The W.H. McIntyre Never Forget Foundation will sponsor its third annual “Love, Hope, Courage Century Ride” on Sunday, Sept. 14.

The event will offer cyclists a chance to gather for a scenic ride and raise funds for the charity, which helps recently bereaved children who have lost parents.

Cyclists will have the choice of a 100-mile, 50-mile or 30-mile supported bicycle route through scenic southern Chester County.  The 100-mile century route will take cyclists into the town of North East, Md., to Port Deposit, and along the Susquehanna River before returning to West Chester.

Charity founder Andy McIntyre created the charity and ride in 2012 in honor of his father, William H. McIntyre, who passed away when he was 5 years old.

“After my first daughter was born, the reality of the loss of my Dad hit me harder than it had in some thirty-five years,” said McIntyre. “Holding my daughter in my arms, I remembered how lost my mother and I felt after my dad was gone.

My mother was suddenly the sole breadwinner and a single parent.  She had to pay for a lot of our essential needs on a credit card.  In the process, she put herself greatly into debt.  When you grow up having lost one of your parents, the economic and psychological impact can last a lifetime.”

McIntyre plans to create a “Wish Grant” program for bereaved children to provide something the surviving care giver may not be able to afford. The “Wish Grant” will also connect that child to a community of support, intellectual pursuit, mentoring or a team.  The foundation plans to foster children with a sense of normalcy and allow them to feel confident and supported as they navigate through their grief.

This year’s ride will also donate a portion of proceeds to the Moyer Foundation, which helps children facing grief or family addiction problems. The Villanova University School of Business has donated time and expertise to develop the foundation’s 5-year business plan, and gain 501c3 charitable tax status.

Early registration for the ride is here.  Riders may also register on the day of the event, which will start at the parking lot at Gay and New Streets in West Chester.

Email WHMCINTYRELHC@gmail.com for more information.

Links:  http://www.whmcintyre.org/2014-century-ride.html