Evanston, IL
Century Ride #5 – 10/3/10
Pumpkin Pie Ride – Ottawa, IL
http://www.starvedrockcycling.com/
Donations can be made directly to Ronald McDonald House to support this effort at http://www.firstgiving.com/billmelka
For more information about RMHC please visit: www.rmhccni.org.
