Biking in the snow, during one of the coldest months in Minnesota, may seem like an ambitious experience — but when it’s for a good cause, there’s nothing more exhilarating.
The 2022 edition of the UnitedHealthcare Children’s Foundation (UHCCF) Frosty Fat Tire Festival was the most successful in the six-year history of the event. Held on Feb. 5, the festival featured 56 riders navigating the frozen campgrounds of Tanadoona in Excelsior, MN and raised more than $100,000 —funding 93 future medical grants for children across the Midwest.
Since its inception, the event has raised more than $330,000. The Frosty Fat Tire Festival takes place on a closed track where riders venture through the beautiful forest at Tanadoona. Every time a rider completes a lap, they raise more money to fund medical grants awarded to children through the UHCCF.
“The experience is excellent for the health of those who participate and more importantly celebrates the health of children,” said Matt Peterson, UHCCF president. “Thanks to the efforts of so many, UHCCF is pushing closer to awarding our 30,000th grant later this year.”
UHCCF provides medical grants up to $5,000 to families of children with medical expenses not covered, or not fully covered, by their family's commercial health insurance plan. This includes kids like previous UHCCF grant recipient, Sullivan — a 4-year-old from Wyoming, MN who participated in this year’s festival.
Sullivan was diagnosed with chronic otitis media, which caused frequent ear infections, colds and sore throats for most of his early life. With the help of a UHCCF medical grant that his family received in 2020, Sullivan was able to have a life-changing surgery and no longer suffers from any chronic issues. Sullivan is now able to live a healthy and active lifestyle.
“We were in a time of need. It was a smaller surgery, but it’s still a financial burden, especially if you have a family, and you’re not expecting it. UHCCF came through when we really needed it,” said Kori, Sullivan’s mom.
For more information on UHCCF and how to donate, visit the UnitedHealthcare Children’s Foundation.
