In the 20 years the event has been held, participants have raised more than $700,000, according to the release.
The event benefits the San Mar Children's Home in Boonsboro. San Mar operates four group-home programs for at-risk girls ages 13 to 18, and a treatment foster care program for girls and boys ages 18 and younger.
Money raised by TGBT participants helps cover the gap between state reimbursement for programs and the actual cost of providing care. Almost all of the youth in San Mar programs have some type of state funding that helps to pay for their care, according to the release. However, that funding typically only pays for about 85 percent to 90 percent of the actual costs of care.
In addition, San Mar is prohibited from spending any of those funds on any type of capital improvements or needs, the release says.
Brethren Mutual Insurance, Hagerstown, is the lead sponsor for the event. Other sponsors to date include Best Buy, Hagerstown, and Good Ground Consulting, Baltimore.
The Cumberland Rotary, Hancock Lions, Hagerstown Lions and Boonsboro Lions are among those who provide rest stops for the riders, and Wheelbase Bike Shop sends mechanics along to help throughout the tour.
More information about TGBT and sponsoring a rider may be found at www.TGBT.org.
