By Jody Kerzman   |  Photography: Jerry Ketterling

Give us a little history of the Great American Bike Race (GABR).

This is our 21st annual event and we will be hosting it at Legacy High School this year which is a new venue. The event began in the mall and was spearheaded by Dr. Kevin Murphy and the local Cerebral Palsy support group. With the incredible support of the community and volunteers who serve on the event planning committee, GABR has grown to be one of the largest events of its kind in the United States, with 110 teams and over 1,300 participants.  We have raised over $3 million to support children and young adults with cerebral palsy and other related childhood onset conditions permanently affecting development.

How is GABR different from other events like it?

The Great American Bike Race is an extraordinary event that brings attention to the needs of our community from around the nation. Thus far this year, we have donations from all 50 states, five Canadian provinces, and two branches of the Armed Forces.

Who benefits from the GABR?

Families throughout the region are supported with the funds raised. The majority of the funds support families from  western North Dakota. These families are able to apply for funds from GABR that help pay for medical services and equipment, such as wheelchairs, communication devices, and adaptive tricycles for children with cerebral palsy or related disabilities. Requests are reviewed and disbursed quarterly.

How can people contact you about the GABR?

To support the event they can either contact Erin Green at the Sanford Health Foundation at 701-323-8452 or they can email us at bikerace@sanfordhealth.org.  To apply for funds, please contact Sara Haugen at the Sanford Health Foundation at 701-323-8451.

How can people donate or get involved?

We invite the community to come out and support the event on Saturday April 8 at Legacy High School! Anyone can contribute to help a specific team, raise funds, or make a gift to support our cause at gabr.sanfordhealth.org.

What are your needs right now if someone would like to help?

We are always looking for volunteers to help with various activities at the event, including rider timers, set up, and clean up, but most important if you know of a family in need please let them know that there is support for them in their community through GABR for things like therapy, travel expenses, and modifications to vehicles and homes. Let’s do it for the kids!  

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