Prepping the Pedals

On March 28, the Alpha Tau Omega (ATO) fraternity organized a spaghetti dinner at Spagna’s in Harmar to raise money for the National Multiple Sclerosis Society. A ticket to the meal cost $10, and about 240 people came out to support the cause. At the end of the night, the brothers had raised more than $1,500 for their philanthropy organization.

This meal was only the kickoff to an even bigger event the brothers of ATO will be taking part in Aug. 14 and 15 called Pedal to the Point. The event is a cycling tour hosted by the National Multiple Sclerosis Society that goes from Middelburg to Sandusky on the first day and then back to Middleburg on the second day. Teams can sign up to bike the 150 miles and receive pledges from supporters to raise money.

This is the third year ATO will be participating in Pedal to the Point, and members are hoping to raise $10,000. In 2009, they raised more than $7,400 and in 2008 about $6,300, so they are hoping to gain more support this year and reach their goal.

Currently, ATO has a 10-man team to bike, but they encourage anyone interested to contact the team’s captain, Blake Johnson, by email at baj002@marietta.edu to sign up. People can also donate to the cause by contacting any ATO brother.

This event is one example of ATO’s commitment to service. “Philanthropy is one of our most important values,” said Johnson.

In fact, the Marietta College branch of the fraternity will be recognized this year in “ATO Road Show,” a competition between all ATO chapters. Currently, the Marietta chapter is ranked first in its regional division. More information is included on the road show Web site at atoroadshow.org.