By Lindsey Frazier, Editorial Assistant
Eagle Rock Easter Classic bike ride benefit raised over $45,000 for its boys home in April.
“In its inaugural year in 2020, we had to move the date from April to August due to the (COVID) pandemic, and we still hosted over 50 riders and raised over $13,000 for Eagle Rock,” Eagle Rock Event Director Tom Bade said. “Each year, both rider participation and sponsor support have grown.”
More than 160 riders from as far as Oregon participate in the challenge. The course offers a 20-mile option, a 43-mile option, a 62.5-mile option and a 100-mile challenge starting this year.
“At first, we had more people signing up for the 100 mile than the 62.5 mile,” Bade said. “But in the end, I think we ended up with just a few more for the 62.5 mile.”
On mile 50 of the 62.5-mile course, participants were given a chance to climb Chandler Mountain for a free pizza from Mater’s Pasta and Pizza Emporium.
“It’s called the Mater’s Challenge because they have their tomatoes up there,” Bade said.
Located in Gadsden, the Eagle Rock boys home receives all funds from the event.
“Because of our generous sponsors and amazing rider support, we have been able to do such things as buy a new van to transport our boys and fix foundation issues at the primary housing facility on the ranch,” Bade said.
The boys home sits on a 35-acre plot of land. There are three houses that have housed over 400 boys since its founding in 1994, according to the Eagle Rock website. Most of the boys come from homes with troubled backgrounds, according to Eagle Rock. Eagle Rock’s first goal is to allow the boys to find healing.
“The boys come in at about 14,” Bade said. “It’s that developmental time in their life where they need someone in their life to point them in the right direction when they don’t have it.”
Once the boys have healed, Eagle Rock gives them the chance to experience family. With the help of house parents, staff, social workers, counselors and therapists the boys are given the opportunity to “see what true, Godly family looks like,” according to its website.
“It’s one thing to have a place to stay,” Bade said. “It is another thing to have a place to stay where you’re loved and you’re valued, and you can do things other than just exist. That is what Eagle Rock provides.”
Eagle Rock also prepares the boys for the future.
“Whether it be skill sets, finance knowledge or social skills, we hyperfocus on being sure they’re equipped and ready,” Eagle Rock stated.
Once the boys turn 18, they move into the independent living program to help the boys get out on their own.
“These boys are largely under-served by society, and it gives me great satisfaction and a sense of purpose to lead a team of incredible volunteers and put this event on each year,” Bade said. “I pray that these boys see how much they are loved and that our efforts are highly effective in furthering their healing process.”
