Over 1,400 celebs, public figures, and district-dwellers embarked on a challenge to raise money for Best Buddies International.
By Shira Karsen
Cyclists at the starting line for "Audi Best Buddies Challenge"on October 21st
Riding your bike in 62 miles of downtown D.C. might not seem like the optimal way to spend a Saturday, but for a great cause like the Audi Best Buddies Challenge, it’s worth it. Recently, 1,4000 people including Maria Shriver, Glee’s Lauren Potter, and a handful of Olympic medalists hitched one leg over the seat and cycled a 100k (or 32k depending on how tough they were) to their legs content. There were multiple 5k walks and runs for the less athletically-inclined, and potato sack races if you’d rather just hang with the kids. Audi also brought in Kool and the Gang to give a complimentary performance to the participants after their day-long workouts.
But all this sweat wasn’t for nothing; by the end of the day, the challenge raised over $1.7 million for Best Buddies International, a non-for-profit that supports intellectually and developmentally challenged children from all walks of life. In addition to raising money, participants could sign a banner pledging to stop themselves – and hopefully their communities – from using the “R” word.
Participant signing the banner pledging to stop the "R" word.
Audi of America President Johan de Nysschen snapping a picture with Maria Shriver.
