The drive from Moscow to Boise can be long, boring and at one point may involve getting stuck behind a truck or two. Biking the road from Moscow to Boise however, is an entirely different experience — one the men of Delta Sigma Phi are more than familiar with thanks to their annual “Bike to Boise” philanthropy event.
The fraternity members started the ride April 25 and arrived in Boise April 26, where they ended on the steps of the Capitol building. At noon on April 27, a check with money from donations was presented to the selected charity, the Redside Foundation. The 295.2 mile trip took two days to finish and involved the help of about 50 fraternity members who took turns riding a tandem bicycle, while the remainder of the house followed in a vehicle caravan, which featured a banner that included the logos of the businesses that donated to the philanthropy.
Delta Sigma’s Philanthropy chair, Keevan MacKenzie, said this event was inspired by longtime Idaho river guide and alumnus of Delta Sigma, Telly Evans, who committed suicide in 2010. His best friend, Brian Chaffin started the philanthropy in honor of Evans and to secure the health of other Idaho guides during the off-season.
“River guiding is seasonal and does not provide health care and insurance for the guides, which makes it hard to get by during the winter,” MacKenzie said. “The Redside Foundation provides the necessary help for those seasonal-type jobs, along help and counseling for substance abuse, industry awareness and safety, as well as several college scholarships for guides.”
Jacob Carlson, Chaffin’s friend and the connection between Delta Sigma and the Redside Foundation, said they like to choose charities that give back to Idaho.
“We like to put the money back into the community we live in — to connect everyone like a big, strong family,” Carlson said.
Not only does the philanthropy support a local foundation and good cause, but Carlson said riding almost the whole state of Idaho by bike is an amazing experience.
“This is basically a big brotherhood. We get to hang out and bond together while raising money for a good cause,” Carlson said
Michelle Gregg can be reached at [email protected]