Quick Trip: “Krausies” show their Pedal Metal for MSBike Tour

Fast-track projects are nothing new to Kraus-Anderson employees. It is no surprise they can put the pedal to the metal for a meaningful cause, too.

On May 7, 2016, the Krausies for a Kure team rode 24 miles and raised $1,000 for the MS Society. The result was especially notable because the event came together with less than 10 days’ notice.

How Did Kraus-Anderson Get Involved?

Bre Gish, Benefits & Wellness Specialist: Tom Emison, KA Companies, and Alison Kimber, KA Construction, were both planning to ride in the MS Bike 150 event. They connected and wanted to form a team for the ride.

Tom asked me to set up a lunch-and-learn to build awareness of the event, explain how donations are used and share information about the MS Society. After the session, several people became interested in participating in MS Bike Twin Cities, a shorter ride than the 150-mile event.

How Did You Recruit Participants?

Gish: Most participants attended the lunch-and-learn. Katrina Lulich and I also spoke with people directly to invite them to join the team or donate to the cause.

What Was the Route Like?

Gish: The 24-mile bike ride started at Summit Brewing Company in St. Paul, traveled to U.S. Bank Stadium in Minneapolis and returned to Summit Brewing Company. It was a great route with manageable hills, scenic views and favorable weather. The post-ride gathering at Summit was a bonus.

How Many People Participated?

 

Gish: Eight people participated, including KA Construction employees, friends and family: Katrina Lulich, John Porter, Jeff Kemp, Mike Smoczyk, Ken Francois, Erin Francois, Stu Gish and me. Jen Brundell also joined the group to provide encouragement and support fundraising efforts.

How Did You Encourage People to Participate?

Gish: The event largely sold itself. The MS Society’s online donation form made it easy to share the opportunity and invite others to support the cause.

The ride was fun, and many participants knew people living with MS, including colleague John Forsythe of KA Mortgage. It offered an opportunity to give back while enjoying exercise and time together.

Learn more about the MS Society partnership through KA Has Heart, the KA Has Heart employee and charity partnership program and Kraus-Anderson’s broader community involvement.

For more information about multiple sclerosis, fundraising and local events, visit the National Multiple Sclerosis Society.