Co-op raises awareness for cerebral palsy

Louis Ciavarella, information technology specialist for Capital Electric.

In the cooperative spirit, several Capital Electric Cooperative employees, directors and co-op friends laced up their tennis shoes to show support for a good cause. On April 14, the Medcenter One Rehabilitation Center hosted the 11th annual Great American Bike Race at the Bismarck State College Armory. The co-op team wanted to help raise awareness and funds for cerebral palsy and related disabilities. Cerebral palsy is physical disability caused by a lack of oxygen to the brain usually occurring before, during or shortly after birth.

Stationary bikers on the “High Voltage” co-op team included Paul and Danna Fitterer, Louis Ciavarella, Wes and Danay Engbrecht, Dave and Ann Reich, and Dennis Hill. On behalf of Capital Electric, the co-op team raised $871 for the event. Wes Engbrecht, director of communications and public relations for Capital Electric, says he has participated in the bike race for several years because he is inspired by young people who live with disabilities.

“This is a community event that continues to grow every year. On a personal level, I hope my volunteer efforts can help improve the quality of peoples’ lives. As a cooperative, I see people working together to accomplish things that one person alone cannot do—and we had fun doing it,” he says.