The 11th annual Tour de Keys is returning Saturday, Nov. 21, bringing cyclists from throughout the country to the Florida Keys for a scenic ride benefiting MARC House and its services for adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities.
Bee Grundhoefer, fundraising coordinator for MARC House and ride director for Tour de Keys, joined Good Morning Keys on Keys Talk 96.9/102.5FM this morning to talk about the organization.
MARC House, formerly known as the Monroe Association for Remarkable Citizens, provides a variety of services designed to help adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities live, work and participate in their communities.
The organization began 60 years ago serving children. As those children grew older, the organization expanded its services to adults. Today, MARC House operates two group homes in Key West, supported living facilities, supported employment programs and adult day training locations in Key West and Tavernier.
The adult day training programs teach a variety of skills, including culinary arts, horticulture and everyday activities such as dressing and personal care.
The organization also operates the MARC Plant Store at 1401 Seminary Street in Key West, where clients gain experience in horticulture and meaningful employment.
“We have a lot going on right now, so we’re very proud to be around for 60 years,” Grundhoefer said.
One of the organization’s major annual fundraisers is Tour de Keys, which takes cyclists from Key Largo to Key West.
Grundhoefer emphasized that the event is a charity ride rather than a race and welcomes cyclists with varying levels of experience.
Participants can choose between a 100-mile ride beginning in Key Largo and a 50-mile option starting in Marathon at Gold Star Village.
The longer route travels across more than 35 bridges from mile marker 100 to Key West, offering cyclists views of the Florida Keys along the way. The 50-mile route also provides a scenic experience, including a crossing of the Seven Mile Bridge.
“It’s not a race. It’s a ride, a charity ride that starts in Key Largo and ends in Key West,” Grundhoefer said.
She said the event attracts cyclists from throughout the country, including organized cycling groups from Chicago, Philadelphia, Jacksonville and Miami.
All proceeds from the ride directly benefit MARC House and the clients it serves.
“It’s a great cause,” Grundhoefer said. “It directly, 100% directly benefits MARC and our clients.”
The event has already attracted approximately 150 registered riders, with several weeks remaining before the ride.
Organizers are working with law enforcement and other agencies to coordinate the event and ensure participants have a safe experience. Rest stops will be available approximately every 10 to 15 miles.
The ride begins in Key Largo at 6:56 a.m., with the Marathon starting location following approximately two and a half hours later. The event concludes with a finish-line festival and post-ride celebration at Truman Waterfront Park in Key West.
Registration remains available at tourdekeys.donordrive.com.
In addition to Tour de Keys, MARC House has several other fundraising activities planned for the holiday season.
The organization’s annual Remarkable Tree and Wreath Auction will take place Tuesday, Dec. 1, at Opal Resort and Marina in downtown Key West. Doors open at 6 p.m. for guests to preview approximately 25 tabletop Christmas trees decorated by local artists.
Grundhoefer said the trees feature creative and colorful designs, with themes ranging from flamingos to disco balls.
The auction is another major fundraiser supporting MARC House and its programs.
The organization also will hold its annual Christmas tree lot, with the first delivery available for purchase beginning Nov. 20. On Dec. 5, the Southernmost American Legion Riders will host a charity poker run through the Florida Keys benefiting MARC House.
Grundhoefer also highlighted the community support MARC House receives throughout the year, including visits from the local mounted police during the organization’s recent Pups at the Pumpkin Patch event.
She said the horses are especially popular with MARC House clients.
“They love, absolutely love the horses,” Grundhoefer said, thanking the mounted police for spending time with both the clients and children attending the event.
As MARC House celebrates six decades of service, Grundhoefer said the relationships built between staff and clients remain an important part of the organization’s mission.
Many clients have been part of the MARC House family for years, with staff members watching them grow and develop over time.
For more information about MARC House, its programs and upcoming events, visit marchouse.org.