They pulled on cowboy hats, got on their stationary bikes and sang along to “Chicken Fried” for the Giddy Up Cowboy Hour – the theme that started the Spin-a-thon for the Ridge Meadows Hospital Foundation on Saturday.
For eight hours, five teams pedaled stationary bikes to various hourly themes, such as Tacky Tourist and Glam Squad, in the middle of the Haney Place Mall.
In all, they raised approximately $5,000 for the cause.
Organizer and foundation executive director Laura Butler said that was the goal for the third annual event, and it will go to toward a hospital equipment list that tallies up to $600,000 this year.
“This will get us a good start,” said Butler.
The teams paid an entry fee, and the participants also took pledges – with two individuals raising as much as $625 and $700 in donations.
Butler said the third annual Spin-a-thon joins the annual summer Fund Run and the fall Gala dinner and dance as the major fundraisers organized by the foundation.
The Fund Run is in its 13th year, and has about 400 participants.
“We’re hoping the Spin-a-thon will have that same momentum built,” said Butler.
It has enjoyed good sponsorship support, including stationary bikes and instructors provided by Fitness Unlimited.
The Fund Run, which is a 5-km walk and a 10-km run, will take place on June 5, at 9 a.m., starting at Fairview elementary in Maple Ridge.
• Registration is being taken online at runningroom.com or raceroster.com until May 29.
