Annual event benefits Heart & Vascular Services at Mercy Health Muskegon
A unique, indoor biking event benefiting Heart & Vascular Services at Mercy Health Muskegon, The Ride, celebrated its 15th year on March 9, 2019. To date, The Ride has seen more than 4,800 riders participate, 55,000 miles ridden and more than half a million dollars raised.
Each year, more than 450 people participate on eight-person teams, with hundreds of additional fans cheering as participants ride to promote cardiovascular fitness and healthy lifestyles in West Michigan. All ages and any skill level are welcome to participate.
The Ride proceeds support three programs: Heart & Vascular Services at Mercy Health Muskegon, Mercy Heart Center scholarships for cardiac rehabilitation patients, and the High School Student Heart Screening Program.
“As a health care system, we do more than provide exceptional medical services,” says Gary Allore, president of Mercy Health Muskegon and participant in The Ride. “We strive to improve the overall health of our community, and The Ride encourages community members to get involved with us in a day of heart-healthy activity and raise support for cardiovascular services that directly help our community.”
This year, Rob Casalou, president & CEO, Mercy Health and Saint Joseph Mercy Health System, also participated in the event, sparking a friendly competition between his team, Team Joe’s, and Allore’s team, T.D.-No Training Required.
In 2019, the event was held at a new location, the L.C. Walker Arena, in downtown Muskegon, Mich.
“We were very excited to host The Ride in this new venue, as the L.C. Walker Arena has given this event new energy and has attracted several different teams that we haven’t had before,” said Megan Akselberg, Annual Gifts and Events Coordinator, Mercy Health.
Special thanks to 2019’s Summit Sponsors, 13 ON YOUR SIDE and L.C. Walker Arena, and all the other sponsors for their support of this event. Mercy Health Muskegon’s Office of Philanthropy would also like to thank the many volunteers who make this event possible each year.
It’s not too late to support the Heart & Vascular Center, which will open in the new medical center in Mercy Health Muskegon.
