They call themselves “Seniors Riding with a Mission.”
Their mission is raising money – and awareness – for Haven of Rest Ministries in Akron.
“The idea of cycling for a cause is not mine. I have seen many events where people ride or race to raise money,” said Don Hutchison, 68. “A couple of years ago, there were four young guys who did a ride for a local charity and I thought if four young guys can do that, why can’t a group of old guys?”
Hutchison shared his idea with his Saturday bike riding group, which includes four other seniors from his home church, Community Church of Portage Lakes. His suggestion led to the first “Seniors Riding with a Mission” event last year that netted more than $16,000 for the private Christian social service agency that provides food, shelter, clothing and other services to the homeless.
On Wednesday, the five men (ranging in age from 68 to 70) set out on their second three-day, 150-mile bicycling excursion near the Lake Erie Shoreline at Geneva State Park in Ashtabula County. Their trek ended on Friday at Haven of Rest, where staff welcomed them and celebrated their accomplishment.
“The support and the turnout have been tremendous. We are very blessed with these guys and their heart for the ministry,” said the Rev. Jeffrey A. Kaiser, executive director. “It’s just exciting to see them take a hobby and use it to benefit others. I’m just thankful.”
One of the five cyclists, the Rev. Ben Walker, is the retired executive director of Haven of Rest. His presence in the cycling group is the primary reason the social service agency was selected to receive the proceeds from the sponsorships of each cyclist. Walker, of Canal Fulton, still serves as an ambassador for Haven of Rest. He said that in addition to raising money, the group has helped educate people in Northeast Ohio about the work done by Haven of Rest.
“As we’re riding, we always run into people who are asking questions about what we are doing. That gives us a chance to share what Haven of Rest does to help people who are in need,” said Walker, 70. “For us, it’s a great time of fellowship and a chance to do something meaningful. Even though we ride to keep in shape, this is different because we know that every mile that we rode is to help somebody else.”
Haven of Rest was founded in 1943 as a small storefront rescue mission in Akron. Today, it provides more than 315,000 free meals and more than 71,000 nights of free lodging annually and is one of the largest private social service agencies in the Summit, Portage, Medina, Stark, Tuscarawas, Wayne and Holmes county area.
Hutchison, who serves as chairman of the mission board at Community Church, said the bike ride – which is expected to bring in about $20,000 this year — is considered a short term mission trip.
“The bike ride ended up being a lot more successful than we ever thought it would be and we are thankful to all of the people who have contributed to help serve people meals and give them a place to sleep,” said Hutchison, of Coventry Township. “It’s not every day that five old guys can take something they like to do and turn it into such a wonderful thing. It’s a real blessing to us and a blessing to Haven of Rest.”
The other three cyclists are Jack Ford, of New Franklin; Bob Young, of Coventry Township and Paul Wright, of Barberton.
For more information or to make a donation, go to www.havenofrest.org or call 330-535-1563.
Colette Jenkins can be reached at 330-996-3731 or cjenkins@thebeaconjournal.com.