Community Corner
The Evolution of a Spin-A-Thon
The YMCA's annual fundraiser has grown since its inception 12 yearrs ago and now supports over 700 families in the community.
As the prepares for its annual Spin-A-Thon event this writer decided to explore how an event of this magnitude actually gets rolling (pardon the pun!).
The first two Spin-A-Thon events were held in portable trailers that housed the Y’s “new” cycle classes in 1998-99 and the focus was on generating enough money to buy stereo equipment.
In 2000, the event officially became a fundraiser for the YMCA’s annual campaign, providing financial support to over 700 families in our community.
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Each of the subsequent Spin-A-Thon events has grown and morphed, but one thing has never changed - each event has been organized by Fowler YMCA cycling instructors. Bruce Watson, a former Fowler YMCA instructor, holds the record of 12 consecutive years instructing at these events and on Feb. 25 he’ll celebrate his 13th consecutive year!
Interestingly, Bruce ran the event before passing the torch to three of his former students, turned instructors, Shelby Katz, Irene Sanders, and Maureen McIvor, who all have been integral in organizing this year’s event. The YMCA’s Spin-A-Thon has become an event that Y members look forward to every year.
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The Spin-A-Thon is a six-hour charity ride helping to send kids to camp, seniors to stay connected and families in need in the Norcross and Peachtree Corners area, every penny stays in our community!
If you are not able to ride, we welcome sponsors or ghost riders. All corporate sponsors are recognized every hour during the event as well as with signage throughout the Y. Don’t let the “A-Thon” scare you - if you can reach the pedals, you can do an hour or more of the Spin-A-Thon!
It is a day filled with fun, fellowship and fitness and most important it benefits many of our neighbors who have fallen on hard times. You do not have to be a member to join us in this incredible event that benefits our entire community.
Mark the date - Feb. 25 from 9 a.m. to 3:30 p.m., come spin with us or just come and enjoy the day and do a little shopping in our Silent Auction - but more importantly come and support your neighbors!
For more information, please contact the Fowler YMCA at 770-246-9622 or via email at spinathon2012@gmail.com. The Robert D. Fowler YMCA is located at 5600 W. Jones Bridge Road in Peachtree Corners.