Wilmington, DE (May, 2009) – Habitat for Humanity of New Castle County raised more than $40,000 this Spring as part of its fundraising efforts from Bike to Build, its third annual Charity Ride held on Saturday, May 16th, part of the Wilmington Grand Prix’s professional bicycle racing event. View pictures from Bike to Build here.

Through the support of sponsors like Bank of America, Delmarva Power, State Farm, and W.L. Gore, Habitat will continue to build more houses for local families in need. While the day began with clouds and a steady mist, riders were not deterred. In fact, some 108 riders turned out—a 25% increase over last year. The Bike to Build route consisted of a 12 mile Family Ride, and a 25- and 50 mile ride. The route began and ended at Rodney Square, and traveled by our Greenbridge II development, through Wilmington, along the scenic Delaware Greenways Trail through Bellevue Park, Rockwood Park and Alapocas Run, back into the City, then out route 52 for the 25- and 50 mile rides.

“We want to thank our sponsors, everyone who raised money through pledges and rode in the ride.  We are encouraged that during these difficult times our community is concerned with the less fortunate, and is inspired to ride and raise money on their behalf,” said Kevin L. Smith, Executive Director, adding “we were very pleased with the beautiful route along the Delaware Greenways trail, and are looking forward to even more people participating next year.”

Bike to Build is held in conjunction with the Wilmington Grand Prix, a professional cycling race and street festival sponsored by Bank of America, Wilmington Renaissance Corporation, the Delaware Tourism Office, the City of Wilmington, and a strong cast of contributing partners.  In only its third year, the Grand Prix has been named to the USA Cycling's National Race Calendar and will feature premier road racers from throughout the country. The Grand Prix race draws more high caliber competitive cyclists who are working to accumulate points.

Your sponsorship dollars have a direct and tangible impact: they help build a Habitat home! Here are examples of your sponsorship dollars at work:
$50         Box of Nails
$100       One Window
$250       One Front Door
$500       Interior Paint for a House
$1,000    Electrical Work/Lighting for One House
$2,500    Flooring
$5,000    Roof
$10,000  Foundation

All contributions to Bike to Build are tax-deductible and go toward building a Habitat home for a local family in need.

Bike to Build  & the Wilmington Grand Prix

Bike to Build is held in conjunction with the Wilmington Grand Prix, a professional cycling race and street festival sponsored by Bank of America, Wilmington Renaissance Corporation, the Delaware Tourism Office, the City of Wilmington, and a strong cast of contributing partners.  In only its third year, the Grand Prix has been named to the USA Cycling's National Race Calendar and will feature premier road racers from throughout the country. The Grand Prix race is expected to draw more high caliber competitive cyclists who are working to accumulate points.

For more information on the Wilmington Grand Prix, please visit www.wilmingtongrandprix.com