For the sixth year in a row Natick
resident David Chapin will
take the 25-mile bike ride from Bowditch Field in Framingham to Gillette Stadium in Foxborough
on the morning of Sept. 22 to raise pledge money in memory of former Patriots
running back Ron Burton.
This year Chapin will be joined his
son, David Jr.,
daughter, Elizabeth,
friend, Greg Hayes,
and Jimmy Romas.
The bike ride raises money for the scholarship in Chapin's name to the Ron
Burton Training Village (RBTV), which was established in 1985 by Burton and his family.
The 300-acre facility hosts a five-week summer sports and academic camp for
urban youngsters.
Chapin, who's family 38 years ago couldn't afford the registration fee
for Pop Warner, had it waived by Ron Burton. Chapin never forgot that. Burton died Sept. 13,
2003, after a long battle with cancer, six days before Chapin's second
ride. He also walked the Boston Marathon course in 2006 and 2007 with
David Jr. to raise additional funds for RBTV.
Chapin's charitable efforts have been recognized by the RBTV staff and
Framingham Pop Warner, which jointly established the Chapin scholarship to
cover the cost of the summer camp for a deserving youngster.
Pledge sheets for the bike ride may be obtained by calling
Chapin at 508-740-1948 or by asking for one at the CVS
store or BC Sports, both in the Natick Mall.
(The above text was taken from
the Boston Globe - August 16, 2007 article, “Charity bike ride in
memory of former Patriot Ron Burton” By Marvin
Pave)
