Jim's Ride celebrates Goodman's life

Thu September 25 2008
Posted Sep 25, 2008
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Des Moines The event organized in memory of the late East DM Chamber president raises $30,000 for Orchard Place. Buzz up! Bicyclists dotted the local trails and parts of downtown Saturday morning during a bike ride to benefit children with mental health and behavioral disorders at Orchard Place. The inaugural ride also celebrated the life of a former board member who died earlier this year. Jim's Ride was a tribute to Jim Goodman, 46, the former East Des Moines Chamber of Commerce president who died in June while participating in the Hy-Vee Triathlon. The bike ride started at the State Capitol and consisted of 15- and 25-mile pro rides and a five-mile family ride. In addition to recognizing Goodman's role as president of the board of Orchard Place, the ride also replaces the Pedal For a Purpose bike ride held during 2004-06 as a benefit for Orchard Place. The ride was not held in 2007 and Goodman had tried to resurrect the event because it was an activity he enjoyed with his daughters, Natalie, 10, Ellie, 6, and Rubie, 4. Chuck Goodman, an Urbandale resident and Jim Goodman's brother, said he used to ride with them and believes his brother would be pleased to see the bike ride restarted. "I used to meet up with my brother and ride it with his girls, so it was a big family event," Chuck Goodman said. "He would be happy." Goodman's friends and family worked with Orchard Place to rename the ride in his honor. "It's a wonderful tribute to him," said Nancy Bobo, a south-side resident and vice president of development and marketing for Orchard Place. "He was such a family guy and a community leader and enjoyed helping other people, particularly the kids at Orchard Place. It's fitting that we honor him this way." Bobo estimated about $30,000 was raised during Jim's Ride and said the event was a success, especially considering the people at Orchard Place put it together in only two months. "Some of the most troubled kids in the state of Iowa will benefit from the proceeds of this ride," she said. Stacy Kluesner, director of annual giving at Orchard Place, said in the past the money raised has been used to provide recreational activities "for those kids who might not otherwise be able to access services." "It will give kids and their families an opportunity to receive what they need in order to be healthy," Kluesner said. Lisa Goodman, Jim Goodman's wife, wiped tears from her eyes as she spoke of her husband. "His memory can be carried on for a cause that was very dear to him," she said. "It's bittersweet. I'm touched and honored to have everybody here, and I know that he impacted a lot of people's lives in many ways, but I wish he was here, too." Lisa Goodman said she wants to start working with Orchard Place to continue her husband's legacy. Scott Raecker, an Urbandale resident and friend of Jim Goodman, had spoken to him about Orchard Place and the reason he got involved with the organization. "He loved the cause, I know that. He loved the kids and what they were doing," Raecker said. "These are challenging situations and if you go out to Orchard Place and see it, it's a place that really makes a difference in kids' lives, and that's what attracted him to it," he said. more on Jim's ride