By Lisa Hook
Journal Register News Service

ROYAL OAK -- The city will be teeming with bicycles July 29 as Team Mongo, a group of 13 triathletes with a mission, holds it third annual Ride for the Kids fund-raiser. The family-friendly event, which begins at the Boys & Girls Club, will include a 10-mile ride through the community, followed by lunch from bd's Mongolian Grill.

Team Mongo is dedicated to promoting a healthy and active lifestyle while supporting a variety of charitable organizations through community service.

The team, founded by Michael Birkett, 37, of Huntington Woods and Jeff Tenniswood, 39, of Troy, consists of athletes of various performance levels -- from beginners to top finishers in world championships

"Since 2005, we have raised over $93,000 for charity," says Birkett.

The funds have helped non-profit organizations like The Boys & Girls Club and The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society.

"This gives us the opportunity to interact with some of the kids from the club and hear their stories," continues Birkett.

"It is also a chance to help make a difference in tomorrow's leaders."

Adds co-founder Tenniswood, "Seeing the smile on the kids' faces that we affect and the sense of accomplishment they have when they do their races -- that's the best, there's nothing better."

Tenniswood says that the event started out with six kids and has grown to more than 75. Community awareness and participation have also significantly increased.

Last March, Team Mongo held a Triathlon 101 Clinic at The Troy Community Center with "fitness guru" Peter Nielsen as the keynote speaker. The athletes demonstrated the three components to a triathlon -- biking, running and swimming.

The group hopes to raise $15,000 for this event alone, a projected increase of $5,000 from last year. They have lots of local support, with sponsorship from bd's, Hansons Running and American Cycle and Fitness, to name just a few.

Boys and Girls Club Executive Director Brett Tillander says he is very appreciative of the group's efforts.

"These guys have turned into a tremendous resource for the Boys & Girls Club ... the kids have developed a sense of determination and commitment to following through," he says.

"The transformation and impact on the kids is something we could not have possibly anticipated," he says.

That hands-on approach makes this group of volunteers special.

"The confidence that they have is the most tangible thing that I walk away with," says Tenniswood.

To charge a donation by phone, call (248) 544-4166 ext. 124; mail it to The Boys & Girls Club of South Oakland County, 1545 E. Lincoln, Royal Oak, MI 48067. All proceeds will go directly to The Boys and Girls Club of South Oakland County.

More News