Submitted by Submitted by Lakewood YMCA.
Each year, the Lakewood YMCA participates in a worldwide competition, hosted by Expresso Bike, which is owned by Blue Goji. Competition cyclists can earn donations for each mile ridden. Each participating YMCA, worldwide, raises funds to support their chosen cause. The Lakewood YMCA, as it has the last several years, chose to support free memberships for all foster children in our community.
In 2023 the Lakewood YMCA became world champions and won the competition by raising $34,081. In 2024 the Lakewood YMCA defended as world champions by raising $44,629. There are few sports dynasties that have pulled off the coveted “three-peat” but in 2025 the Lakewood YMCA was able to join the ranks of the greats – The Bulls, The Yanks, The Lakers, Islanders and Athletics. This year with 105 cyclists on the team the Lakewood YMCA raised a whopping $62,801. This year’s top cyclist, for Lakewood, rode 750 miles and she raised $6,170. Congratulations Rebecca!
This year, the Lakewood YMCA benefitted from eighteen community business sponsorships and countless personal and family sponsors. None of this would have been possible without the amazing support from so many wonderful sponsors.
Congratulations! This is an amazing achievement worthy of recognition. As former foster parents we know that a Y membership for these children and the opportunity to be engaged in positive physical activities in a safe environment are priceless. Just feeling that they belong is a gift. Thank you to all those who made this happen for these children.
What a wonderful story, and so inspiring. Almost 30 years ago, my husband, Tom Sadler took the initiative and sponsored several young people living in apartments near his office in Lakewood. He recognized the difference it could make in their lives and took it upon himself to make it happen. That was so likeTom. I’ve always been so proud of his commitment to the community. It’s been just over a year since his passing and I’ll bet he’s smiling down right now, learning that good people are supporting such a worthy cause.
Bless you all
Way to go Team Lakewood! I am blessed work with such passionate and driven people here at the Lakewood Y. Yvette, Rebecca, Kerry…you all crushed it this year. This is such a fun competition and it draws tremendous community support. The most important result however, is that enough funds were raised so that 114 children living in foster care will receive a free Y membership for the next year. This is transformational impact in the lives of our most vulnerable young people. A huge thank you to all who were involved. 105 riders, 10 individual sponsors, 18 corporate sponsors, and 135 individual donors. 3-Peat Champs!
The Lakewood Y is fortunate to have Toby Roberts to rally the community behind such a great cause! Thank you for your leadership Toby!
I was so pleased to be a part of the Rally for the Y for the first time this year. As I was pounding the pedals last month it occured to me that with the support of so many generous sponsors and donors, I was earning more per hour riding the bike for the children in foster care than I ever made for myself working as a scientist. And that made me smile. On behalf of the Lakewood Family YMCA, thanks to all of you who made this happen.
Congratulations Lakewood YMCA! An amazing and dedicated group of employees. Special shout out to Rebecca Oxford who rode that uncomfortable bike for 750 miles! She would often ride miles on that bike and then teach our spin class. That is dedication.
Thank you Toby and Team Lakewood for another outstanding rally! It is so much fun to participate.