Submitted
The Hays Area Bicyclists recently distributed the proceeds from their Tour die Kapellen (TourDieKapellen.com/) bike ride and bus tour, held on July 13th, to the following Ellis County organizations:
- $13,000 to the Hays Symphony
- $3,750 to Cathedral of Plains in Victoria
- $2,000 to St. Catharine Catholic Church in Catherine
- $750 to St. Francis Church in Munjor
- $500 to Holy Cross Church in Pfeifer
- $100 to Our Lady Help of Christians Catholic Church in Antonino
- $100 to St. Anthony Church in Schoenchen
2024 marked the fifth year of Tour die Kapellen, an organized cycling event launched to bring more tourists to the Hays area, encourage fitness, promote the Volga-German ethnic culture and the Hays Symphony, and showcase the historical limestone churches in the area. The event is a joint venture between the churches and the Hays Symphony. The event was conceived as a 5-year trial, with the plan to donate the bulk of the profits each year to one of the partner organizations and smaller amounts going to the other organizations. Primary recipients are responsible for providing the meal after the ride/bus tour and in past years were:
- 2019 - Cathedral of Plains in Victoria to assist in fully remodeling the church.
- 2020 - No event because of Covid.
- 2021 - St. Catharine Church for repainting the interior of the church.
- 2022 - St. Francis Church in Munjor for general maintenance of the church.
- 2023 - Holy Cross Church in Pfeifer to assist with the church’s roof repairs.
Through 2024, over $73,000 has been distributed to seven organizations in Ellis County in recognition for their invaluable assistance to Tour die Kapellen. “Each year, proceeds are raised from a combination of registration fees from the approximately 280 participants and donations from area businesses, organizations, individuals, and foundations”, said Kay Werth, President of the Hays Area Bicyclists. “We are also grateful to other local organizations including the Hays Convention and Visitors Bureau, Hays Police Department, and Ellis County Sheriff’s Department, as well as 90-100 volunteers, who help us put on this event.”
Next year’s Tour die Kapellen will be held on July 12, 2025.
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Hays Area Bicyclists is a 501(c)3 organization which supports wellness through cycling.
Formed in 2019, its mission is to broaden awareness of the local biking community, encourage health and wellness, capitalize on the many treasures of our local area, and explore the rural terrain.
By increasing the numbers in the cycling community, we promote a healthy lifestyle.
We are advocates for designated bike lanes, better signage on shared roads, and friendly acknowledgement of commuting cyclists.