The 27th annual Bike & Hike, hosted by COBYS Family Services, will be held on Sunday, Sept. 10, at the Lititz Church of the Brethren, 300 W. Orange St., Lititz. The signature components of the gathering are a 3-mile walk through Lititz, a 10- or 25-mile bicycle ride and a 65-mile motorcycle ride. All events will end back at the church for the Incredible Ice Cream Celebration. First-time and returning participants are encouraged to join in.

The Bike & Hike provides an opportunity for individuals and families or other groups to support vulnerable children and families in the community while enjoying fresh air and tasty treats. As part of Bike & Hike, COBYS has launched the Kickstart Fund again this year. The goal is to raise $25,000 before Sept. 10 and raise awareness of the services COBYS provides. Those who are not able to bike or hike are encouraged to attend the Incredible Ice Cream Celebration around 3:15 p.m. or make a donation to support the foster care, adoption, counseling and family life education related services provided by the human services organization.

Additionally, this year is the last Bike & Hike that longtime COBYS executive director Mark Cunningham will be in that role, as he will retire at the end of the year. Cunningham has decided to lead the walk this year and encourage sponsorship for his participation.

Registration will begin for the motorcycle ride at 12:30 p.m. and for the walk and bicycle ride at 1:30 p.m. The motorcycle ride will start at 1:30 p.m., followed by the 25-mile bike ride at 2 p.m. and the walk and 10-mile bike ride at 2:30 p.m.

Over the Bike & Hike's existence, a total of more than $2.1 million has been raised through the event.

Preregistration is encouraged but not required, and a set minimum donation is requested. To register, visit http://www.cobys.org/bike-and-hike. Full event information is available on the aforementioned website, and participants can create their own online fundraising page to gain support from friends and family.

Motivated by Christian faith, COBYS Family Services seeks to educate, support and empower children and adults to reach their full potential. Located in Lancaster County, COBYS provides a range of foster care, adoption, counseling and family life education services throughout the region. COBYS not only addresses physical safety but also emotional and mental well-being. To learn more, visit http://www.cobys.org.

For more information, contact Anne Stokes at 717-656-6580, ext. 101, or anne@cobys.org.