June is right around the corner, and so is another great ride! We were lucky to grab a quick interview with Cindy Torrans, to learn more about this awesome ride. If you are looking for an awesome ride for the weekend of June 7th, get your info here!
Why join your ride?
Approaching its ninth year, the impact of the Spindletop Spin continues to exceed our expectations. This cycling adventure is one of the most successful events in Southeast Texas.
For those who have never experienced riding in an organized event, you do not know what you are missing. Along the routes you can make new friends and get a first-hand view of the willingness of many working for one common cause. What that cause may be varies among individuals, but for one day they are all riding to benefit the citizens of Southeast Texas by supporting our programs.
How long has your ride been around?
The Spindletop Spin started spinning in 2006.
What was the motivation behind starting the ride and who benefits from it?
The Spindletop Spin is the annual fundraiser for the Jefferson County Bar Association Foundation which is charitable arm of the Jefferson County Bar Association. It is a non-profit 501(c)(3) organization dedicated to supporting educational programs for at-risk youth, providing representation to the indigent, promoting community understanding of the legal system and fostering the administration of justice. It is a fun-filled family oriented event that promotes a healthy lifestyle.
How have they been able to utilize funds in the past?
All Spindletop Spin Proceeds (past and future) stay local and benefit the charitable programs of the Jefferson County Bar Association Foundation 501(c)(3), which includes:
The Evelyn Lord Teen Court program (which is a partnership with the City of Beaumont, the Municipal Court of the City of Beaumont and the Jefferson County Bar Association) provides assistance to first-time misdemeanor (non-traffic) juvenile offenders who have pled guilty an alternative to the adult criminal system. The defendants appear before a jury of their peers (teen volunteers). Teen Court is conducted once a month excluding December and summer months. At the end of the year, scholarships are provided to the volunteer teens for their service to the program.
Civics Education programs such as The Pipeline Project introduces at-risk fourth and fifth graders to the legal system and the law highlighting the Constitution & the Bill of Rights. The program encourages them to stay in school and seek higher education. Volunteer attorney teams are assigned to schools and the same team conducts at least 4 programs during a school year for two years
The Veterans Initiative was created to help U. S. veterans with their legal needs. Quarterly legal seminars/advice clinics are provided at the local VA Outpatient hospital on topics such as family law, consumer law, wills and probate, etc. At least 2 times per year, a 3 hour legal advice clinic is offered to Veterans and in some cases ProBono representation is provided. Any veteran needing legal assistance can contact the Jefferson County Bar Association throughout the year for assistance
National Adoption Day is a partnership between the Department of Family & Protective Services, CASA of Southeast Texas, Jefferson County Domestic Courts and the Jefferson County Bar Association. It helps raise awareness of the 129,000 children in foster care who are awaiting adoption. It is celebrated locally in November of each year and finalizes the adoptions of children in foster care. Adoptions are provided at no-cost to the families.
Pro Bono Program provides legal aid for indigent residents (in non-criminal issues) in Southeast Texas year round.
Logistically can you give us an idea of how many volunteers, finances and planning it takes to put on this event?
The Spindletop Spin’s success is due in most part by the generous time given by over 200 volunteers. The event is always in the planning stages but we go into high gear starting the month of April. The Spindletop’s Spin’s budget ranges from $24,000 to $30,000.
Do you have a map of the start facility showing registration, parking, all toilets, water/snacks, start line?
The Spindletop Spin steering committee is so excited this year because we have a new start/finish line. We will be starting at the Beaumont Downtown Event Centre. At this time, we do not have those specific area mapped yet, but they will all be in one central location close to the stop/start line. They will be well marked on ride day!
What is the most rewarding experience of hosting this event?
The most rewarding experience is the ever growing scene at 6:30 AM when the cyclists’ line up for the first ride out. The Spin’s growth has been exhilarating and infectious. With almost 980 riders last year, it has proven to be one of the most successful events in Southeast Texas.
What is the average number of participants?
On the average each year the Spindletop Spin has grown by 80 plus riders. The average number of participants each year is 544. In 2006 we had 169 riders and last year we had 973 riders. As the number of riders grow, so does the number of volunteers needed.
What can folks do to support you and your mission?
Join us on June7, 2014 for the 9th annual Spindletop Spin. Call us at 409-839-2332 or email [email protected] to volunteer for the day. Go to the website, www.spindletopspin.com to find information on how to donate.
Do you ride, and if so, what kind of bicycle do you have?
I do not ride.
Anything else you’d like to tell folks about this ride?
Our ride has been recognized by the cyclists as one of the safest organized rides in Texas. We are very proud of the support we receive from the Beaumont Police Department. The 12 mile route is fully escorted by police and families are encouraged to participate on this route!
This year we are excited to announce our Oil Baron Signature Sponsor, INVISTA. INVISTA is a global company which operates in more than 20 countries across North America, South America, Europe and the Asian Pacific region. They are transforming daily life through innovations in the nylon, SPANDEX, Polyester and specialty materials industry – right here in our area. Since Spandex is an important fabric to a cyclist, it is only fitting that INVISTA participate! For the last couple of years, INVISTA employees have made up the largest group riders in the Spindletop Spin. This year, we expect they will have 50 cyclists!
CLICK HERE – for more info on this ride!
We hope to see you all out there in a few weeks! Enjoy your summer!
