Social Responsibility

In B-school we talk a lot about responsibility. We discuss ethics and corporate behaviors at length. But in the end we do a lot more talking than doing. I was very lucky to fall into an opportunity to volunteer this weekend at a training ride with the Boys and Girls Club. As it turns out my Operations professor is very involved with the organization of the Boys and Girls Club Challenge coming up on September 16-17. I will plan to ride 100 miles in support of this event on Septermber 17th.

The Boys and Girls Club of Charlottesville/Albermarle is in the process of training eleven boys and girls for the upcoming ride. These kids have been provided with new LeMond bikes, helmets, gloves, shoes, clipless pedals, and all gear necessary to help them achieve their goal. Most of them will ride 100 miles on September 17th. As of May 1st, none of them owned working bicycles.

Today, I went out to support the 65 mile training ride through hilly Charlottesville roads. What does support mean? Changing flats, adjusting seats, delivering PowerBars and general encouragement. The kids were high in spirits and enthusiasm despite the 100 degree heat and tough climbs we faced. I arrived at 8:30am in Crozet, near Charlottesville, and we left at 9am. Five and a half hours later the group made their goal of reaching the Crozet Dairy Queen where they were treated to some tasty Blizzards. I was floored but how much ice cream can make kids smile. Upon reaching their goal ride of wither 62 or 100 miles, these kids will keep their brand new LeMond bikes. I know that not all of them will become avid cyclists but if only one or two of them go on to love it then the whole thing was worth it. They are already learning the importance of treating their bodies right and healthy living. At age 16 they will complete a 100 mile bike ride, something few of us ever accomplish.

When you have one of those rare days where you get to combine to many passions into a single activity it feel like the stars have aligned. My friend Kevin (a Darden classmate) and I spent the day riding with a bunch of great kids and volunteers and got to be just one cog in a great process. If you are able to help this cause, I would encourage you to support this special event. Darden has a corporate team that I am supporting and am doing my part to raise funds. Let me know if you can help and/or send a check payable to Boys & Girls Club of Charlottesville/Albermarle.