In today’s hectic, always - on - the - go, world, it can be difficult to find enough time to get everything done. With only so many hours in a day, not every item on your to-do list gets accomplished. Despite their busy schedules, though, some families in Blacksburg made time this weekend for community service, exercise, and quality time together by participating in the “Ray Bedford 100”. Several individuals and many area businesses did their part by giving from the heart to make the annual bike ride for Iron City Ministries a successful event. During the two-day fundraiser, the Christian-based ministry raised approximately $7,000 collectively from the bike ride, a lasagna dinner and a prom/wedding bash. This year’s bike ride was opened with a tribute to the late Ray Bedford, the former director of the Cherokee Technology Center, and an avid Iron City Ministry supporter. Bedford’s two sons, David and Jason, released 57 balloons in memory of their father, one for each year of his life. The event featured various participation levels, ranging from a one-mile fun walk/ride, up to 50- and even 100-mile options, and walkers and riders of all ages were motivated to support the needy families in Cherokee County. Even at nine-years-old, Eddie Green, the grandson of Melissa Green, the Director of Development at ICM, wanted to help out. “You get exercise and this year it was for Ray Bedford,” he said. “We’re going to miss him.” The healthy benefits of the event weren’t lost on the Wright family either. Every member of their family participated, no matter how old they were. Mother Tina pushed one-year-old Hayden in a stroller, while Jared, 4, Jeremy, 7, and Hunter, 9, rode their bikes. While the kids rode between two and five miles for a good cause, their father, Jeff, rode 100 miles. Riding bikes together is one of the family’s favorite activities. “We ride bikes almost every day,” said Tina. “We do it all the time for our health.” The Blacksburg mission appreciated each rider and walker, however many miles they accomplished. “Iron City Ministries is extremely grateful that our community is caring and compassionate,” Melissa Green said. “A huge thank you goes out to our sponsors and door prize donors. We would also like to express our deepest appreciation to all who assisted with organizing and working these events. These events would not have been as profitable without these devoted volunteers.”