SMECO bike ride raises $25,000 for Operation: Tohidu

Southern Maryland Electric Cooperative employees hosted their fifth annual SMECO 75 Bike Ride on June 4 and raised more than $25,000 for Melwood’s Operation: Tohidu, a rehabilitation program for veteran and active duty service members.

Three bike routes of 29, 47 and 75 miles started at the cooperative’s headquarters in Hughesville and went as far as Colton’s Point in St. Mary’s County, according to a SMECO press release.

“Our volunteers and our participants were enthusiastic about supporting Melwood’s Operation: Tohidu, the organization that will benefit from the fundraiser,” Natalie Cotton, SMECO community and public affairs director, said in the release. “We had 475 cyclists, and many of them said they would be back next year.”

Melwood’s Operation: Tohidu is an experiential rehabilitation program that focuses on confidence building, outdoor activities and group discussion in a relaxed, positive environment, according to the release.

SMECO selects a different organization each year to benefit from fundraising events. Last year, employees raised $41,322 through the bike ride held in June and a charity golf tournament held in October. The events are supported by a group of volunteers, the SMECO executive team and vendors.

For photos of the event, go to http:// bit.ly/28WKkJd or http://bit.ly/28PxfEj.