MultiCare Health System

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
CONTACT: Todd Kelley, (253) 403-1716

(TACOMA) -- More than 500 cyclists will pedal 172 miles over three of Washington’s mountain passes, Snoqualmie, Blewett and Stevens, to benefit victims of child abuse and neglect.

The 17th annual John L. Scott Foundation Courage Classic Bicycle Tour, a three-day cycling adventure, will begin Saturday, August 2, 2008, and benefits the treatment and recovery of child abuse victims; including those who have suffered sexual abuse, physical assault and domestic drug abuse exposure.

Riders raise a minimum of $400 each in pledges and the proceeds go to the Rotary Endowment for the Intervention and Prevention of Child Abuse and Neglect at Mary Bridge Children's Hospital. Proceeds also benefit the Children’s Trust Foundation.

The ride begins on Snoqualmie Ridge and riders cross Snoqualmie Pass to Suncadia Resort near Cle Elum. The following day, Sunday, August 3, riders cross Blewett Pass and enjoy the Bavarian atmosphere of Leavenworth. On the final day, Monday, August 4, riders will continue over Stevens Pass and finish in the town of Skykomish.

There are many special activities along the way. On Saturday evening, riders will be treated to their own jazz festival at Suncadia Resort. On Sunday, riders spend the evening in scenic Leavenworth.

"Many riders comment on how well fed they are during the ride," said MultiCare Director of Special Events Michael Shields. "The Rotary Clubs involved provide excellent food along the route, including a spaghetti feed, baked potato bar and banana splits. Many riders even comment they gained weight during the ride."

The 2008 Courage Classic is sponsored by the John L. Scott Foundation, Rotary Clubs of Pierce County, Alaska Airlines, Milgard Windows and United Parcel Service. In addition to sponsoring the event, Alaska Airlines has also formed the largest team of more than 80 riders from across the Western United States. Collectively, the team has already raised more than $32,000 through fundraisers and rider pledges.

For more information, call (253) 403-4374 or go to www.courageclassic.org.

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Mary Bridge Children’s Hospital is part of the MultiCare Health System. MultiCare is a leading-edge, integrated health organization made up of four hospitals, numerous primary care and urgent care clinics, multi-specialty centers, Hospice and Home Health services, and many other services. A not-for-profit organization based in Tacoma, Washington since 1882, MultiCare has grown over the years in response to community needs. Today, MultiCare is the area's largest provider of health care services, serving patients at 93 locations in Pierce, South King, Kitsap and Thurston counties