Mark April 18, 2015, on your calendar. That's when lots and lots of bicyclists from Bowling Green State University will tool through Ada.

The stop in Ada is part of Bikes for Tikes, which is als part of BGSU’s Dance Marathon (DM).

The organization, run by students, raises money for Children’s Miracle Network Hospitals. The BGSU organization raises funds specifically for Mercy’s Children’s Hospital, Toledo.

The Dance Marathon is a 32-hour event in conjunction with Bikes for Tikes.

“Unique to our DM is the Bike for Tikes event,” Cory Huber, BGSU student and Bluffton High School grad, said. “It is a cycling event composed of 150-plus students who have dedicated the school year to raise a minimum $450 all for the kids in Toledo. The ride begins in Cincinnati and ends in Bowling Green. Our third night of the ride is in Ada.”

This year our organization relies heavily on sponsorships and donations for operation costs (transportation, supplies, food, because our funding has been cut short by the university).

“We invites Icon viewers to support our operation costs,” said Huber. “More importantly, I hope residents will come see these amazing students while we ride through Ada and into Cory-Rawson.”

He continues: Because Toledo is so close many children and families in the area are sent to Mercy's for treatments. Typically, these visits last for days and are frequent if the child has a chronic condition. I already know of several families in our region who have used Mercy's Children's Hospital for services.

The ride is held in April 17 to 19. The riders will arrive in Ada on the 18th and leave the morning of the 19th.

“My goal is to make Ada arrival a very memorable occasion, especially because we have more Miracle Children involved with our event this year,” said Huber.

Our total goal for this year's ride is $100,000. It has been crazy to see how hard my core committee and our participants have worked thus far, says Huber.

Last year DM raised over $275,000. Bike for Tikes raised over $75,000 of that total.

Viewers interested in making donations may direct them to:
Dance Marathon
401 Bowen-Thompson Student Union
Bowling Green State University
Bowling Green, OH 43403

Here is a link for an enjoyable video from last years ride.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aQprRby-DxY