REDMOND, Wash. — With every bead of sweat and calorie burned, riders at CycleBar Redmond Town Center are pedaling toward a shared goal: raising money to fight food insecurity.
CycleBar is just one of many businesses participating in the Baldwin Challenge, a fundraising initiative to support Northwest Harvest, founded by Ryan and Jenni Baldwin of Redmond.
"It's just a feel-good moment and a chance to do something bigger than us and to show what our community is capable of and what we mean to each other," said Jenni Baldwin.
This year, the Baldwins have rallied the fitness community, retailers and other businesses in Redmond to join them in raising $35,000. From November 1 through December 7, when you grab a scoop of Dutch Apple Pie ice cream from Molly Moon's, enjoy a featured cocktail at Woodblock, buy donuts from Top Pot Donuts or order a special pizza from Spark Pizza, you're helping to support those who are facing hunger in our community.
Every purchase made at these local businesses contributes to the Baldwin Challenge, providing much-needed funds for Northwest Harvest and their efforts to ensure no one goes without a meal.
"This is giving someone an opportunity to make that difference whether it be 5 dollars or 500 dollars, it's making a difference in someone else's life because it's actually putting food on their table," said Ryan Baldwin.
In 2020, inspired by a KING 5 story about Home Team Harvest, the Baldwins challenged their friends and family to donate 20 dollars for each person who couldn't join their Thanksgiving meal due to COVID restrictions. That year, they raised $10,000 for Northwest Harvest. Since then, they've raised $100,000 over four years, and this year, they surpassed their fundraising goal before the challenge even ended.
"We are constantly humbled by how many people want to participate and get involved. Now it's friends and family, plus their friends and family plus their friends and family," said Ryan Baldwin.
The Baldwins are already looking ahead to next year, aiming to raise even more for a cause that is close to their hearts.
How to help
Click here to donate online through Northwest Harvest between now and the end of the year.
Through Dec. 31, donate $5, $10, or $12 towards grocery cards at your local Safeway store.