The 2012 7 Hills of Kirkland “Cycling to End Homelessness” event on Memorial Day raised $85,000 from 1,120 registered cyclists, jersey sales, donations, and sponsorships benefitting KITH’s programs that help families transition from homelessness to self-sufficiency.

“I’d like to compliment you and the rest of the organizing team for the ride. The ‘Dan Henry’ road markers were very clear, and the en-route support excellent. My only cause for complaint was rain for about 45 minutes. Not something the organizing committee can do anything about. Thanks again for a great event,” wrote cyclist Richard Traill of Renton.

Cyclists came from as far north as Vancouver B.C. and as far south as Sacramento, Calif. to brave the 7 Hills of Kirkland and help the homeless.

Presenting sponsor EvergreenHealth generously supported the event with $10,000 and a team of 20 cyclists. “Bob (Malte, Evergreen’s CEO) is very pleased to be here, and Evergreen is happy to support the community’s involvement around this healthy event,” said Melissa Kullman, an Evergreen employee. Supporting sponsor Kirkland Kiwanis matched rider donations and provided volunteers for the event. For the third year, the Kiwanis made a significant contribution to the 7 Hills weekend with their “Pancaking to End Homelessness” Pancake Breakfast the Saturday before the ride.

Starbuck’s greeted cyclists and volunteers with delicious coffee at Marina Park throughout the day. Gregg’s Cycle and Kirkland Bicycle assisted cyclists with technical support. Neal Hubbard provided bagpipe music to encourage cyclists to keep pedaling uphill. Silver Sponsor Lakeshore Clinic and Bronze Sponsors Cummins Chiropractic, Isagenix International, Juanita Physical Therapy, Z-Ultimate Self-Defense Studios, and EF Foreign Student Exchange Program greeted riders upon their return from the original 7 Hills route (almost 40 miles), the metric century (nearly 60 miles) and the full century (100 mile) routes.

Celebrating her good luck in addition to her impact for the homeless, Diana Stevens won the pre-registered rider raffle prize of a night stay in a luxury lakefront guest room at The Woodmark Hotel, breakfast at The Beach Café, parking and incidentals.

This all-volunteer event demonstrates the power of more than 80 volunteers to make life change possible for the homeless. All five food stops, support cars, and delivery trucks, and registration and service at the Marina Park pavilion were fully staffed by 7 Hills volunteers.

KITH’s Executive Director Jan Dickerman summed up the event, “We are so grateful to the dedicated volunteers and the cycling community, which come together to make an impact for homeless families each year through 7 Hills of Kirkland Cycling to End Homelessness ride.”