Connecting Cascade to contributors

Like many Pacific Northwesterners, John Rizzardi loves hiking, kayaking, cycling and just being outdoors. What sets Rizzardi apart, however, is his desire to share these passions with friends, family and underserved communities in the Seattle area.

John first met Cascade’s Director of Diversity and Inclusion, Ed Ewing, back in 2004 when Ed coached spin classes at All-Star Fitness. John was already a skilled cyclist and the two quickly became good friends.

John has been a strong Cascade supporter ever since. As a former youth coach and avid supporter of youth athletics, John was immediately drawn to Cascade’s Major Taylor Project, a youth development program that fosters self-efficiency and goal-setting through the lens of bicycling. Over the years, John has been a key fundraiser for the program. While John has made multiple generous donations, he supports Cascade most by connecting Major Taylor with future staff, donors and community members.

“People are excited to support Major Taylor,” he said.

For example, at this year’s Major Taylor Spinathon – the program’s largest annual fundraiser – John raised thousands of dollars in support from friends, colleagues and family. His Spinathon donations came from contacts in eight states outside of Washington.

“I’ve lived and worked in Seattle a long time,” said John, “and through my career and volunteer work, I’ve been fortunate to have made connections with many generous and like-minded friends and colleagues in Seattle and around the world.”

Supporters like John Rizzardi help further the mission of Cascade Bicycle Club by going beyond the traditional donor role. John has offered his time, money and talent to help the organization grow into the national leader it is today. The success of Cascade is directly linked to the passion and drive of our volunteers and supporters who propel the organization into the next generation.

When asked what he envisions for the future of Cascade, John said that Cascade is “perfectly positioned to have a broader and deeper social impact.”

“Supporting Major Taylor touches so many of my values – education, improvement and community – it makes fundraising and donating a positive experience for the donors, and for me,” he said.

Like John Rizzardi, you can support Cascade in a variety of different ways: volunteer your time, make a donation, encourage your connections to sponsor you in events or participate in a ride to support our work.

No matter how you support us, you will ultimately improve lives through bicycling. To learn more visit www.cascade.org/donate.