Anne Bari (kneeling) poses with a group of le
Tour de Femme charity ride supporters in front
of Martin Marietta’s platinum sponsor sign.
John Gillan cruises en route
to the finish line at the
Bike MS Tour to Tanglewood.
www.martinmarietta.com | November/December 2019 The Conveyor 21
wonderful core group that comes back
year after year,” he said. “This series of
charity events is unique. Most of us
train for months to prepare and as you
can imagine the relationships developed
over the years are strong. They make
this event what it is and the support we
receive is greatly appreciated.”
Another Martin Marietta employee has
taken it upon herself to cycle for a cause
that hits close to home.
Anne Bari, a senior project manager
based in Raleigh, participates annually
in the le Tour de Femme charity ride,
an event that has collected more than
$600,000 for cancer research and local
support programs since 2006. Bari serves
as the event manager. Since 2013, Martin
Marietta has been a sponsor of this event,
which has benefited such organizations
as the Kay Yow Cancer Fund and UNC
Rex Healthcare’s Angel Fund.
While the donation amounts for this
year’s ride have not yet been finalized,
Bari is confident the event was a
tremendous success.
“I lost my mother to cancer 10 years
ago and the best support was to become
involved in supporting the cancer
community. In addition, I found cycling
as the best way to cope with her illness
and eventual loss,” she said. “The
community and atmosphere at the event
are heartwarming, fun, positive and
infectious. I think it builds healthy
connections and camaraderie. This is
why I ride and this is why I support this
event with such passion.”
Bari said le Tour De Femme offers
opportunities for women of all cycling
skill levels, whether they are novice
riders, experienced riders or even
triathletes. Occasionally, mothers and
daughters ride together, she said, noting
that some women ride while receiving
treatment with the support of close
friends and loved ones.
“Le Tour De Femme is a community
of women in very similar circumstances
who provide strength and support to
others, whether cancer is in their past,
present or future,” she said. “I hope that
getting the word out about this event
will encourage other female Martin
Marietta employees to participate in the
years to come.” ▼
2019 A Martin Marietta team participating in the Bike MS Tour to Tanglewood raised more
than $45,000 in 2019. Pictured from left are Senior Sales Representative John Bryant and
Steve Whitt, along with friends of Martin Marietta Richard Arett and Leslie Murray.
Photo Courtesy of the National MS Society
LEARN MORE
To learn more about these organizations,
make donations or get involved,
visit their websites:
Bike MS: https://www.nationalmssociety.org
le Tour de Femme: http://letourdefemme.org
Photo by Laksham Vijarajan
/www.martinmarietta.com
/www.nationalmssociety.org
/letourdefemme.org