Ninth Annual Bike for Hope Set for April 27

RALEIGH, NC, April 04, 2013

For the past eight years, the Annual George Thanhauser Bike for Hope has been growing in number of participants and funds raised. This year, organizers are expecting the biggest turnout yet for this fundraiser benefiting the Foundation of Hope for Research and Treatment of Mental Illness, also known for its annual Thad and Alice Eure Walk for Hope every October.

The Ninth Annual Bike for Hope, sponsored by CAPTRUST, will be held Saturday, April 27, at Trek Bicycles of Raleigh at 10911 Raven Ridge Road. Three rides will be offered - 50-mile, 32-mile and 15-mile - and all will end with a post-ride celebration featuring lunch from Carrabba's Italian Grill, special prize drawings, and more. The registration fee is only $45 in advance ($50 day of event) and includes a Bike for Hope t-shirt, breakfast, refreshments, lunch and more.

The 50-mile ride will begin at 8 a.m., the 32-mile ride at 9 a.m., and 15-mile ride at 10 a.m., with registration for each ride beginning one hour prior to the start time. Bikers under 16 years of age must be accompanied by an adult.

The event started in 2004 as a bike and hike for family and friends in memory of George Thanhauser, who had recently lost his battle with cancer. After retiring from IBM, Thanhauser owned the Town and Country Bike Shop in Wake Forest.

"This has grown to be a very popular event," said Greg Cox, event coordinator and volunteer. "We attract both cycling enthusiasts and supporters of the Foundation of Hope. It's a great way to spend a beautiful Saturday morning in Raleigh."

Event supporters this year include CAPTRUST, Trek Bicycles of Raleigh, Angus Barn, Pepsi Bottling Ventures, SoBe Lifewater, Aquafina, Radio 96.1, Fred Anderson Toyota, Lowes Foods, Royal Cup Coffee, Trader Joe's, Poppyseed Market and Jersey Mike's.

For more information or to register, visit http://www.walkforhope.com and click on the Bike for Hope registration link. Registration materials are also available from the Foundation of Hope by calling (919) 781-9255 or e-mailing walkforhope@walkforhope.com.

About the Foundation of Hope
Founded in 1984, the Foundation of Hope for Research and Treatment of Mental Illness is a nonprofit philanthropic organization dedicated to funding breakthroughs in the treatment of mental illness. The Walk for Hope is the foundation's signature annual fundraiser and the largest annual community walk that raises funds for the research and treatment of mental illness. Since 1988, the Walk for Hope has funded more than $3.4 million in local research projects and treatment programs, and has leveraged an additional $100 million for local research through federal grants from national health organizations. To learn more about the Foundation of Hope, visit http://www.walkforhope.com.