PHOTOS BY JOHN FRYMAN / THE VILLAGE REPORTER
BIKE TO THE BRIDGE . . .There were over 100 cyclists who took part Saturday in the Bike to the Bridge event benefitting the Cancer Assistance of Williams County.
RAISING MONEY … Mollie McConaughy (above) and her friend’s dog, Missy (in the basket) pose for a photo prior to the Bike to the Bridge event on Saturday.
By: John Fryman
THE VILLAGE REPORTER
john@thevillagereporter.com
The 24th annual Bike to the Bridge benefitting Cancer Assistance of Williams County took place on Saturday, August 2, 2025.
Over 100 bicyclists of all ages took part in this event which helps raise financial support for county residents who are battling this disease.
The cyclists had two options, a 25-mile route and a 50-mile route which included a stop at the Covered Bridge just north of Stryker.
Jason Zerbos, who is the program coordinator for the event told the bicyclists, this annual first Saturday of August event has taken place since 1996.
“We’ve been around since 1996 and we’ve been helping people in this community who are facing cancer,” said Zerbos.
The money raised from this fundraising event will help many families who are battling this terrible disease.
“We help out in a variety of ways,” said Zerbos. “We provide financial assistance for those that are in need.”
Among the financial support Cancer Assistance of Williams County provides is mileage reimbursement to help individuals get back and forth to their doctor’s appointments and treatments.
In addition, Cancer Assistance of Williams County also helps out with medical expenses, medical supplies and prescription coverage.
“We are really custom tailor help to the personal and individual,” said Zerbos. “Every situation is unique, so we try to assist in any way practical.”
Last year, Cancer Assistance of Williams County helped out almost 100 families with assistance and spent over $76,000 in providing financial assistance. “All the money raised goes for a good cause,” pointed out Zerbos.
Michelle Beck who is the president of the Cancer Assistance of Williams County addressed the participants before the event.
“It means the world to us that you come and support this event,” said Beck. “We’ve been so blessed for this committee to put on every year.”
“So, I want to say thank you again to Mike Kurivial for all the hours and time spent through the years on this. We couldn’t do it without him and his whole committee.”
Beck added that Bike to the Bridge has been a key piece to the Cancer Assistance of Williams County through the years.
“The support that we received through this helps so many lives throughout the entire year,” she said. “I hope that you know when you support this event, that you’re helping so many lives here right in Williams County.”
Beck would then reflect on her own personal battle with cancer. “I know myself from my own cancer battle, “ she said.
“The hardships that you face and how much cancer assistance can be such a great help when you go through that. The generosity from this community is truly life changing and I cannot tell you how much you impact the lives around us.”
Serving on the Bike to the Bridge committee were Mike Kurivial who served as chairman along with Ryan Bethel, Kevin McConaughy, Mollie McConaughy, Hulie Stockman, Janice Thompson, Mary Weirich, Jim Thompson, Michelle Beck, Jason Zerbos, Cheryl Andres, Lana Ellison and Chuck Ball.