Pedalin' for Project Health fundraiser is June 5

COEUR d'ALENE - An uninsured child could get dental sealants. Families could learn alternatives to abuse. High-risk infants could have nurses visiting at home.

All you have to do is ride a bike on a sunny day.

That's the beauty of the Fourth Annual Pedalin' for Project Health, a fundraiser for public health projects across the five northern counties.

"There's always more demand," said Jeanne Bock, secretary of the Project Health foundation. "The gaps in service to people without insurance and public health needs are tremendous."

The June 5 event will benefit programs for high-risk and uninsured North Idaho residents, Bock said, adding that pedalers of all ages are encouraged to break a sweat.

With sign-in stations available in all five counties, entrants need only pay the $25 adult registration - $5 for children - and ride wherever or however long their whims command.

"It's truly self-guided," Bock said. "We start you off with bottled water and a sack of goodies and maps or directions to where you need it. You can ride as little or as long as you want."

Folks have even participated out of state, she said, by paying the registration and then biking wherever they happened to be.

Project Health will send the proceeds to programs like dental sealants for uninsured children, senior companions for the homebound elderly, medical vouchers for the uninsured, child abuse prevention, home visiting nurses for high-risk infants, and colorectal cancer screenings.

The nonprofit hopes to double the $2,000 it raised last year.

"I think there is more demand in these economic times, but the need (for accessible health care) has always been there," Bock said. "We (the foundation) is still young. We're hoping to make more of an impact."

Participants may not receive a free T-shirt if they register after May 26, she said.

Folks can register early by filling out a registration form and sending it to: Project Health, P.O. Box 271, Hayden, ID 83835.

Participants can check in from 8:30 to 11 a.m. on June 5 at any of the following check-in points: the Kroc Center in Coeur d'Alene, the Plummer Trailhead, the Enaville Trailhead, Dover Bay Lake Club Fitness Center Marina and the Boundary Wildlife Refuge.

For more information, call: 415-5103.

Project Health is an all volunteer organization, Bock said.

"We put all these funds into services," she said. "Look at the need in your communities."