At Anchor House, we are grateful for each and every member of the Anchor House Foundation Ride for Runaways family.
The Ride is more than an event. It is a family, one that is built on shared experiences, lasting friendships, and a commitment to helping Anchor House.
Whether Ride participants pedaled 500 miles from Winchester, VA to Trenton as part of the Classic Ride, volunteered on the Support Team, completed the Flex Ride, Run, or Walk, joined their four-legged friends for the first-ever Paws for Anchor House, volunteered their time on our Ride Committee, donated, or cheered from the sidelines, they all played an important role in making this year’s Ride a success.
Every mile, every step, every wag of a tail, every dollar raised, and every cheer along the way reflects the incredible dedication and generosity that make the Ride family so special.
The funds raised through the Ride play a critical role in sustaining and enhancing our operations, programs, and services. Each and every Ride participant has helped create lasting change in the lives of the youth and young adults we serve.
Thank you Ride family!
Read more about the Ride journey below and see photos from the event.
On June 6, the Flex Ride, Flex Walk/Run, and the inaugural Paws for Anchor House kicked off at Princeton Shopping Center. The Classic Riders also held a Training Ride that morning. Anchor House youth and staff were there with posters in hand to cheer on the Ride participants.
Sendoff from Arm & Hammer Park on July 11
The Classic Ride kicked off in the early morning hours of Saturday, July 12, at Arm & Hammer Ballpark. Despite the early start, the energy was high as supporters lined the route with pom-poms, signs, and smiles, cheering the riders on as they began their 500-mile journey.
Scenes from the Road
This year, the Classic Ride started in Winchester, VA. Below are some scenes from the road.
Special Guests Along the Way
You never know who you are going to meet on the Ride journey. The Ride participants were thrilled to be welcomed at a SAG stop by Joe Yuhas, Co-founder of Anchor House (photo on the left, pictured on the right). Board Secretary Denise Bard (photo on the right, pictured on the left) met the Ride participants in Virginia to cheer them on and remind them of their “why.” Denise is a former Shelter resident who speaks about how her stay at Anchor House was life-changing.
Annual Ride Banquet
Each year during the Classic Ride, participants gather for a banquet on the evening before the Ride concludes. It is a Ride tradition when milestone Ride anniversaries are recognized and the dedication of those who have supported the event over the years. It is also a time when two special awards are presented – the William K. Hogan Award “It’s for the Kids” Award and the Douglas C. McCune Memorial Award.
The Finish Line
The next day, as the Classic Ride returned home, all Anchor House Ride for Runaways participants—including Flex riders, walkers, and runners—were celebrated at an event at Quaker Bridge Mall. The emcee for the event was the one and only Anchor House Co-founder Arthur Sypek, Esq. The celebration included community members, supporters, and local dignitaries, including Assemblywoman Verlina Reynolds-Jackson, Mercer County Commissioners Terrance Stokes and Lucylle R. S. Walter, and Mercer County Surrogate Diane Gerofsky.
