Richmond Cycling Corps

We are excited to introduce our charity for 2022-23: The Richmond Cycling Corps (RCC). RCC is a local nonprofit organization that uses cycling as a tool to create engagement with underserved youth living in Richmond’s  East End. While cycling is one of its main programs, at its heart, RCC is serving youth who live in public housing. Since 2010, RCC provides quality, around-the-clock support for youth. This support is only possible if RCC  meets each individual where they are. 

RCC's youth face a myriad of issues just because of where they live. Richmond's child poverty rate was at 39% and that number is 75% in the core of the East End. RCC's youth face environmental concerns and an increased risk of asthma due to pollution, particulates, and poverty that impacts both housing and school buildings. Cycling allows RCC's youth to get outside, be active, get away from structures that have perpetuated  poverty, improve their physical health and wellness, and spend time in green spaces. Day by day, they are learning how to improve and get better at something. And hopefully, they can see that if they can get better at cycling, they can get better at anything they put their mind to. Learn more about RCC here: richmondcyclingcorps.org

The RCC program does not end when youth turn 18. RCC continues to support their participants through adulthood.  When asked if they could provide the cost of one youth completing their program, Director, Matt Kuhn, said “Most of our participants are in for life!  In fact, right now, I'm looking across the table at one of our alumni who started the program at 11 and is now 23, studying for his Real Estate License Exam.  Hard to answer the question how much it takes for a child to go through because they never stop going, if you get what I mean.”

The Conference Charity Committee has some great fundraising events planned for those attending the conference; including our most looked-forward-to silent auction charity basket donations!  However, if you are unable to attend the conference, we hope you will still support the charity using the upcoming direct donation link.   The charity committee is also asking for our schools and development partners to bring a piece of swag to make a “Swag Basket” for our silent auction. (If you are unable to attend the conference but still would like to donate a swag item, please email lojones@ecpi.edu.)