“Education is the most powerful weapon which you can use to change the world.” — Nelson Mandela

Once again, I’m riding my bike 110 miles to Sacramento—alongside hundreds of parents, teachers, students, and community members—to raise money and public awareness for our local public schools. This year’s Ride for a Reason takes place on April 25, 2026, during my birthday week. The ride begins at Oakland Tech, where both my Oakland-raised son and daughter attended high school, and ends at the State Capitol.

Ride for a Reason is personal to me. It shines a light on the chronic underfunding of California public schools and raises essential support for critical programs at 12 public schools in Oakland and Alameda. More than half of the students at these schools qualify for free or reduced‑price lunch. My company, HFG Advisors, is a corporate sponsor, and this will be my 15th year participating. My wife, Cindy, and her sidekick, Michelle Belinski, will be volunteering for the ninth year to drive a SAG wagon and support riders along the route.

All I want for my birthday is your help reaching my goal of raising $1,000 for Oakland and Alameda public schools. Your donation supports the basics—school libraries, art, music, sports, field trips, after‑school programs, and even the everyday supplies teachers need to do their jobs.

Please consider donating—even $15 or $20 makes a real difference. Contributions are fully tax‑deductible through the Claremont PTA (Tax ID 94‑6171801). Every dollar helps keep kids engaged, inspired, and excited about learning.

Thank you for giving Oakland and Alameda students a boost.

Rick Prime