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10th annual Gilmour Memorial Fund Ride and Walk set for May 13

BOSTON – Volunteers from Hollis Zoo New England and friends around the country are organizing a bike ride and walk in memory of Hollis native Jonathan Gilmour, a former zookeeper at Zoo New England’s Franklin Park Zoo, who died at age 29 in 2006.

All proceeds will benefit the Jonathan Gilmour Memorial Scholarship Fund, which awards annual grants to support the ongoing education and professional development of individual staff members at Franklin Park Zoo in Boston and Stone Zoo in Stoneham, Mass.

The 10th annual Jonathan Gilmour Memorial Scholarship Fund Ride and Walk will be held from 7:30 a.m.-1:30 p.m. Saturday, May 13. Beginning and ending at Hollis’ historic Lawrence Barn, the ride features three routes – of 10, 25 and 50 miles – that wind through the beautiful back roads of southern New Hampshire and are specially designed for cyclists ranging from beginner to expert. Families may also opt for the nearby family-friendly bike trail where they can ride to their own desired distance (directions will be provided). For those who prefer walking, there will be directions for a marked 3-mile walk along lightly traveled roads starting and ending at the Lawrence Barn.

The event will culminate with a cookout for all riders and volunteers, as well as their families and friends. There will also be a raffle and silent auction.

The Jonathan Gilmour Memorial Scholarship Fund was established with the support of Gilmour’s family and friends as a way to perpetuate his passion for wildlife by providing the opportunity for other members of the zoo community to pursue conservation projects, education opportunities, research initiatives and other wildlife-focused efforts.

The registration fee is $25 in advance or $30 on the day of the event. The suggested fundraising minimum donation is $100.

For more information about Gilmour, the fund, the ride and walk and the projects of past Jonathan Gilmour Memorial Scholarship recipients, visit zoonewengland.org/engage/jonathan-gilmour-memorial-scholarship-fund-ride-and-walk or call 1-617-379-5190.