Pedal Past Poverty

The inaugural “Pedal Past Poverty,” a fundraiser using stationary bikes, was held on March 2 in Mankato. Nearly 400 riders on 38 teams pedaled a total of 1588 miles in a fun-filled event to raise money for Partners for Affordable Housing (PAH), which operates two short-term emergency shelters in Mankato.

Participation in the first “Pedal Past Poverty” was a natural for the School Sisters of Notre Dame, whose mission is to bring God’s love to others, ministering especially with women, children and those who are poor. Theresa House in Mankato, a beneficiary of this event, is named for Blessed Teresa of Calcutta and SSND founder Blessed Theresa of Jesus Gerhardinger. The shelter started in the former SSND convent at SS. Peter and Paul Catholic Church. SSND managed the shelter for the parish from 1997 to 2003, and still supports its operation today through PAH. The headquarters for PAH recently moved to the Good Counsel campus.

Sisters and staff from Our Lady of Good Counsel campus formed four teams and were named “Hill’s Angels,” “Hill’s Halos,” “Pedal to the Medal,” and “Holy Spokes.” They pedaled for a total of 145.24 miles. Team members put on as many miles as possible in 20-minute heats, with cheers and encouragement.

Together the SSND teams raised over $15,000. An anonymous donor blessed SSND with $10,000 for Pedal Past Poverty, bringing the SSND contribution to over $25,000 of the approximately $69,000 total for the fundraiser.

Good Counsel Sisters, staff and Associates, 62 in all, pedaled bikes, helped with registration, prizes and refreshments, and also were part of other teams from the Mankato area.

Individuals and teams that peddled the most miles received prizes. The real winners are those who experience a housing crisis and are helped by Partners for Affordable Housing.

Visit Partners for Affordable Housing at http://partnersforhousing.org.

Photos by Sister Mary Kay Gosch, SSND