Gran Fondo

Gran Fondo to support NFTE

Saturday September 13th & Sunday the 14th
A three state, two day ride to help the youth of Chicago

The Reason we Ride

The NFTE program helps high school students shape their academic and professional future. Entrepreneurship education gives students a reason to be excited about the high school education and leads to graduation, college, and future success.
Funds raised will go to directly support the 1,700 young people participating in the NFTE program in 36 schools during the 2014 through 2015 school year.


NFTE-Overview-Video

Evan Oliff, an established entrepreneur with over 29 years of experience as a property developer, was introduced to NFTE’s in-school entrepreneurship program and began volunteering as guest speaker and business plan coach. After experiencing first-hand the power of the NFTE program, Evan decided that he wanted to do more to support the organization and in September 2013, he rode over 280 miles through three states (IL, IN & MI) over three days to raise over $14,000 for NFTE Chicago.

Building on the success and momentum of year one, Evan is determined to grow the ride to include additional riders that are interested in a 2-day ride to raise even more funds to support NFTE Chicago.

The Impact Your Donation Can Make!


NFTE-Student-Testimonial

The Ride

Saturday, September 13th – Sunday, September 14th, 2014
8:30 AM start time near NFTE North Chicago Office

The ride will commence at NFTE Chicago’s office on the morning of Saturday, September 13th. Cyclists will ride 70 miles to New Buffalo, Michigan, a 100 mile loop will also be available north of New Buffalo. Evan will host a riders’ celebration at his home in New Buffalo on Saturday afternoon (end of route). Dinner will be ad hoc in New Buffalo at several established restaurants (Stray Dog, Bentwood Café, Redamak’s, etc.).
Sunday morning riders will ride 70 miles to Goshen’s County Court House Building via Notre Dame Campus. A coach bus along with truck (with a support crew) will return riders back to the NFTE office late Sunday afternoon. Parking will be provide near the NFTE office. The riders will be supported with several bike mechanics from Mox Multi Sport (Halsted and Randolph) and two message (male and female) therapist from EMV Message (2732 Clark Street) will be available free Saturday afternoon at Evan’s home.

Day One

70 Mile & 100 Mile Century Route – Chicago to New Buffalo, MI

Day One NFTE Ride

Leave from NFTE office at 8:00 am, coffee, Gatorade and muffins will be served in the office or outside. Photo with NFTE Banner at start. Pastries donated. NFTE students will be in attendance to sign jerseys.

Snacks will be served outside the Gary, Indiana Firehouse along the route. Firefighters will man the station.

For those who prefer to ride the 100 mile century, they will ride the 30 mile New Buffalo Trail Loop through Three Oaks to Evan’s New Buffalo home.

Afternoon snacks and drinks served after the ride. Dinner will be at local restaurants, Stray Dog, Bentwood Tavern, etc. paid for by riders.
Lodging will be at the Holiday Inn Express, 20 to 30 rooms and Evan Oliff home in New Buffalo, MI.

Download route map (Leg 1)Download route map (Leg 2 – Optional)

Day Two

70 Mile Route – New Buffalo to Goshen, IN via Notre Dame University

day-2-lrg

Meet at Dave’s Deli in New Buffalo, a group departure at 8:00 AM CST Sunday, breakfast will be served prior, along with group photo.

Additional Energy stop will be placed between New Buffalo and Notre Dame.

Rolling Stonebaker Pizza Fire Truck will serve late lunch in Goshen. Charter bus will take riders back to NFTE office, post ride on Sunday.

Download route map

Sign Up

Join The Ride

Your contribution, in any amount, will help bring real life entrepreneurial experiences to NFTE students throughout the school year.

evan holding check on bike

Support the Gran Fondo team by donating today to help exceed the fundraising goal of $70,000 by making a contribution here or directly through any of the riders personal fundraising pages!
Register

If you have specific questions, please contact Lauren Joyce at lauren.joyce@nfte.com.

Checks can be made to NFTE Chicago and sent to:

NFTE
Attn: Development
770 N. Halsted Street, Suite 308
Chicago, IL 60642

Add Gran Fondo 2014 into the memo.

or make an Individual Contribution

Level Donation Benefit
Mile Markers $280 Contribute $2 for each of the 140 miles that I plan to ride and you will receive recognition on NFTE’s website.
Rider $560 Contribute $4 for each of the 140 miles that I plan to ride. You will receive recognition on NFTE’s website and a NFTE-shirt.
Full Tuck $1,120 Contribute $8 for each of the 140 miles that I plan to ride. Company logo on all promotional materials. A NFTE t-shirt. Special Recognition on NFTE website.
Breakaway $2,240 Contribute $16 for each of the 140 miles I plan to ride. You will have their company affiliation named in the event press release and Company logo on all promotional materials. A NFTE t-shirt. Special Recognition on NFTE website and on social media.
Apex $5,040 Contribute $36 for each of the 140 miles that I plan to ride. Will receive the above benefits, plus verbal acknowledgement at the ride conclusion and on all the Jersey’s assuming it is before the order started on July 15th.

Make A Donation

2013 NFTE Ride for Chicago Youth

2013 NFTE Ride