At Anchor House, our Board members lead with both passion and purpose. While much of their work happens behind the scenes, their dedication helps drive our mission forward and creates meaningful opportunities to raise awareness, inspire community support, and expand our impact for the young people who rely on Anchor House.
One of our newest Board members, Matt Polizzotto, decided, in his own words, “to step outside of my comfort zone” by taking on the challenge of cycling 500 miles during the Flex Ride. Not only did Matt successfully complete 500 miles (plus a few more), he documented his Ride journey on social media, which he proudly says led to hundreds of more people hearing and learning about Anchor House and helped him reach his Ride fundraising goal.
Matt was not the only Anchor House Board member to participate in this year’s Ride. We also extend our sincere thanks to Griff Humphreys, who completed his ninth Ride this year. Like Matt, Griff is a recent addition to the Anchor House Board.
We are incredibly grateful to Matt, Griff, and all of our Board members for championing Anchor House in meaningful ways throughout the year.
The Ride indirectly was the reason Matt became connected with Anchor House. Matt worked with Sarah Geser, a longtime Rider, for many years and admired her commitment to participating the Ride each year. His networking then led him to become connected further with Anchor House. Matt had worked in behavioral health for 27 years and felt he could lend his expertise as Anchor House was in the midst of expanding their mental health services. This led to Matt joining the Board.
Matt also has extensive experience working in residential programs like ones Anchor House offers. When he toured Anchor House, Matt was impressed by how the programs were run and how it felt like a home with artwork and welcome signs on the walls. He also felt empathy for the youth Anchor House served. “I was thinking about what it’s like being a teenager and going to a new school like you don’t know where to sit,” Matt explained. “Then amplify that by 1,000. It must be so challenging.” Yet what he witnessed told a different story. Instead of young people feeling isolated, he saw youth gathered together, sharing popcorn, laughing, and enjoying each other’s company.
After becoming a Board member, he made a promise to himself, “Matt, you are doing the bike ride.” Matt knew he could not commit to the Classic Ride but decided he could do the Flex Ride. With the Flex Ride, Matt explained, you can complete your 500 miles on a schedule that works for you, whether that means heading out for an early morning ride or fitting your miles around a child’s softball schedule.
Matt’s advice for anyone considering a challenge like the Flex Ride is to start small. He built up to his 500-mile goal gradually, beginning with 10-mile rides, then increasing to 15, 20, and eventually 30 miles. “For anyone who feels like they can’t, find your level and push yourself to do something outside your comfort zone,” Matt said. “For me, it was 30-mile rides. Someone else rode 1,000 miles.”
He also advises for participants to focus on their own journey rather than comparing themselves to others. “Do your level of challenge. Comparison is the thief of joy. Focus on what you feel comfortable doing, and you’ll find that you can push yourself further.”
As Matt was close to the ‘finish line’ in completing the 500 miles, he faced challenges like rainstorms and a bent wheel. Determined to finish, it was nothing that a little duct tape could not fix!
Matt encourages everyone to get involved with the Ride in whatever way works best for them. Whether it’s cycling, participating in the Flex Walk, making a donation, or simply sharing Ride posts on social media, he believes every contribution helps.
Social media played an important role in Matt’s own Ride experience. Not only did it help him reach his fundraising goal, but it also gave him an opportunity to educate others about Anchor House and the challenges many young people face. For instance, he shared how many youth arrive at programs like Anchor House carrying all of their belongings in garbage bags, helping his followers better understand the realities our youth experience. Matt also shared some funny things that happened on his journey like his detour (or two) for an espresso.
Matt ended the interview for this article with a message of gratitude. “I am humbled by the support from the Board members, staff, and the community at large,” he said. “I can’t wait to do it next year.”
