Benefit bike ride to roll from YSU to Thiel College

By Denise Dick

Staff report

YOUNGSTOWN

A bike ride from Youngs-town to Greenville, Pa., to help raise funds for Marty Manning, associate director of Student Life at Youngstown State University, will be Sept. 4.

Manning, who is well respected by students, staff, faculty and administrators for his support of students and contributions to the profession of student affairs and higher education, has been battling cancer for more than three years.

The benefit bicycle ride from YSU to Thiel College in Greenville, Manning’s undergraduate alma mater, will leave the YSU campus at 9 a.m. and end at Thiel.

At the end of the ride, Thiel and YSU families will celebrate Marty Manning Day by watching the Thiel vs. Marietta football game. Kickoff is 1:30 p.m. Riders will have the option of stopping for refreshments at each of three rest stops about nine miles apart.

The event is being planned by Manning’s college roommate and best friend, Marvin Hill, with support from staff at both institutions. Funds raised will be donated to a trust account for Manning’s children.

YSU will host an opening celebration for the bike ride in the Chestnut Room of Kilcawley Center. Riders can check in for a continental breakfast between 7:30 and 8:30 a.m.

Guest speakers will share stories about Manning. A silent auction/raffle with several baskets and items will be on display with the winners to be announced later in the day.

Donations to the trust will be accepted the morning of the ride via check or money order (no cash or credit) made payable to Dr. Martin T. Manning Cancer Fund C/O Migdalia Manning. Donations also may be mailed to 380 Flora Road, Leavittsburg, OH 44430.

Registration forms are available by e-mailing Marvin Hill (trooperandmaddie@aol.com) or Brian Wells (bpwells@ysu.edu). Return the form along with a $15 registration fee (no cash or credit please) to the Vice President of Student Affairs Office in Tod Hall, or mail the form to 380 Flora Rd., Leavittsburg, OH 44430 by Monday.

This is a one-way ride, and riders should plan for their own return transportation upon arriving at Thiel College.