John Elder and Fellow Riders Successfully Completed The 2010 Merchants Bank
Christian Elder Memorial 900

John Elder, Dennis Hill and Bob Porter celebrate the finish of this year's ride.

The 900-mile Christian Elder Memorial 900 bicycle ride raised $25,140 for Kids ‘n Kinship, a local non-profit organization that matches kids ages 5-16 with volunteer mentors.

This year they rode through Iowa and Nebraska, and finished in Apple Valley on June 12th. “Children are such a valuable asset for our future. During hard economic times, it’s critical that we don’t lose sight of how important causes such as this are,” says Elder.  All donations go straight to Kids ‘n Kinship, serving children in Apple Valley, Burnsville, Eagan, Farmington, Lakeville and Rosemount for 38 years. Currently, 68 youth are on the organization’s waiting list for mentors.  

In addition to Elder, this year’s riders were:
Dennis Hill, Bloomington, MN (entire 900 miles with Elder, fourth year)
Kathy Kelley, Chaska, MN (first 300 miles, first year)
Bob Benda, Ft. Worth, TX (first 300 miles, second year)
Jay Saterbak, Prior Lake, MN (second 300 miles, second year)
Bob Porter, Phoenix, AZ (third 300 miles, second year)

Elder, who has mentored 17-year-old Dante for six years, says “You don’t need a lot of experience to have a significant impact on a young person’s life.” It is this impact that fuels Elder’s passion for the bike riding fundraiser, which is named in memory of John and wife Sherry’s son who died unexpectedly in 2007. “It’s amazing what a mentor can do in a young person’s life and, in turn, what the young person can do for you.”

At age 63, Elder hopes to continue riding for many more years but adds, “I like to think that we’ve reached a point where this ride will survive me and will continue to benefit Kids ‘n Kinship far into the future.”