Help a Child Smile Foundation: Thrive to Ride for Kids

Kristy Conway and Edgewater Councilwoman Maureen Holtje have many things in common. They are both Fort Lee born and raised, they both come from well-established (read: old-time) Fort Lee families, and they are both chairing “Thrive to Ride,” the third annual motorcycle ride through the scenic Hudson Valley to benefit “Help-A-Child-Smile” Foundation, a charitable foundation established by Councilwoman Holtje. 

Aside from raising awareness of children living in foster care facilities throughout Bergen County, “Help-A-Child-Smile” is a charity dedicated to raising money to provide these children, who are under the guardianship of the state and have no place to call home, with fun and educational opportunities, and a chance to feel like a typical kid for just a little while.

“Thrive to Ride” is a motorcycle ride that will be held on Sept. 25th (rain date Oct. 2nd.). The race will leave from Veteran’s Field in Edgewater with a police escort and travel to Orange County Choppers (yes, the guys from the Discovery Channel) where you can check out the custom OCC choppers before heading back to the after-party at Veteran’s Field where there will be a lunch buffet from Outback Steakhouse, live entertainment, a motorcycle demonstration by the Fort Lee Police (who will also be providing escort for the ride), and a bike show with vendors selling everything from jewelry to cigars. 

The money raised through the ride goes towards the following:

• Field day
• Clothes for the children
• Christmas gifts

“Help-A-Child-Smile Foundation” is a small, but growing organization with limited finances.

“Eventually, we would like to have raised enough money where we can provide these children with tutors, college prep, mentors, and scholarships,” Holtje said. “That’s why we’re trying to get the word out to raise awareness.”

Registration will begin at 8 a.m. on the morning of the event at Veteran’s Field Park on River Rd. in Edgewater. The ride will begin at 10 a.m. Cost to participate is $25 per rider and $15 per passenger.

Sponsoring the event are Meson Madrid, Outback Steakhouse, Fort Lee Hardware, Navalla Properties, and nycallovertheweb.

Anyone interested in becoming a sponsor contact Ernie at 201-206-3790. 

For vendor information contact committee member Adelina Osso at thrivetoride@hotmail.com. There are no fees for vendors, and all vendors are welcome. However, a donation to the foundation would be appreciated. All vendors must be pre-registered and must provide their own tables and/or tents. 

For up-to-the-minute information, visit Thrive to Ride’s facebook page.