No one was prepared for the winter storm that struck Texas in February. No one was ready for a surge in the number of families in our city in need of clean water and food.
But the need came anyway.
After last month’s unprecedented weather, Kory Helfman knew the community, and especially the North Texas Food Bank, needed help. So Helfman, the owner of Ken’s Man’s Shop in Preston Royal Village, got together with other small businesses in the shopping center and organized the Preston Royal Pedal fundraiser.
“We want it to be almost a family event, because it’s in April,” Helfman says. The race is scheduled for April 18, only days before Earth Day.
TJ’s Seafood Market & Grill, The Toy Maven, Newhaus Cafe, Cousin Earl, Cryo One, Royal China and the landlord, Edens, are all helping to spread the word about the charity event.
Photo courtesy of Kory Helfman.
Participating is easy. All you have to do to be a part of the bike ride April 18 is donate canned food items at boxes at the Preston Royal Village stores. Helfman, who lives in Lakewood, says the food bank is specifically in need of nonperishable goods such as peanut butter and soups.
The ride will begin at Preston Royal Village at 9 a.m., before many of the shops open, so there will be plenty of space to park. Participants can begin after the start time if they want, Helfman says.
And if biking isn’t your thing, feel free to walk. The route goes to White Rock Lake and back, but people should go only as far as they wish.
“Just go as far you want, enjoy the day, and just know you did some good for the North Texas Food Bank,” Helfman says.
Members of Helfman’s karate studio, Chamberlain Studios of Self-Defense, will be handing out water along the trail for participants.
As to whether the fundraiser will be continued in future years, Helfman says it depends on the turnout of the event, the largest charity event Ken’s Man’s Shop has been involved in during its 58 years of existence.
