Bicyclists, walkers raise thousands for McHenry County PADS

The day started off cold and rainy but the spirits would not be dampened of those who came out to ride for the benefit of McHenry County PADS, a division of Pioneer Center for Human Services. The Sept. 18 event marked the third annual event to help end homelessness. Twenty-nine participants biked or walked the trails at Moraine Hills State Park in McHenry. At the end of the day more than $10,800 was raised.

Integral to this year's event was the participation of the staff at Baird & Warner. They provided both volunteers to work the event and participants.

“It is important to all of us at Baird & Warner that we give back to the communities in which we live and work,” said Don Prigge, manager for Baird & Warner Far Northwest. “We also believe that since our mission is housing, it would be appropriate to assist those in need of shelter. Hence, our long-standing relationship with PADS of McHenry County was established.”

Jeanne Thomson, lead event volunteer, was thrilled at how this year's event turned out and the enthusiasm among bike riders, volunteers, and other participants. The top event fundraisers were: Dave Butler, Jeanne Thomson, Robert Smith and Dean Karamagianis.

McHenry County PADS is a nonprofit organization dedicated to ending homelessness in McHenry County. To learn more, visit mchenrycountypads.com.