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Bob Lee’s ride ends with celebration in Barrington
Barrington resident Bob Lee celebrates his homecoming last weekend with Sarah Bealles, president and CEO of Hospice and Palliative Care of Northeastern Illinois. | Photo courtesy of Lisa Encarnacion
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Updated: December 9, 2012 6:21AM
BARRINGTON — Having successfully completed his 2,000-mile bike ride from Canada to Mexico in less than two months, 70-year-old Barrington resident Bob Lee celebrated his homecoming Saturday with supporters and another fund-raiser.
To officially welcome the humanitarian home, Good Shepherd Fitness Center on South Barrington Road held a Spin-A-Thon from 1 to 4 p.m. Saturday to lift Lee closer to his $1 million fund-raising goal. As a result, more than 200 riders participated in the hour-long, instructor-led spinning classes for $25 each, which helped raise another $9,000.
Because Lee attracted a “pacesetter” donor who pledged to donate $2 for every $1 raised by the community, Saturday’s spinning effort released an additional $18,000 from the fund.
A BMO Harris Bank-sponsored “Thank You Reception” followed from 4 to 5 p.m. Saturday, offering guests an assortment of appetizers and cocktails to enjoy while a variety of scenic photos from Lee’s trip were on display.
The most special moment of the event occurred when Lee returned the locket containing Rich Crane’s ashes back to an emotional Lisa Crane, who was married to Rich until he passed 10 years ago from amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS). Because Rich was a strong supporter of Lee’s first ride, Lisa gave Lee a locket with Rich’s ashes in it for spiritual support on his long journeys in 2007 and 2012.
Lee’s Ride for 3 Reasons is an effort that began in 2001 to raise awareness and fund research for cancer, amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) and end of life planning through the National Hospice Foundation of Northeastern Illinois.
Lee needs to raise about $80,000 more to achieve $1 million. Ride for 3 Reasons will be accepting donations until the end of December. Donations may be made by visiting www.3reasons.org/donate.~.
