Saturday, April 27, 2024
8 a.m. – 1 p.m.
Bismarck Event Center
Mark your calendars for an exciting Saturday morning on April 27, as the Bismarck Event Center transforms into the Great American Bike Race (GABR) 2024! From 8 a.m. to 1 p.m., the unique event will bring our community together for a heartwarming cause hosted by the Sanford Health Foundation. Whether you’re assembling a team of eight or more to compete in the stationary bike race, or you’re simply there to soak in the fun and support the cause, GABR promises an experience filled with high energy, touching stories, and something for every age group.
From competing for the most inventive team theme to plenty of activities outside of cycling, there’s something for everyone. And the best part? You don’t need to be a cycling enthusiast to enjoy the festivities and make a meaningful impact on the lives of local children in need. I spoke with Kortney Moore and Jenna Moran from the Sanford Health Foundation regarding the event’s growth, how the mission is impacting our community, and how you can make a difference.
Kortney Moore
Development Officer at Sanford Health Foundation
Jenna Moran
Senior Development Specialist at Sanford Health Foundation
"We have a lot of loyal sponsors throughout the Bismarck-Mandan community that get involved with GABR every year. We're beyond grateful for them because they not only generously support the event through donations, but many of them also create their teams and participate in the event itself. From a community standpoint, it's great to see everyone come together like this."
The Great American Bike Race (GABR) first began as a focused initiative to support kids with cerebral palsy. Over the years, the initiative has grown into a symbol of hope for children with a wider range of challenges.
“It started as a way to raise funds for kids with cerebral palsy,” Moran said. “As the program grew and raised more money over the last 28 years, our reach has expanded to help more children every year, and we’ve expanded our mission to help all kids, so it’s an extraordinary mission. It feels great to know that we’re making a positive difference in our community’s children’s lives year after year.”
The GABR 2024 race aims to introduce a new format that will get more people involved to support the mission this spring. This year, participants can form teams of up to eight or more riders for this one-of-a-kind stationary bike event, where they’ll take turns cycling for 20-minute heats. “As long as you can ride safely on a full-sized stationary bike, the event is truly for anyone to come and participate. You don’t have to be a professional stationary cyclist,” Moore said.
Furthermore, they’re adding to the excitement through a new partnership with CycleBar Bismarck this year. The race invites participants to experience a high-energy environment led by expert local CycleBar instructors, who will be guiding and motivating cyclists while showcasing the GABR mission for everyone.
“They have a cycling studio in Bismarck that offers great cycling classes,” Moore said. “This is an opportunity for them to engage with and motivate the riders. It’s something that anyone can participate in at any level as we’re working with CycleBar to design a welcoming, encouraging environment. It’s going to be exciting to have instructors on stage along with moments sprinkled in with stories about the kids that we’re serving.”
Looking beyond 2024, the goal is clear for the team behind GABR: to grow in participation, raise the bar for fundraising, increase support offered to the children. As the event grows and more funds are raised, more of our community’s children can receive greater care and support with greater resources right here at home. “We’d just love to grow the event,” Moore said. “We hope that when people walk through the doors and experience GABR, they want to come back time and time again and make it part of their annual plans.”
A Call to Action for Newcomers
For those new to GABR, Kortney and Jenna offer words of encouragement and insight. The event is about more than just cycling; it’s about supporting the children, programs such as Child Life services at Sanford Children’s, and much more. “It’s a fun atmosphere; people decorate and show up in costumes,” Moran said. “It’s a day that’s all about people uplifting the kids in our community and celebrating them. People can learn a lot from the event and truly make a difference.”
What Are The Child Life Services Being Supported?
“Child Life services and specialists are an integral part of the care at Sanford Children’s. They’re trained and have expert knowledge of child development and work directly with healthcare teams to determine the best therapeutic interventions for kids. They work with the whole family as well to make the experience a little less stressful for everyone who walks through our doors.”
