Catholic Charities volunteer to spend birthday helping children in need

BOSTON -- Ronald D’Ad-dario usually spends Saturday mornings eating an early breakfast with his wife, Maureen. On Sept. 29, they should eat breakfast in celebration of his 64th birthday.

But instead of feasting on eggs and bacon and later in the day playing with his granddaughters, Olivia, 4, and Ali, 1, D’Addario will ride 50 miles through Foxboro and surrounding towns supporting Catholic Charities through the Rodman Ride for Kids.

The Rodman Ride for Kids is an umbrella matching gift charity that raises funds for children’s related social service agencies in Massachusetts, including Catholic Charities. The ride itself is a 25, 50, or 100-mile non-competitive cycling tour held each fall. Since its inception in 1991, the Ride for Kids has raised more than $25 million to help at-risk children.

Catholic Charities became involved in the ride three years ago. This year, the Catholic Charities team has pledged to raise $50,000 to benefit the many programs and services for children the agency offers throughout Eastern Massachusetts. These include an after-school tutoring and mentoring program in South Boston, educational programs in Lynn and Boston’s South End, and Sunset Point Camp, a summer camp in Hull.

The Catholic Charities team of 23 is composed of staff members, board members, volunteers, and other supporters. A resident of Reading and parishioner at St. Agnes Parish, D’Addario read about the ride in his parish newsletter and decided to ride in support of Catholic Charities North, a community service site of Catholic Charities.

“I read about the ride and decided it would be a good way to celebrate my birthday,” D’Addario said. “I like that the money raised will support children in need. I can’t think of a better way to thank God for his many blessings. With a wife, two daughters, a son-in-law, and two granddaughters in good health, I have much to be thankful for.”

D’Addario is not a rider by nature, so to train he has been riding every other day, increasing distance slowly. His personal fundraising goal is $1,000.

“I’m riding for Catholic Charities in the Rodman Ride for Kids because this agency helps those in need who have no where else to go,” he said.

To support D’Addario or another member of the Catholic Charities team, call 617-451-7958 or visit www.ccab.org.