Quick Trip: “Krausies” show their Pedal Metal for MSBike Tour
Fast track projects are nothing new to KAers. So it’s no surprise that they’re good at putting the pedals to the metal, too.
May 7, 2016, the Krausies for a Kure team covered 24 miles and raised $1,000 for the MS Society; a not-too-shabby result for an event pulled together in just under 10 days’ notice.
Q: How did KA get involved?
BRE GISH, BENEFITS & WELLNESS SPECIALIST: Tom Emison (KA Companies) and Alison Kimber (KA Construction) were both riding in the MS Bike 150 event. They connected and wanted to try and get a team together for that ride. Tom came to me to set up a lunch and build awareness of the event, how the donations are used, and to learn about the MS Society. From the lunch and learn, there was a group of people that gained interest in doing the MS Bike Twin Cities, which is a less lengthy ride than the 150.
Q: How did you solicit participants?
GISH: A majority of the participants attended the lunch and learn, plus Katrina Lulich and I went around asking people if they would like to join our team or donate to the cause.
Q: What was the route like?
GISH: The 24-mile bike ride started at Summit Brewery in St. Paul and went down to US Bank Stadium in Minneapolis and then ended back at Summit Brewery. It was awesome! Not too hilly, great scenery, great weather, great day. Plus the after party at Summit!
GISH: There were eight of us, a combination of KA Construction employees, friends and family. Katrina Lulich, John Porter (Katrina’s friend), Jeff Kemp, Mike Smoczyk, Ken Francois, Erin Francois, Stu Gish (my dad), and me. Also Jen Brundell joined for moral support and helped fundraise.
Q: How did you sell people on participating?
GISH: It really kind of sold itself. The MS Society online donation form made it easy to spread the word and encourage others to support this great cause. The cycling itself was fun, and a lot of us know and are inspired by people we know who are living with MS, including our co-worker John Forsythe (KA Mortgage). So it was a chance to give something back, and get some good exercise along the way.
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Bre,
Nice job on the MS Bike Tour! It’s fun to hear about the great things our UWRF graduates are doing out in the world of wellness. Could you send me your contact information? I would like to connect you with our Health & Wellness Management program at UWRF!
Keep up the great work!