A small group of students dedicated to the improvement of both human and veterinary medicine are launching OSU SCAVMA’s second annual Heart of the Valley Bike Ride on April 24. This event is a fundraiser for both a veterinary medicine charity and a human medicine charity. The charities that are receiving the donations this year are the Benton County Health Center, which helps provide health care for low income families, and the Dr. Olive K. Britt Endowment for Emergency Animal Care, which provides funding for medical care for pets of low income families needing the services of the OSU College of Veterinary Medicine Lois Bates Acheson Veterinary Teaching Hospital.
The event, which is open to everyone in the community, includes two bike routes. One is 12 miles and the other is 30 miles. The ride is followed by a celebration, including food and music. Participants in the ride are asked to raise a minimum of $30 to support the charities.
Cyclisits riding in last year's Ride the Heart of the Valley event
Dr. Karyn Bird, SCAVMA advisor, said this about last year’s ride, “It was a great ride, with lots of good company, great views of the mid-valley, good food, and wonderful music. At the same time you can support health care charities for people and pets within our community. Don’t miss the fun!”
People who are not interested in riding but are interested in supporting the cause can attend the party after the ride, which includes food and music, for a small $15 donation.
The goal this year is to increase awareness of the event and to gain more participants in the ride. For more information contact Liana Granum at granuml@onid.orst.edu.
