Annual Cycling Event Raises Just Under $100,000 for Kids in Distress

FT. LAUDERDALE, Fla., Jan. 5 /PRNewswire/ -- Despite tough economic times, this year's zMotion KID Inlet Challenge proved that people are still willing to open their wallets and their hearts this holiday season, especially when it comes to helping the area's underprivileged children and their families. The eighth annual event, led by pro cyclist Tom Danielson and presented by Zimmerman Advertising's zMotion Foundation, raised just under $100,000 for Fort Lauderdale-based Kids in Distress (KID).

(Photo: http://www.newscom.com/cgi-bin/prnh/20100105/FL32418-a )

(Photo: http://www.newscom.com/cgi-bin/prnh/20100105/FL32418-b )

"The 2009 zMotion KIDS Inlet Challenge was our best ride yet," says Ellyn Okrent, Executive Vice President of KID. "Everyone at KID would like to extend a huge 'thank you' to all of the riders, volunteers and sponsors that made this event possible. With the holidays right around the corner, your support helped make the season brighter for thousands of children and their families. Special thanks go to some wonderful organizations who continue to embrace our cause of championing healthy families: zMotion, Advanced Roofing, AT&T, JM Family Enterprises, Zimmerman Advertising, Gunther Volkswagen, Publix, Starbucks, City & Shore, MHG Marine Benefits, IMA Yachtes, Quantum Marine, The Triton, and Galanga."

This year's Inlet Challenge, which took place on December 6, 2009 in Fort Lauderdale, drew more than 700 riders from across South Florida. Proceeds from the ride benefit Kids In Distress (KID), a leading force in the prevention of child abuse, preservation of families, and treatment of children who have been abused and neglected. The official fundraising deadline for the Inlet Challenge is January 31, 2010. Visit inletchallenge.org to make a donation to the ride.

Pro cyclist Danielson led this year's ride, along with title sponsor zMotion. In the five years since it started, zMotion has participated in countless charitable rides and is now involved with philanthropic organizations throughout South Florida. Year-to-date, zMotion has raised more than $1.4 million for a variety of causes. Along with its sponsorship, Team zMotion had 175 members participate in the Inlet Challenge and raised more than 10% of the total event proceeds.

"This was my first time participating in the KID Inlet Challenge," says Danielson. "I had no idea what to expect when zMotion first approached me about getting involved, but it was great! I met a lot of amazing people, had the chance to get in a very challenging 100-mile ride, and helped raise money for a great cause...all at the same time! I'm always happy to lend my support to an event like this that allows me to give something back to the community."

About KID

Based in Fort Lauderdale, KID is a nationally accredited nonprofit organization that has provided assistance to abused children and their families for 30 years. With a primary focus on preventive programs aimed toward keeping families together, KID has opened its doors to many families in need of guidance and has served more than 6,200 children and families last year in Broward and Palm Beach County. Visit kidsindistress.org to learn how you can get involved in KID.

About zMotion

zMotion is a Zimmerman Advertising Team. zMotion has become a visible force in the South Florida cycling community. We ride to raise money in the fight against MS and for other charitable causes. We ride to live healthy and enjoy life. We ride because we care. And we ride because we can. We are blessed with good health and the freedom to enjoy this great sport. For more information, visit zMotion.org.

SOURCE Zimmerman Advertising