One Dad's Mission Coast to Coast Bike Ride, Stopping at Ronald McDonald Houses Across the USA Stops in Wilmington on October 13, 2024

One Determined Father Continues His Solo Cross-Country Bike Ride To Support Ronald McDonald House Charities

WILMINGTON, DELAWARE (October 3, 2024) – One dad is making a difference this (fall) as he continues on his 4,600 mile, cross-country bike ride. This inspiring journey, aptly named "One Dad's Mission," is not just a personal challenge but a heartfelt endeavor to raise awareness and funds for the Ronald McDonald House Charities (RMHC).

This determined dad, Jeff Bekos, is looking for support along his journey and hoping to raise money for the charity by sharing his daughter’s story of hope while stopping at 26 RMHC houses along the way to his finish line at the Ronald McDonald House in Philadelphia. 

A local news affiliate in Philly tells his story, HERE.

When Jeff Bekos arrives in Wilmington on Sunday, October 13, Ronald McDonald House Charities of Greater Delaware will warmly welcome him with a private Family Fun Day event from 12-2 p.m.. This special outdoor gathering will allow guest families, volunteers, staff, and board members to celebrate Jeff’s incredible journey.

To mark the occasion, attendees will form a cheering line to greet Jeff as he completes another leg of his cross-country bike ride. The event will feature a food truck offering a variety of delicious options, along with fun activities like face painting, balloon art, and lawn games for all ages, ensuring an afternoon of joy and togetherness.

While the event is not open to the public, media are invited to attend and cover Jeff’s inspiring story and his visit to the Ronald McDonald House. His stop at the House in Wilmington will be the second-to-last milestone in his 4,600-mile journey, as he rides to raise $5 million to support RMHC chapters across the country.

Media interested in covering the event are encouraged to contact Erin McGrath (contact information below) for further details and interview opportunities.
 
On a typical July morning in 2013, Hailey Bekos, a perfectly healthy 13-year-old experienced a seizure out of nowhere.  That seizure led to a medical catastrophe that saw her heart stopping numerous times during a four-month coma.  That journey to recovery from a rare form of encephalitis would last 254 days –throughout which Hailey’s family found comfort and support at the Philadelphia Ronald McDonald House.

See Hailey’s journey HERE.

The Bekos family was deeply moved by the unwavering support and comfort they received from the Philadelphia Ronald McDonald House during their time of need.
See more at https://onedadsmission.org/.

"My family and I are forever grateful for the compassion and care we experienced at Ronald McDonald House. This ride is my way of saying thank you and ensuring that other families can receive the same support we did," says Jeff.

Key Details of the Ride:
Start Date: July 29, 2024
Start Location: Ronald McDonald House, Irvine, CA
End Location: Ronald McDonald House, Philadelphia, PA
Stops: 26 Ronald McDonald Houses across the country.  See the schedule (subject to change) HERE

"We hope that our story inspires others to support this incredible organization. The Ronald McDonald House gave us a sense of home and community during a very difficult time, and we want to ensure they can continue to do the same for other families," Jeff adds.

For media inquiries, please contact:
Erin McGrath
Marketing and Communications Manager
(302) 428-5322 (office)
(302) 584-51717 (cell)
erin@rmhcdelaware.org

About Ronald McDonald House Charities: Ronald McDonald House Charities (RMHC) provides a "home-away-from-home" for families of seriously ill children receiving treatment at nearby hospitals. RMHC programs provide comfort, support, and resources to families, allowing them to stay together and focus on the health of their child.