– Kortney Moore
While Moran emphasized the fun celebrations, she also urged the community to get involved for the impact that their mission has on our community. “Spread the word! If you hear of anyone interested, encourage them to do it; it’s so much fun,” Moore said.
“Everyone is there to have a good time and support one another for the children at the end of the day, and it’s an event that’s built for anyone of any level to get involved in. I think that our GABR Stars showcase exactly why it’s so important to fundraise and ride for a cause. We’re impacting people who are close to home and in our very own community, and we want to change the lives of these kids.”
Did You Know?
This year, GABR is celebrating its 28th year of cycling for change!
Why Ride GABR 2024
Funds will stay local to support:
- Direct assistance for qualifying kids in our community through the GABR Children’s and GABR Legacy funds
- Programs and services like Child Life
- Lifesaving medical equipment
- Specialized staff education and training
- And more!
– GABR 2024 Website
Meet 2024’s GABR Stars
Our 2024 GABR Stars remind us why we ride. They are ambassadors for all local kids who count on life-changing care at Sanford Children’s, and the generosity of people like you!
– GABR 2024 Website
Owen
Age: 10 | Hometown: Bismarck, ND
Owen lives with a rare autoimmune deficiency that previously caused serious inflammation to his brain. While he is fully recovered from anti-NMDAR encephalitis, he continues to rely on Sanford Children’s in Bismarck for monthly Intravenous Immunoglobulin (IVIg) therapy to support his deficient immune system.
Lilah
Age: 13 | Hometown: Moffit, ND
After a serious bacterial infection, Lilah suffered kidney failure followed by a massive stroke. She’s alive today thanks to life-saving care from Sanford Children’s. “The intensive care team in Bismarck was amazing. We got pretty attached to the nurses—they treated Lilah like she was their daughter.” – Lilah’s mom, Brenda
"We also have an opportunity to volunteer if you are looking for other ways to support GABR! We have a volunteer platform on our website, where you can read about positions and sign up. Whether you can't cycle or be there physically, there's something for everyone."
The GABR Kid Zone!
This year, the GABR Kid Zone will include inflatables, Balloon Ninjas, visits with the Bismarck Police Department, a photo booth hosted by DY Photobooth, craft activities, and more.
What Makes GABR Unique?
- 100% of every dollar raised supports kids in need of care at Sanford Children’s hospitals and clinics, directly impacting thousands of infants, children, and teens across the Bismarck region.
- Funds that are raised at the event stay local in Bismarck to provide direct assistance through GABR Children’s and GABR Legacy funds, which go to support specific needs for families including supplies, programs and services, and life-saving medical equipment. Furthermore, funds also support staff education and training to provide the best care possible.
- Riders can cycle competitively or non-competitively! Participants can compete for the highest mileage and other goals, or go at a comfortable pace. At the end of the day, the event is all about having fun.
- GABR is a very family-friendly event with something for everyone. If a kid wants to come and cannot fit on a regular-sized bike, there are plenty of activities for them at the GABR Kid Zone, so that families across the region can participate in some form.
- 5. If someone cannot physically attend the event, a virtual participant option is also offered! If a family member or friend wishes to join from afar, they can create their fundraising page, create activity goals, and continue to make a difference.
– Sanford Health Foundation
Schedule of Events
8 a.m. – Doors Open
8:30 a.m. – Opening Ceremony
8:30 a.m. – 12:30 p.m. – GABR Kid Zone
9 a.m. – First Heat Begins
12:30 p.m. – Last Heat Begins
1 p.m. – Closing Ceremony
As the Sanford Health Foundation and the entire community rally together for this cause, GABR 2024 promises to be a landmark event, showcasing the best qualities of Bismarck-Mandan. More than just a day of cycling, the Great American Bike Race is a movement supporting the community, united to make a difference in the lives of children in need.
Join in to make this year’s Great American Bike Race a success, paving the way for a brighter future for the children who inspire us all. Registration is live! Head to their website below to learn more and register.
Phone: 701-323-8450
Email: [email protected]
Bismarck Event Center
315 S 5th St
Bismarck, ND 58504