DETROIT LAKES

— Two families that have been friends and next-door neighbors on Lake Melissa in rural Detroit Lakes for nearly 100 years, have a history of getting together each summer for some fun activities like tennis, jigsaw puzzle contests, lake swims and more.

This year, the Buchholz and Hathaway families decided to do a 7.25-mile bike ride around Lake Melissa — and to raise funds for the Lakes Crisis and Resource Center by inviting others to join in. On Monday, Aug. 11, a total of 20 adults, plus an assortment of kids age 10 and up, gathered at the Shady Hollow Flea Market to register for the ride, which started at approximately 10 a.m. The registration was handled by LCRC staff.

Each participant was asked to make a donation — the suggested amount was $50, though any amount, large or small, was accepted — and by the time they were finished, the group had raised a total of $670, plus various donated supplies like diapers and toiletries.

“This was so fun to be a part of, and we are honored to be chosen as the beneficiaries,” said Stephanie Baker, LCRC outreach and development coordinator. “The Hathaway and Buchholz families are such an inspiring and fun group that put time and effort into every last detail. We are so grateful, and we can’t wait to see this event grow and continue annually.”

Proceeds from the ride “will be used for back-to-school needs for the kids living in our shelter (Mary’s Place),” Baker added.

Lake Melissa Bike Riders.jpg
About 20 adult riders, plus a handful of their kids, gathered at Shady Hollow Flea Market for the ride around Lake Melissa on Monday, Aug. 11, 2025.

Contributed / Lakes Crisis and Resource Center

Lake Melissa Bike Riders 2.jpg
The riders traveled approximately 7.25 miles around Lake Melissa on Monday, Aug. 11, 2025, to raise money for the Lakes Crisis and Resource Center.

Contributed / Lakes Crisis and Resource Center

LCRC staff.jpg
Lakes Crisis and Resource Center staff helped register participants for the Lake Melissa bike ride on Monday, Aug. 11, 2025 at Shady Hollow Flea Market.

Contributed / Lakes Crisis and Resource Center

Vicki Gerdes

A reporter at Detroit Lakes Newspapers since relocating to the community in October 2000, Vicki was promoted to Community News Lead for the Detroit Lakes Tribune and Perham Focus on Jan. 1, 2022. She has covered pretty much every “beat” that a reporter can be assigned, from county board and city council to entertainment, crime and even sports. Born and raised in Madelia, Minnesota, she is a graduate of Hamline University, from which she earned a bachelor’s degree in English literature (writing concentration). You can reach her at 218-844-1454 or vgerdes@dlnewspapers.com.



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