The ninth annual Pedal on the Pier fundraiser returns Sunday, June 2 from 11 a.m. - 4 p.m. on the historic Santa Monica Pier. This high-energy outdoor cycling event, hosted by Comedian Ben Glieb, will feature more than 100 teams pedaling on stationary bikes hoping to raise more than $1,000,000 for underserved kids and families in Los Angeles through The Harold Robinson Foundation (HRF). The Foundation provides them with a positive social, physical, intellectual and emotional experience with a year-round, life-changing camp program.
Pedal on the Pier is a five-hour spin-a-thon fundraiser with the beautiful Pacific Ocean as a backdrop. Relay teams comprised of one to five riders on indoor cycling bikes, provided by STAGES INDOOR CYCLING, will enjoy live music, celebrity guest appearances, fun activities, food and drinks from local restaurants such as Sweetfin Poke, Benny’s Tacos, Krispy Kreme, Factor’s Famous Deli, Ike’s Love & Sandwiches and more.
“What makes Pedal on the Pier so unique is that it’s an energetic outdoor philanthropic fundraising event at an iconic ocean-front location,” said Joyce Hyser Robinson, co-founder of HRF and Camp Ubuntu. “It’s an incredible event that nets close to a million dollars, attracts around 1,500 participants and guests while maintaining an intimacy and sense of community that is uncommon at most fundraisers of this size. The positive energy is infectious, and you can’t help but have a great time while raising money to help kids, schools, and families in LA’s marginalized communities.”
In past years, Pedal on the Pier has attracted celebrity supporters including Craig Robinson, Senator Bernie Sanders, Molly Sims, Flea (Red Hot Chili Peppers), David Duchovny, Paul Pierce, Evander Holyfield, Victor Ortiz, Josh Malina, Hilary & Haylie Duff, Rosanna Arquette, Baron Davis, Steven R. McQueen and Luc Robitaille. These supporters helped raise funds for camp-based programming as a vehicle for personal empowerment and social change.
The Harold Robinson Foundation’s vision is to provide unity and community through Camp Ubuntu. It began with an idea from co-founder, Jeff Robinson, almost 20 years ago, who believed that every child should have the same opportunities he experienced as a kid, no matter where they stand on the socio-economic ladder. In addition to Camp Ubuntu, HRF provides, free of charge, a summer day camp, Camp Ubuntu Watts, in the center of Watts, CA, at Markham Middle School. The summer camp is going into its fifth year. HRF also provides parenting workshops.
Ubuntu is an ancient African philosophy that means, “I am because we are.” The HRF has adopted this philosophy as a tool to teach children the guiding principles of the Foundation which are: family, respect, unity, and community. This unifying principle frames all of Camp Ubuntu’s programming. This past year, Camp Ubuntu hosted more than 2,000 students from 20 high-need schools mostly in the community of Watts.
To participate in Pedal on the Pier, riders can register and join a relay team or start their own team. Each team must raise a minimum of $2,500 to have a bike reserved the day of the event. Registered riders will receive a free T-shirt, swag bag, a meal ticket, and access to the 21 and over lounge with hosted alcoholic beverages from sponsors. There will also be a cash bar with beer and wine.
Those who are not able to ride, but would still like to show their support for family and friends can attend by donating to a team or a rider. This year, Pedal on the Pier is offering a limited number of tickets for spectators with a $100 donation to this private event. Spectator tickets include access to the festivities and hosted food and beverages. This will allow fans and supporters the chance to get in on the action and cheer on the cyclists. Spectators can also be a part of the performances, dancing, and kids’ activities.
Doors open at 9:30 a.m., Red Carpet festivities commence at 10:00 a.m and cycling starts at 11 a.m. To sign up for a Pedal on the Pier team or donate to the Harold Robinson Foundation, please visit www.pedalonthepier.com.
For more information, visit www.haroldrobinsonfoundation.org/.
Submitted by Kim Koury, Public Relations
