We are thrilled to announce the Foundation’s first major donation! Funds raised from the first annual Christina Clarke Genco Mother’s Day Memorial Ride in May 2012 were donated to cross-country cycling nonprofit Bike & Build in support of a home currently being built along the South Carolina to Santa Cruz (SC2SC) 2012 route in partnership with Pikes Peak Habitat for Humanity. Through the support of hundreds of individuals and organizations, the Foundation was able to donate $10,000 towards the future home of the Backman family.

On July 5th, 2012, Foundation President & Christina’s mother Caroline Genco and Board Member/Affordable Housing Liaison Rachel Jodway, along with Christina’s brother Joe, flew to Colorado Springs and met with the Pikes Peak Habitat and the SC2SC Bike & Build groups to volunteer their time to help with the construction. The Backman family’s new home is one of many “Blitz Builds” completed by Pikes Peak Habitat, with the aim of the entire shell of the house being completed in six days. The three representatives of the Foundation spent three days along with the Bike & Build riders, Habitat board members and volunteers, and the Backman family themselves, building their future home.

In the three days Caroline, Rachel, and Joe volunteered, the floor boards were laid, all the interior and exterior walls were built and put into place, and the outer sheathing was just about complete. It’s amazing how fast a dedicated group of people can make a home go up! It was an honor working and building with such a wonderful community. Endless thanks to everyone who made this opportunity possible.

Learn more about the Foundation’s affordable housing fund.

Bike & Build’s SC2SC12 trip poses at Pikes Peak Habitat with the Christina Clarke Genco Foundation